I have recently been looking into GW as a potential option for my undergraduate education and have been impressed with the reports on academics there. However, as a social introvert, I tend to spend a great deal of time inside, and if I attended GW, that would be in the dorms. So when I stumble across sites titled as “GW housing horrors” I find myself a bit deterred. I was wondering if the housing at GW is really that bad, or if the university has looked into it and tried to make some renovations. Any information is helpful, even if it’s to say what resident halls to avoid if I do attend. Thank you!
@NancyF1, the “horrors” dorm is Thurston, a huge dorm in Foggy Bottom. There are several other freshman dorms at the Mount Vernon campus, <5 miles away. There is a bus. It’s much quieter at Mount Vernon, which some like and some don’t, apparently. But from what I hear, if you prefer it, you will almost certainly be placed there, as GW is trying to get more students to that campus.
@NancyF1 Don’t worry- you’ll hear more about “horrors” than praise because that’s the nature of expression. People are more likely to get online to complain than to praise. Sure, there can be issues, but they’re quite isolated. I went my entire time at GW with no major issues in the dorms. As far as renovations, GW is trying to schedule things so all dorms get a make-over every 7 years. I’m not sure where they are on that progress, but there’s at least one dorm every year getting overhauled (this year they’re finishing the SuperDorm).
As far as you being introverted, I definitely recommend picking the 'Vern (Mount Vernon campus) for you first year, It’s much quieter and most of the rooms are only doubles. If you still remain an introvert after your freshman year, there are options on Foggy Bottom with singles (or you could stay on the Vern if it’s more your style).
GW was on Princeton Review’s list for best dorms in the country, so I’d make the opposite argument: the dorms are actually pretty decent. as NHuffer points out, people are more inclined to say something if their experiences are bad as opposed to good. for example, i have a bit of experience with the airline industry, and people are EXPONENTIALLY more likely to call a carrier to complain about a bad experience than to call to say they had a pleasant experience.
if you’re looking for something a little quieter, i would recommend opting for a dorm on the vern campus.
@NancyF1 We visited GW several times (once before my daughter applied and once after). The Vern is a beautiful calm/quiet campus. I believe all freshman have to take a class on that campus. My daughter, an incoming freshman, was admitted to the University Honors Program so she’ll take a few more classes there. She has chosen Thurston Hall and will live in a “six” (she will live with 5 other young ladies). I’m happy about that because there are more people who will be concerned about her whereabouts. She has been communicating, on a daily basis with all of her roommates so that’s been really cool for her. She is very social and wants to be in the thick of it so Thurston is a great pick for her. If you already know what you want I’m sure The Vern will be an awesome campus for you. Good luck with the college plans.