New Student Guide 2022

Dear Readers,

From myself and everyone here at The Hoya — Georgetown University’s student-run newspaper of record since 1920 — welcome to your first year on the Hilltop! 

Moving to a new place is a stressful experience for every new student. The Hoya’s New Student Guide is designed to ease the transition for new students by helping you navigate both Georgetown and the greater city of Washington, D.C. You can find almost anything in our guide: an overview of Georgetown sports, the best place to grab a bite on campus, a list of Georgetown’s resource centers, a recap of all the top news stories you missed from last semester, and some advice on the best jogging routes around campus. No matter your interests, we’ve got you covered.

As you explore campus and learn more about our community, remember: Georgetown is not a flawless place, and it is far from perfect with regard to equitably supporting all students in our community. One of the most important things you can do during your first year at Georgetown is to educate yourself on the student activism efforts across our campus. Look through social media and in the pages of media publications across campus to stay informed. While I hope you read The Hoya, I also highly recommend our fellow media organizations. Stay engaged with the work of students who seek to make the Hilltop a more inclusive place for all, and who knows,

maybe the work of these activists will become your work too. 

Finally, some advice from a somewhat experienced senior: go to class as much as possible, and when it’s not possible, go to office hours. Leave room in your schedule to relax and unwind, and always try to get eight hours of sleep. Surround yourself with people who support you. Don’t forget to call the people you love, whether that be friends, family members, or even old teachers. Fill your time with the things that bring you joy. Last, but certainly not least: make your Flex Dollars last (though, if you’re anything like me, you’ll run out by mid-October — please learn from my mistakes).

Go forth and be the change, newest Hoyas, and best of luck with your first semester on the Hilltop! 

Hoya Saxa,

Katie Hawkinson (COL ’23)

Editor in Chief 

P.S. — like what you see and want to help us make our next New Student Guide, as well as produce our daily online and weekly print newspaper? Check out our website to learn how to join The Hoya.

By Sydney Raymond

Washington, D.C. is a big city with many monuments to see, museums to explore, and restaurants to try. To experience everything that the District has to offer, you need to know how to get from place to place. From the Metro to e-scooters, there are transportation options in D.C. and on campus that can help you find your way around.

On Campus

You can find great transportation options without even walking off campus! Whether you’re rushing to class or heading to downtown Washington, D.C., for the day, you can scoot, bike or drive right to your destination.

Electric scooters are a great option for shortening the trek from Darnall Hall to Car Barn or grabbing a quick lunch in the Georgetown neighborhood. Lime and Bird scooters, which charge a per-minute fee, can be found scattered all across campus — usually near Lauinger Library and dorm buildings — and their affiliated apps make them simple and convenient transportation options. When you’re done, just flip down the kickstand and carry on!

Zipcars, located in front of Harbin Hall or in the Lauinger library parking lot, are a great option for traveling on your own schedule or with a group of friends. They can be rented hourly or daily through the Zipcar app, which offers discounted student rates. All you need is a driver’s license! You have to return Zipcars to the Zipcar parking lot at the end of your trip, so they’re best for round-trip adventures into D.C. or the surrounding states.

The Georgetown University Transportation Shuttle, or GUTS bus (because Georgetown loves an acronym), is another great option for student transportation. Unlike electric scooters and Zipcars, the GUTS bus is completely free for Georgetown students and staff. GUTS buses run from 5 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Friday, with six different routes. The GUTS bus is perfect for almost all your travel needs in the District, from weekday voyages to your favorite cafe in Dupont Circle to attending protests at the Capitol. The Dupont Circle and Rosslyn routes are also convenient ways to reach the Dupont and Rosslyn Metro stations.

Off Campus

If you want to get off campus during the weekend when the GUTS bus isn’t running or go to a fun event in Maryland with friends, there are also plenty of off-campus transportation options for students to take advantage of. The Metro, operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), runs on six lines and is an ideal way to explore the District. You can plan your Metro trip with the DC Metro and Bus app or Citymapper (both apps also include Metrobus and Circulator routes) and pay Metro fares with the SmarTrip app. The closest Metro stations to campus are Foggy Bottom-GWU, Rosslyn and Dupont Circle. Each is within a half-hour walk from campus, or you could take the Metrobus or Circulator to speed up your trip!

The Metrobus and DC Circulator, both also operated by WMATA, have a few stops closer to campus, including one on the Metrobus’s G2 route located right outside the front gates! There are also stops at Q St. NW and 35th St. NW (Metrobus’s D2 and D6 routes) and 35th St. and Wisconsin Ave. NW (Circulator’s Georgetown-Union Station route). Even better, Circulator fares are only a dollar! The Metrobus and Circulator use the same SmarTrip card as the Metro, which you can purchase at any Metro station. It’s a great idea to take the GUTS bus to Dupont Circle at the start of the semester to get your first SmarTrip card!

Electric scooters are also available off campus, or you could spring for a Capital Bikeshare bike! Capital Bikeshare operates like most urban bike sharing services, and it consists of many bike stations across D.C., including one in front of campus. They’re great for pedaling around the monuments or cruising along the Georgetown Waterfront and offer discounted annual memberships for Georgetown students. They don’t need to be returned to the same station you picked them up at, so you can always leave your bike at a station downtown and take the bus home on a rainy day.

For a more tourist-y but fun travel experience, consider trying out a water taxi! The Georgetown dock is located along the waterfront near Washington Harbour. Get off at The Wharf to see concerts at The Anthem and Union Stage or travel farther down the Potomac River to Old Town Alexandria, Va., and National Harbor, Md. 

Updated by Katie Hawkinson

The following is a comprehensive, though not exhaustive, list of safety, health and academic resources at Georgetown University that may be helpful to you during your time on the Hilltop.  I would encourage every single person on the Hilltop — first-year or not — to save this list and take advantage of the many resources we have on and off campus. Each resource listed contains a general overview of the services provided, as well as physical locations (if applicable) and contact information.

Overview

Resources for Undergraduate Students lists resources for reporting sexual misconduct, including confidential counselors and semiconfidential and nonconfidential resources.

Academic and Campus Life Resources

Academic Resource Center: 202-687-8354

• Mission: “The ARC provides academic assistance, disability accommodations, and student-athlete support.”
• Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
• Location: Leavey Center 338
• Contact: If you have questions about disability accommodations or student-athlete support, contact your assigned administrator via email. If you are a new student with questions about ARC services, email is recommended as the most efficient line of communication: [email protected]

Facilities Management: 202-687-3432

• Mission: Facilities take care of campus infrastructure. You will most often be in touch with them if you have problems with your dorm room. 
• Submit online requests any time through the work requestor. 
• Hours: Monday through Saturday: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Location: Harbin Hall B-24 (entrance at field level)
• Contact:
  • Emergency Facilities Service Requests: 202-687-3432
  • After-hours emergencies: Call the Georgetown University Police Department at 202-687-4343.

Office of Student Financial Services: (202) 687-4547

• The Office of Student Financial Services coordinates financial aid for undergraduate students. Visit their website to find your financial aid advisor, as well as their contact information.
• Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
• Location: Reiss Science Building, Suite 200 
• Contact: [email protected]
• Virtual services offered.

Student Employment Center: 202-687-4187

• Mission: The Student Employment Center allows undergraduate and graduate students — both those with Federal Work Study Awards and those without — to search for jobs on- and off-campus. 
• Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
• Location: Suite 200, Reiss Science Building
• Contact: [email protected]
• Virtual services offered.

Community Resources

Center for Multicultural Equity & Access (CMEA): 202-687-4054

• Mission: “CMEA enhances the education of students historically denied access to Georgetown because of race, ethnicity, national origin, socioeconomic status and other marginalized identities by providing a variety of intentional and culturally relevant programming, services and opportunities to foster student success inside and outside of the classroom.”
• Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday 
• Location: Fifth Floor Leavey Center
• Contact: [email protected]

Community Scholars Program (CSP)

• Mission: “Managed by the Center for Multicultural Equity & Access, CSP provides enhanced educational opportunities for a multicultural cohort of first-generation college students. The program supports its students throughout their Georgetown careers with academic advising, mentoring and personal counseling, study groups, workshops and seminars.”
• Location: Fifth Floor Leavey Center
• Contact: [email protected]

Georgetown Scholars Program: 202-687-7351

• Mission: “GSP’s mission is to work towards a more equitable college experience for first-generation and low-income college students. GSP students proudly hold a 96% graduation rate. The program approaches the mission in four key ways: advising & mentorship opportunities, community building, necessity funding and advocacy work.” 
• Location: Healy Hall G20
• Contact: [email protected]

Hoya Hub

• Mission: “The Hoya Hub food pantry is a resource for any member of the Georgetown University community experiencing food insecurity. It is a pantry stocked with non-perishable food items, available to anyone who needs food on an immediate, emergency basis. No Hoya should go hungry; the Hoya Hub is a place to pick up nutritious food to cover short breaks or other unplanned gaps in access to meals.”
• Any undergraduate or graduate student, staff or faculty member can access the Hoya Hub. The Hoya Hub access code form can be found here.
• Location: Leavey Center 418
• Contact: [email protected] (non-confidential); [email protected] (will connect you to a confidential resource).

H*yas for Choice

• Mission: “H*yas for Choice (HFC) is the pro-choice, sex-positive, reproductive justice organization at Georgetown University. We are an anti-racist, queer-affirming organization working to provide direct sexual and reproductive health services and improve access to resources for people of all genders on Georgetown’s campus.”
• H*yas for Choice serves as one of the only providers of contraceptives on campus, and has previously provided students with a variety of other resources, such as menstrual products and free Narcan training.
• Contact: [email protected]

LGBTQ Resource Center: 202-687-3546

• Mission: “The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Questioning (LGBTQ) Resource Center provides education, programming, support services, and voice to Georgetown students, faculty, staff, and alumni of all sexual orientations and gender identities. We are committed to understanding sexual orientation and gender identity in the context of and as it intersects with race, religion, ethnicity, nationality, ability, socio-economic status, and culture.”
• Location: Leavey Center 325
• Contact: [email protected]
• The LGBTQ Resource Center is a semiconfidential resource for survivors of sexual assault. 

Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity & Affirmative Action (IDEAA): 202-687-4798

• Mission: “The mission of the Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity & Affirmative Action is to promote a deep understanding and appreciation among the diverse members of the University community to result in justice and equality in educational, employment and contracting opportunities, as well as to lead efforts to create an inclusive academic and work environment.” 
• Houses programs like Title IX. 
• You can file a bias complaint on IDEAA’s website.

Residential Ministry: 202-687-4300

• Mission: “Together with the full-time Campus Ministry staff, Residential Ministers embody Georgetown’s commitment to cura personalis by caring deeply for the spiritual, emotional, and social needs of all students.”
• Contact: [email protected]
• Location: Residential ministers live in each dorm.
• Campus Ministry staff are a semiconfidential resource for survivors of sexual assault. Ordained clergy acting in their pastoral roles are a confidential resource for survivors of sexual assault. 

Women’s Center: 202-687-6359

• Mission: “The Women’s Center supports and empowers students at Georgetown. Women are the majority of the student body, yet are often marginalized in the classroom and campus experiences. As a result, the Women’s Center seeks to center the experience of women and educate the entire campus about gender dynamics that impact campus culture. We seek to create a more equitable campus for a more expansive notion of gender and gender roles. We serve students of all gender identities.”
• Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
• Location: Leavey Center 327
• Contact: [email protected]
• Virtual services offered; see the Virtual Women’s Center for more details
• The Women’s Center is a semiconfidential resource for survivors of sexual assault.

Health and Safety Resources

Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS): 202-687-6985

• Mission: “Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) serves as the university’s primary mental health agency for its students and campus community. Our central mission is to collaborate directly with students to help them find ways in which to overcome difficulties that may interfere with the definition and accomplishment of their educational, personal, and career goals.”
• Location: Darnall Hall, accessible through an exterior entrance on the second floor, upstairs from Epicurean. 
• Contact: 
  • After-hours urgent medical concerns: 202-687-6985. Ask for the CAPS clinician on call.
• CAPS can provide confidential counselling for survivors of sexual assault. 

D.C. Rape Crisis Center hotline: 202-333-7273

• Mission: “DCRCC is the oldest and the first rape crisis center in the country, and the only rape crisis center in the District of Columbia that has spent the past 46 years listening to the stories of survivors of sexual assault. In our 46th year, we are working to empower a culture of consent.”
• Hours: 24/7
• Contact: [email protected]
• The DCRCC hotline is anonymous, and calls are confidential. 

Georgetown Emergency Response Medical Service

• Emergency line:  202-687-4357
• Mission: “The Georgetown Emergency Response Medical Service (also known as GERMS or Georgetown EMS) is an all-volunteer, student-run emergency ambulance service. GERMS operates basic life support ambulances that serve Georgetown University and the broader Georgetown community.”
• Beginning Aug. 18 2022, GERMS will resume 24/7 service.
• Contact: 
  • Non-emergency line: 202-687-7546
  • Email: [email protected]

Georgetown University Police Department: 202-687-4343

• Mission: “Georgetown University Police is committed to helping maintain a safe and secure environment on Georgetown University’s main campus.”
• Hours: 24/7
• Location: Village C, West Wing, entrance at ground level across from Kehoe Field.
• Contact: [email protected]

Health Education Services: 202-687-8949

• Mission: “HES seeks to empower students to take responsibility for decisions regarding their health as well as actively tries to increase community identification of students at risk. HES offers consultation, networking, and advocacy for primary prevention, risk reduction, and health promotion. We also provide confidential crisis response, referrals, and advocacy for concerns related to Sexual Assault, Relationship Violence & Stalking, Alcohol & Other Drugs, Sexual Health & Pregnancy, Eating Disturbances & Body Image, and Nutrition.”
• All HES services are free of charge.
• HOURS: To be determined
• Location: 1437 37th St. NW, Poulton Hall, Suite 101
• Contact: Email the appropriate staff member to make an appointment.
• HES is a confidential resource for survivors of sexual assault. 

SafeRides: 202-784-7433

• Mission: SafeRides provides safe transportation to and from campus and adjacent neighborhoods within defined boundaries for Georgetown students, faculty and staff who need transportation at night.
• Hours: SafeRides service begins every evening at 8 p.m. The service is available until 2 a.m. Sunday through Wednesday and until 3 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.

Sexual Assault, Relationship Violence & Stalking Services (SARP)

• Mission: “The Sexual Assault Response and Prevention Team has several clinicians whose area of expertise is working with and assisting survivors of interpersonal violence, including sexual assault, relationship violence and stalking. Services include resources for education, support, medical care and legal action.”
• Contact: [email protected]
• The SARP team of counselors are a confidential resource for survivors of sexual assault.
• Jen Luettel Schweer is the associate director of Health Education Services and a confidential clinician with the Sexual Assault Response and Prevention Team who can provide confidential assistance to survivors. She can be reached at 202-687-0323 and [email protected]

Student Health Center: 202-687-2200 

• Mission: “The Student Health Center (SHC) is staffed by primary care physicians and nurse practitioners with particular interest and experience in college health. We are dedicated to providing high quality health care to the students of Georgetown University.”
• Fall Hours: To be determined
• Location: 3800 Reservoir Road, NW, Ground Floor, Darnall Hall
• Contact: 
  • After-hours emergencies: 202-444-7243 — indicate that you are a student and ask for the Student Health Center physician on call.

The Hoya’s Board of Editors is made up of second-, third- and fourth-year students excited to pass along their wisdom and advice to all you incoming first-year students. From advice on navigating your courses to our favorite things to do in Washington, D.C., we hope these nuggets of wisdom help you along during your first year on the Hilltop!

Good luck,

Board of Editors (Fall 2022)

Managing College Academics

“Go to office hours (and not just the week before finals)! It pays off to create a relationship with your professors and TAs at the start of the semester.”

Laetitia Haddad (SFS ’24) 

“For me, switching up study spots is one of the best ways to ensure I stay focused and sane. Try out different spots (even if that just means a new floor on Lau or a new table in Leavey!).”

Naomi Greenberg (COL ’24) 

“Make sure you keep up with your readings in class! Allowing yourself to fall behind too much in your textbook is a surefire way to ensure you won’t catch up in time for exams. I always feel like I am able to better understand a professor’s lecture if I already have some background from reading, and it allows me to think I know more than my classmates (even when I actually don’t!)”

Eli Kales (COL ’24) 

Our Favorite Professors

“Try to take a class with Professor Elizabeth Grimm! She’s an incredible lecturer, the readings she assigns are always interesting, and she really cares about her students.” 

Adora Zheng (SFS ’25)

“I absolutely loved Professor Min-Ah Cho’s Problem of God class! The sweetest person to talk to and very interesting discussion topics. Also, her cat is adorable.”

Erica Kim (SFS ’24)

“I highly recommend any class taught by Professor Joseph Hartman! He explains complex topics in an extremely understandable way and is always open to offering academic and professional advice in office hours!”

Rushil Vashee (SFS ’25)

“I cannot recommend Professor Alice Sandosharaj enough. Her writing classes are incredibly informative and she cares for her students so much. Definitely take one of her classes!”

John O’Connor (COL ‘23)

“I can’t speak highly enough of any class with Professor Libbie Rifkin! Her thought-provoking discussions, extremely interesting readings and commitment to accessibility make her classes an enriching experience for anyone who takes them.” 

Jared Carmeli (COL ’24)

Navigating Work-life Balance

“Definitely make sure you’re using some sort of planner. Between your classes and clubs and other events, you’ll constantly be bombarded with things to do, and keeping them all in your head eventually becomes impossible. You’ve got a few different options to use, whether a physical planning book, Google Calendar, or even the Reminders app on your phone — whatever works for you.”

Ishaan Rai (SFS ’23)

“Make time for hobbies and other activities that you enjoy doing! Particularly as school inevitably gets stressful with exams, papers, etc., it’s important to build time into your schedule devoted to things that will help you destress.”

Jared Carmeli (COL ’24)

“Look at the bigger picture. The experiences you accumulate help tell the story of who you are, so take some time to reflect every few months about where you want to go and how you can achieve that. This applies to every aspect of your college life, from classes, clubs, and internships to hobbies and friendships.”

Noa Bronicki (COL ’23)

Exploring Washington, D.C. 

“Make the most of The Kennedy Center, a premier venue for the performing arts located only 1.5 miles from campus. Sign up for MyTix and tickets at a student discount to see a variety of shows and performances!”

Laetitia Haddad (SFS ’24) 

“The waterfront is a runner’s best friend! A 30-minute jog by the Potomac lets you see Georgetown, the Kennedy Center, and the heart of D.C. It is especially beautiful during the cherry blossom season.”

Tim Goh (SFS ’25)  

“My favorite spot in D.C. is the National Cathedral — it’s just far enough from campus to feel like you’re escaping the Georgetown bubble while also being within walking distance (although be sure to wear your tennis shoes since you’re walking uphill). Planning a picnic outside the Cathedral is perfect for when the weather’s still nice out and you want to enjoy the sunset with friends.”

Eli Kales (COL ’24) 

“Spend a day at Old Town Alexandria! Super suburban, small-town feel with cute cafes/brunch spots. You can even take the water taxi or city cruise to the Wharf, National Harbor, Georgetown, or Nationals Stadium!”

Erica Kim (SFS ’24)

By Jimin Lee

By Noa Bronicki

The first day of classes is fast approaching, yet the courses you signed up for may not be the first thing on your mind. Whether you are an upperclassman eagerly looking forward to reuniting with friends or a first-year student moving to the Hilltop for the first time, the initial few days back on campus can be a whirlwind. Now, however, it’s time to turn your attention back to academics. 

Taking things one step at a time, the most important item is to show up to class. This includes not only the classes you are enrolled in, but also any classes for which you are waitlisted. If you are serious about the class, email the professor in advance, show up on the first day and you have a good chance of being added. Familiarize yourself with your schedule, the classroom numbers and remember that the first Wednesday of classes is actually a Wednesday schedule, and not a Monday like last year. If this is your first time on campus, it will be helpful to scope out your classes in advance. Even a senior might get turned around in the maze that we call the Intercultural Center (ICC) or forget that you need to use the side entrances of White Gravenor to reach the second floor classrooms. 

Check your syllabi as soon as you get them, as some courses might have readings due the first day. Renting textbooks through Amazon can be a cheaper alternative to buying from the bookstore, although you need to plan in advance in order to get them processed through Georgetown’s package pickup center on time. If you’re indecisive, you may want to rent from Georegetown’s bookstore; you’ll have the option to return the textbooks for any class you drop during the add/drop period. 

You will quickly find that most Georgetown University students use Google Calendar to stay organized. Even if you prefer a paper planner, you might find yourself receiving Gcal invites for lunch at Georgetown’s main dining hall — informally known as Leo’s — and weekend social gatherings. Whichever method you choose, I recommend setting alarms a few minutes before you actually need to leave for your classes. The scheduled reminders will spare you from both wasting time constantly glancing at the clock and the embarrassment of walking in late to a room full of staring students and slinking off to a seat at the perimeter. That corner seat may be more fatal than you think; even without assigned seating, routines established on the first day tend to stick, and you might find yourself craning your neck at the board to read your professor’s messy handwriting all semester.

To ensure you get a good spot, don’t be afraid to sit front and center. It will make a good first impression, and force you to stay awake and pay attention in class. Additionally, don’t hesitate to sit right next to someone. Not every seat will get filled, so if you surround yourself with empty chairs, you might remain alone. Instead, say hi to the student in the adjacent seat. Even if you don’t become life-long friends, you may at least end up with a study buddy for the semester. 

Speaking of first impressions, it might be a cliche, but they do matter. Set your morning alarm early enough so you have time to get ready, and dress in a way that reflects your intentions. Dressing well may help you to feel more put together, and signal to your professors that you are a good student who is there to learn. Along the same vein, come to class prepared. In addition to the supplies you know you’ll need, bring an extra pen and folder, just in case you end up with one of those few professors that insists on having everything on paper. 

As the week comes to an end, set yourself up for a strong semester. Write down the dates of important assignments and midterms from your syllabus. You’ve heard it before and you’ll hear it again, but go to office hours. You don’t need to plan out a brilliant question to ask. Just introduce yourself to the professor and get to know them. Go to recitation even if it seems repetitive. Developing and maintaining relationships with your professors and teaching assistants (TAs) will go a long way and will help you succeed in the course and beyond. 

If you’ll only take one piece of advice from this article, it’s this: don’t take the first week too seriously. It likely won’t go entirely according to plan, and while any mishap might feel extremely critical and life-altering in the moment, it will all be a blur by midterms. 

By Jared Carmeli

As students return to the Georgetown University campus for a new semester, the impending workload, replete with readings, papers and exams, looms. Thankfully, we have compiled a list of just some of the best study spots for students to spend their long days and late nights. 

Lauinger Library

Perhaps the most classic of all study spaces, Lauinger Library, colloquially known as “Lau,” is home to many students studying for exams or those hammering out a last-minute paper. While you enter Lau on the third floor, the main campus library comprises five floors, each of which has its own distinct characteristics. Lau 2, perhaps the best known floor of Lau, is where talking is allowed, and where you will find Midnight Mug, a location of student-run business The Corp. Midnight Mug is a great resource for a caffeine fix during those late night study sessions. Beware, though, of the “social” atmosphere of Lau 2, as it can be quite difficult to work amid all the noise (unless, of course, that helps you!). By contrast, Lau 4 and 5 are quite possibly the quietest places on Earth, so prepare yourself for some scary glances if you make any noise there. Students can also access the Booth Family Center for Special Collections on the fifth floor. Lau 3 exists somewhere in the middle, as it is split between a talking side and the Pierce Reading Room, which is a quiet study space for the latest of nights. Lau 1 is also home to the Maker Hub, which is the perfect spot for all those looking to use a 3D printer. Despite its fairly depressing aesthetic and architecture, Lau remains one of the quintessential study spaces on campus. 

Leavey Center

The Leavey Center is one of the best study spots on campus, as it contains not just plenty of room to work, but also several important spaces for students. These include the campus bookstore, Crop Chop salad shop, The Corp’s Uncommon Grounds, Starbucks and Royal Jacket — home to the best Diet Coke on campus! This main campus spot also includes many important resources for students, including the LGBTQ Center, Women’s Center and the Hoya Hub food pantry. At the heart of the Leavey Center, you will find Sellinger Lounge, a spacious room with plenty of tables and comfortable seating for students to do schoolwork. You should also make sure to take advantage of the Leavey Esplanade, the roof terrace located just outside of Uncommon Grounds. The Esplanade is especially appealing on warm days when you can soak up some sun and sit in the open green space. And don’t forget to come visit The Hoya’s office on Leavey 4!

Healey Family Student Center

The Healey Family Student Center (HFSC), one of Georgetown’s newest and most modern buildings, is an amazing study spot equipped with quiet and spacious study rooms, open seating in the Great Room and The Corp’s Hilltoss cafe. The building includes several dance studios, music rooms, a lovely fireplace and Bulldog Tavern, a restaurant and pub located in the HFSC, as well as all the outlets you can dream of. Whether it is playing pingpong in the middle of the room for all to see or sitting in a study room with friends, the HFSC is a great and relaxing place to be as the semester and workload get stressful. 

Intercultural Center (ICC)

The ICC is home to most language, government and economics classes, and is notorious for its confusing layout. Always make sure to leave a few minutes of extra time to scour the building for your classroom on the first day. After realizing that entering the building from Red Square lands you on the third floor, not the first, you will be able to appreciate the ICC as a great study spot for all students. The third floor has a spacious and quiet seating area located right next to The Corp’s More Uncommon Grounds (MUG). There are also plenty of empty classrooms to use in the evenings, and especially during finals, for some peace and quiet, and to study in a distraction-free zone. 

Starbucks on M Street 

While there is a Starbucks in the Leavey Center, the one on M Street has a special rustic charm with its exposed brick and artwork. This is my personal favorite off-campus study spot, especially early in the morning. Just a 10-minute walk from campus, this Starbucks is a great spot for you to do schoolwork and get outside the campus gates. For those of you who are always in need of some caffeine at arm’s reach, this is the place for you. Seating is somewhat limited, though, so make sure to get there early to snatch one of the sought-after tables! 

By Jared Carmeli and Caitlin McLean 

Sometimes the food in Leo J. O’Donovan Dining Hall — the only dining hall on campus — may not be appealing after weeks of Taco Tuesdays or Chicken Tender Thursdays, or you may want to explore new food options around D.C. The good news is that Georgetown is surrounded by great restaurants to satisfy any of your cravings. We’ve broken down a few of our favorite places below. 

Affordable 

Curry and Pie : 1204 34th St. NW, Washington, DC 20007

7-minute walk from campus

Curry and Pie, a South Indian restaurant with Indian-inspired pizza is a great spot for any day of the week. With popular dishes like Chicken Tikka Curry pizza and Saag Paneer pizza there are Indian-inspired pizzas that everyone will enjoy. Located just a block from campus on 34th St between Prospect and M streets, Curry and Pie is easily within walking distance. 

Price range: Personal pizzas start at $11 with curry dishes starting at $14.  

Hours: Sunday-Wednesday: 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Thursday-Saturday: 12 p.m to 11 p.m.

Falafel Inc: 1210 Potomac St. NW, Washington, DC 20007

10-minute walk from campus

If you are looking for a good quick meal, Falafel Inc is a great and affordable choice. Located a few blocks from campus, Falafel Inc offers falafel, falafel bowls and salads. Additionally, all proceeds go to providing a meal for a refugee. 

Price range: Sandwiches are $4 and bowls are $5. 

Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday: 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. 

First Bake @farmersfishers: The Washington Harbor, 3000 K St. NW, Washington, DC 20007 

17-minute walk from campus 

Farmers Fishers Bakers is a great spot for brunch on the weekends, but if you’re willing to get up early enough during the week, the restaurant’s First Bake option offers a very cheap but delicious grab-and-go breakfast option for items like pastries and sandwiches, all of which are only $5 or less. Its location on the Georgetown Waterfront also makes for a very pretty spot to eat your breakfast before a busy day. 

Price range: Pastries start at $1 with breakfast sandwiches coming in at $4.99. 

Hours: Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. (First Bake only)

Thomas Sweet: 3214 P St NW, Washington, DC 20007

10-minute walk from campus

Washington, D.C., can be hot and humid, especially in August and September. If you are hot and want some ice cream Thomas Sweet is a great choice with dozens of ice cream flavors to choose from. 

Price Range: A small ice cream or frozen yogurt starts at $4.25

Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.

Medium-Priced — But Worth It! 

Oki Bowl: 1608 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007

12-minute walk from campus

The Japanese-Thai fusion Oki Bowl @ Georgetown is a great option for high-quality, affordable ramen and rice bowls. Its quirky, fun decor creates the perfect atmosphere for a night out with friends, and is a short walk from campus. 

Price: Ramen starts at $18.20 and Rice Bowls are $19.50.

Hours: Monday-Saturday: 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Call Your Mother: 3428 O St NW, Washington, DC 20007

3-minute walk from campus 

This Georgetown classic is famous for its bagels, however overpriced they may be. Nonetheless, CYM is a great option for a weekend breakfast, though as native New Jerseyans/New Yorkers ourselves, these bagels pale in comparison to those up north. 

Price: Make your own bagels start at $2.50 and bagel sandwiches start at $5.50.

Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily

Sweetgreen 1044 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007 

14-minute walk from campus 

This iteration of the national chain founded by former Hoyas is the perfect healthy and delicious option. Their specialized and customizable salads and grain bowls make for a hearty meal that is quite filling and satisfying. We recommend getting the Harvest Bowl, but really anything from the menu should suffice. 

Price: Custom salads start at $8.50

Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily

South Block 3210 Grace St NW, Washington, DC 20007 

13-minute walk from campus 

If you love acai bowls then head to South Block. Located within walking distance from campus South Block has Acai Bowls, smoothies and juices for everyone and has a great atmosphere. You can also easily walk to the Georgetown Waterfront to enjoy your Acai bowls.   

Price: Acai bowls start at $11.00. 

Hours: Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Coffee Shops

Saxby’s 3500 O St NW, Washington, DC 20007 

2-minute walk from campus 

Saxby’s, located just two blocks from the front gates, is a great place to grab a coffee or tea before your class in Car Barn or Walsh. Popular with students and Washington, D.C residents, Saxby’s can sometimes be a little loud for a study spot if you are looking for something more quiet. 

Hours: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily

Compass Coffee 1351 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007

8-minute walk from campus 

Compass Coffee is a popular coffee and study spot among students. With seasonal lattes and other speciality drinks, you will never tire of the menu or the great atmosphere.Hours: Monday-Friday: 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

By Adora Zheng and Eli Kales

From the opening of the Earth Commons, the university’s new institute focused on environmental justice, to the celebration of Nam Vu (COL ’22), a student who represented the university in the Jeopardy! National College Championship, spring 2022 was a busy semester for Georgetown community members. The semester kicked off virtually due to a spike in COVID-19 cases, but the news cycle never stopped. 

Scroll through the timeline below to get caught up on what happened on campus before you arrived. Click the headlines to read the full stories!

By Ishaan Rai and Clayton Kincade

Washington, D.C., is full of endless quality dining options. But if you’re busy with schoolwork and/or have a limited budget, you probably have no choice but to eat most of your meals on and around Georgetown’s campus. You may have heard mixed reviews for our on-campus dining options, but luckily for you, The Hoya is here to lay out the top spots and help you make the best of what Georgetown has to offer!

Meal Plan Backgrounder

Before we begin, here is a basic explainer of the different types of meal options you should be familiar with:

• “Meal swipes” constitute one meal at the university’s main dining hall, Leo J. O’Donovan Dining Hall (“Leo’s”), or another approved location. Each meal plan will have a certain number of swipes per week included in its package. 
• “Meal exchanges” substitute one “meal swipe” for a more expensive or illustrious meal, though this option is often limited depending on your weekly meal plan. 
• Finally, “Flex dollars” serve as regular money to use at various student-run locations and campus restaurants, though you do not have to pay tax on any items used with this form of currency. You are able to refill your “flex dollars” at will, but you cannot refill “meal swipes” or “meal exchanges” without changing your meal plan entirely.

Leo J. O’Donovan Dining Hall

Lovingly shorthanded as “Leo’s,” this dining hall is your one and only stop for maximizing those regular meal swipes. Nestled between New South and the Southwest Quadrangle, Leo’s is divided into two floors. The downstairs contains the traditional college dining options with more than six dining stations each offering a different cuisine. These stations rotate their menus between meals and change every day. That said, there are a few staples, like the salad bar and yogurt bar, that never go out of style!

Upstairs Leo’s is where the restaurant-style cuisine resides. Each station offers a fixed selection of food, including a mini bodega-style market, Latin cuisine, Mediterranean fare and Asian fusion dishes. There’s also a location called Launch, which cycles weekly through traditionally American meals like chicken tenders and burgers, as well as local restaurant pop-ups. These locations either take normal meal swipes or meal exchanges, so we recommend visiting this space just a few times a week for an upgrade in taste and flavor  — just keep in mind that upstairs Leo’s is closed on Fridays and Saturdays.

Leo’s also contains Whisk Coffee Shop and Bakery, a go-to, pick-me-up establishment that serves pastries and coffee as well as breakfast sandwiches and fruit. The line is often long after morning classes, so plan accordingly! Whisk has a special menu for meal swipes, but outside of these options you have to pay with flex dollars.

Epicurean and Company

Right by the entrance to Darnall Hall is the main campus restaurant, Epicurean and Company (“Epi’s”). The food is much tastier than Leo’s, with a noodle bar, pizza and a variety of sandwiches like the “Bradley Cooper.” In past years, this upgrade in quality came with a price, though, as Epicurean only took flex dollars or real money — not meal swipes. 

However, HoyaEats recently announced on their Instagram that they would be accepting meal exchange options this year. While the quality of these options is promising, we cannot guarantee that this will be a slam-dunk. Thus, we recommend coming to Epi’s occasionally, like on weekends when Upstairs Leo’s is closed. 

Royal Jacket + Crop Chop

In the Leavey Center, you will find two more venues to use your meal exchanges: the sandwich counter Royal Jacket and the salad bar Crop Chop. Royal Jacket offers classic sandwiches like a caprese or a meatball sub. The meal swipe deal comes with a sandwich, a bag of chips and a drink, making it a solid post-class option. Royal Jacket also sells items like sushi and overnight oats.

Crop Chop, meanwhile, is your standard salad bar that figures as Georgetown’s own Sweetgreen. The meal exchange lets you create a personalized salad with four to five toppings and a protein, such as chicken, fish, falafel or steak. The line during the typical lunch and dinner rushes can get incredibly long at Crop Chop, so we recommend going before noon if possible. Overall, both of these options are smart alternatives to lunchtime at Leo’s. 

The Corp Locations

The Corp is a student-run Georgetown company that owns a variety of shops across campus. In addition to general convenience stores like Vital Vittles and Hoya Snaxa, The Corp also runs four cafes on-campus: Uncommon Grounds (UG) in the university bookstore, More Uncommon Grounds (MUG) in the Intercultural Center, Midnight Mug on the second floor of Lauinger Library, and Hilltoss in the Healey Family Student Center.

These cafes offer a uniform selection of coffees, teas and pastries in each of their locations. Since the Corp cafes are scattered everywhere, you’ll often never be less than a five minute walk from one of them! This is where, we predict, you will spend most of your Flex dollars. However, make sure to budget accordingly! While these options are convenient for late night studying and early morning fixes, the expenses add up quickly.

Chain Dining

In addition to The Corp locations, Georgetown hosts several chain restaurants including Chick-Fil-A and Starbucks in the Leavey Center, as well as Einstein Bros. Bagels on the bottom floor of the Car Barn. These locations only accept cash/card or Flex. If you’re using Flex dollars, be mindful of your spending habits: these pricey, but convenient, locations can drain a semester’s worth of Flex in a week.

Off-Campus Delights

Some meal plans — but all required plans for first-years — come with free access to Grubhub+. Grubhub+ allows you to order at many restaurants in the District with no service or delivery fees. While online ordering and delivering food is an expensive option, we recommend this option for very special cases when it’s impossible to go out for the night or everything else on campus has closed. Flex dollars are accepted as a form of payment on Grubhub+, so be very careful in budgeting if you decide to go with this option.

Nonetheless, there are many ways to utilize on-campus dining in the Georgetown neighborhood without online delivery. Some places in Georgetown, like &Pizza, take Flex dollars as a form of payment, so scavenge those storefronts to see if you’ll be able to use your funds there.

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As a final pro tip, go to the Hoya Hospitality website for a full list of hours and availability for all on-campus dining locations. You can also view the daily menu of Leo’s beforehand. We hope this makes your Georgetown campus dining experience a tad more enjoyable, and happy dining!

By Laetitia Haddad

Want to stay up to date on all the latest trends? Need a new pair of running shoes? How about some fresh produce, or an antique rug? Maybe you’re just craving some quality retail therapy. Luckily, shopping in the Georgetown neighborhood and the greater Washington, D.C. area can be affordable, efficient and enjoyable — the perfect way to spend an afternoon or weekend! 

Georgetown University is located a couple of blocks from M Street and Wisconsin Avenue, two major thoroughfares known for their blend of affordable brands, higher-end fashion and boutique stores. A wide variety of stores are available a mere 15 minutes from campus. 

For well-priced, trendy clothing, check out H&M (3222 M St. NW), Brandy Melville (3307 M St. NW) or T.J. Maxx (3254 M St. NW). If you’re willing to spend a bit more, Everlane (3259 M St. NW) is known for its jeans and sustainable basics, and Anthropologie (3222 M St. NW) is a great place to buy a gift or some home decor to spruce up your dorm space. Urban Outfitters in Georgetown (3111 M St. NW) is known for its giant sale room at the back of the store. Abercrombie (1208 Wisconsin Ave. NW), Aritzia (3210 M St. NW), Madewell (1237 Wisconsin Ave. NW) and Reformation (3033 M St. NW) are other popular shopping destinations. 

For skin care necessities and makeup splurges, stop by Sephora (3241 M St. NW), Bluemercury (3059 M St. NW) or the new Glossier store (3065 M St. NW), which just opened in late July. If you want to head to Georgetown’s on-campus gym, Yates Field House, but need some workout gear, head to Nike (3040 M St. NW), Lululemon (3265 M St. NW) or Athleta (3229 M St. NW). 

Want to grab a coffee and browse a bookstore? Stop by Compass Coffee (1351 Wisconsin Ave. NW) or Foxtrot (1267 Wisconsin Ave. NW), and then check out The Lantern Bookshop (3241 P St. NW), which is closer to campus, or Bridge Street Books (2814 Pennsylvania Ave. NW), which is a bit further. Either way, you’re bound to find your next favorite book. 

If you have a Sunday morning to spare, check out the Georgetown flea market (1819 35th St. NW). Its vendors sell a variety of treasures, from antiques and vintage jewelry to framed posters and thrifted clothing. Shop Made in D.C. (1304 Wisconsin Ave. NW) presents products from independent, local businesses. The store is a wonderful place to pick up a unique craft, artisan food goods, handmade jewelry or D.C. memorabilia.

Sometimes, Leo’s dining hall food just doesn’t hit the spot. If you’re craving some fresh produce, head to the Rose Park Farmer’s Market (1401 27th St. NW), which operates seasonally on Wednesdays from 3-7 p.m. Similarly, venture over to the Dupont Circle Farmers Market (1600 20th St. NW) on Sunday between 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 

For more shopping variety, there are retail destinations accessible by bus or metro in the greater D.C. area. Tyson’s Corner Center Mall (1961 Chain Bridge Rd.) is an expansive indoor mall in Northern Virginia on the Silver Line. This mall boasts many popular brands like Brooks Brothers, Free People, Cotton On and The North Face as well as Bloomingdale’s and Barnes & Noble. For a smaller mall, check out the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City (1100 S Hayes St.), accessible by the Blue and Yellow Lines. Stores include department stores like Macy’s and Nordstrom as well as popular shops like Aerie, Levi’s, Zara, Steve Madden and J. Crew. 

At Georgetown University, a bustling city with a variety of opportunities to explore — including great shopping — is at your fingertips. From second-hand stores to big brand names, there is a plethora of accessible retail options available to Georgetown students in the neighborhood and greater District. 

By Caitlin McLean

Clubs can be some of the best parts of Georgetown University campus life, especially as a new student. With so many different clubs students are almost guaranteed to find a place that is best for them. Clubs and club culture, however, can also be intimidating. But do not worry; joining clubs is easier than you think. 

What do people mean by club culture? 

Club culture can be daunting as a new student, but really it’s not as scary as it sounds. While it is true that social life on campus revolves heavily around clubs, with many students forming their identity on campus around the clubs they join, the clubs you are in will not make or break your experience on campus. 

Is it hard to get into clubs? 

You may have heard that some Georgetown clubs have acceptance rates lower than the university itself. While it is true that there are some clubs that require applications and even interviews, like the student-run business The Corp, the Georgetown University Student Federal Credit Union and some of the investing clubs, not every club requires an application. You can join many clubs just by going to their first meeting and adding your name to their email list. 

How do I join a club/find out about clubs? 

The best way to learn about clubs is to attend the Council of Advisory Boards (CAB) Fair on September 10. CAB Fair is essentially a club tabling event where all Georgetown clubs and organizations set up displays on Healy and Copley lawns. It is a great place to learn more about the clubs opportunities there are at Georgetown, meet some people in the clubs you may want to join and put your name down on emailing lists, which allows you to know when and where clubs meet. 

If you miss the CAB Fair, don’t worry. Many clubs also have Instagram accounts where they share information about their first meetings open to new members. Additionally, many clubs will post flyers around campus, so there are plenty of opportunities to receive information about various clubs. 

What type of clubs are there? 

There are clubs for everyone on campus and for any interest including athletic clubs, cultural clubs, media clubs and advocacy clubs. 

The following are just some of the clubs on campus:

GU Pride: GU Pride is the official club on campus devoted to supporting members of the LGBTQ community. GU Pride hosts many social events throughout the year and organizes groups of students to attend protests downtown.

Black Student Alliance (BSA): For over 50 years the BSA has amplified the experiences of Black students on campus. The BSA was originally founded to increase the number of Black students on campus and to provide a safe space for students of color.

Asian American Student Association (AASA): The AASA celebrates students of Asian and Pacific Islander American heritage by hosting social and cultural events throughout the year.

Georgetown Renewable Energy Environment Network (GREEN): If you are passionate about the environment then GREEN is a great club for you. On campus, GREEN is known for climate change advocacy ranging from composting at the campus farmers market to organizing student groups to attend climate protests downtown. 

H*yas for Choice (HFC): While not officially recognized by the university HFC is Georgetown’s primary reproductive rights advocacy group on campus. Additionally, the club also distributes contraceptives throughout the year including emergency contraception. 

Hoya Blue: Hoya Blue fills the student section at all sporting events, especially the soccer and basketball games. Georgetown has an animated school spirit, and this club is one of the best ways to channel your own. 

The Georgetown University Grilling Society (GUGS): Every Friday, GUGS sets up grills on Copley Lawn next to Red Square to sell hamburgers, vegan burgers and hot dogs. No grilling experience is needed to join this club. 

Georgetown University Student Association (GUSA): GUSA is the student government on campus. Split up into an executive and senate, you can run to represent your class or join advocacy groups to pressure the administration to meet student demands. A fun fact about GUSA is that President Bill Clinton lost the GUSA presidential election when he attended Georgetown, but obviously things worked out for him. 

Do I need to join a club? 

Do not worry if you don’t join a club. While there can be a lot of pressure about joining clubs, everyone is on their own path and you will find your own community on campus, whether you are in a club or not. 

You can also always choose to join clubs in the spring, instead of the fall. Many clubs that require applications take them in the spring semester and many clubs that do not require applications will accept new members. There is even a spring CAB Fair just like the one in the fall. 

No matter what you decide to do just remember that there is a path for you and you will find your place on campus!

By Rushil Vashee and Saar Shah

Last year, the return to in-person classes ushered in an emphatic renewal of school spirit for Georgetown University’s 23 varsity-level sports teams. Following an eventful offseason that excited fans about the school’s biggest programs, that energy will almost certainly skyrocket as we enter the 2022-23 school year. Here is a new student’s guide to cheering on the Hoyas this fall.

Watch From the Stands

Nothing beats the atmosphere of watching Georgetown win games from the stands. The student section breaks out in team chants early and often, and on big game days, many fans don Hoya blue face paint and hold up homemade posters supporting the team. The main campus features two outdoor fields used for some of the school’s most successful sports programs.

Cooper Field, located between the Southwest Quadrangle and the McDonough School of Business (MSB), is home to Georgetown’s field hockey and football teams in the fall, as well as the men’s and women’s lacrosse teams in the spring. Every Saturday, expect to see students lining up outside the back gate to cheer on the Georgetown football team. This year, the Hoyas football team has six home games, the first of them a Patriot League matchup against Lehigh on Sept. 10 at 5 p.m.

Shaw Field, located above Yates Field House, is home to Georgetown men’s and women’s soccer teams. While it has a smaller seating capacity than Cooper Field, it is almost always filled with students supporting what are arguably Georgetown’s most popular fall sports teams. Last season, the Hoyas men’s soccer team finished first in the Big East with a conference record of 8-2. Georgetown won the Big East championship on Shaw Field in overtime, an unforgettable experience for the fans who stormed the field to celebrate after the final whistle.

Bring the Game to Your Dorm

Even without making it to the stadium, you can still catch your Hoyas on the screen. Students can stream nearly every major Georgetown game on screens in the Healey Family Student Center (HFSC), at Hoya Blue’s watch parties or even on their phone! Whether with FOX Sports for men’s basketball, FloSports for women’s basketball or ESPN+ for additional Hoyas coverage, there’s a way to bring nearly every Georgetown sport to your dorm room or any big screen.

Play in an Intramural League or Join a Club Team

The lifeblood of college athletics for students who could’ve gone Division I if they didn’t blow out their knees lies in club sports and intramural (IM) leagues, a great opportunity to stay active, competitive and social. 

Georgetown offers over 30 club teams, run by students and managed by an advisory board. Playing for a club team typically demands an impressive tryout, as club sports are meant for more experienced athletes. A club sport is also a significant commitment, as athletes travel locally, nationally and even internationally to compete in tournaments and meets. Tryout dates, schedules and other general information can be found on the Club Directory.

Intramurals are a much more light-hearted option for students who are less experienced or just looking for a good time. Options range from one-day tournaments to semester-long seasons with co-ed and open leagues. Kickball, ultimate frisbee and spikeball take over the summer; the transition to the fall brings in flag football, soccer and basketball. 

You can easily form a team with your friends or join as part of a campus club looking to bond outside of its work. The Hoya Sports has even made IM teams in the past for sports like basketball! There’s an option for lone wolves too, who can register as free agents online. No matter what you’re looking for, IM leagues will have a place for you.

Stay Up to Date on Campus Sports Culture

Whether you’re in the stands of Cooper Field or Shaw Field, watching a game with friends in the HFSC or skipping the game to finish an essay, all Georgetown students can stay in the loop about campus sports by picking up a copy of The Hoya! Throughout the semester, our team of sports writers will cover every major game by capturing the biggest moments and interviewing coaches, players and fans. Also look out for athlete features, coverage of local professional teams and more.

You can play pickup with friends or club sports with an organized team, casually keep up with the major headlines or sit front-row at every game, but no matter who you are, the Georgetown sports environment will find a way to pull you in.