Emma Ginsberg and Mason Leath
Study Spots
- Kogod Courtyard
Going to college in Washington, D.C., means taking advantage of the Smithsonian museums and offerings to the fullest extent possible. If you’re craving more greenery than the Healey Family Student Center’s plant wall during your study session, take a quick bike ride to the Kogod Courtyard, which is attached to the National Portrait Gallery. This is the study spot for the aesthetically inclined, because of its massive skylight and small gardens — and it’s also free!
- The Library of Congress
Be honest with yourself: You deserve a library much grander than Lau to study in. Look no further than the Library of Congress for all of your Hogwarts-esque studying needs. Setting up a free card here not only guarantees you access to the library’s vast archives, but also allows you to reserve a reading room for the day.
- District of Columbia Public Library in West End
Libraries galore! If you’re looking to access an off-campus library a bit closer to campus than the Library of Congress, the West End branch of DCPL, also known as West End Neighborhood Library, has several study rooms and a sleek, modern design. There is no such thing as too many library cards.
Coffee Shops
- Foxtrot
If you have been keeping up with any coffee-shop-related buzz from Georgetown University students, then you have definitely heard about Foxtrot. Take a Trader Joe’s, put a coffee shop inside it, and paint the whole thing white — boom, that’s Foxtrot. Their breakfast tacos will save your Sunday mornings, guaranteed.
- Compass Coffee
A favorite study spot of Georgetown students from every class, Compass Coffee is an old standby. It’s a straight shot down O Street, and you won’t be able to miss the neon Georgetown sign right above its front doors. The seasonal drinks at Compass are the stars of the show, particularly the mint cold brew and lavender latte. Seating is limited though, so if you are looking to camp out there for the day, you should be prepared to play some musical chairs.
- Bluestone Lane (West End and Logan Circle)
Pair your trip to the West End branch of DCPL with a stop at Bluestone Lane, located in the same building. Just because the Georgetown location of this Australian cafe has closed does not mean their avocado smash toast has gotten any less amazing. It is definitely worth the hike.
- Tatte Bakery (West End and Dupont)
If good pastries are an essential part of your coffee shop experience, look no further than Tatte Bakery. Tatte’s locations in West End and Dupont are relatively equidistant from campus and both provide a croissant-scented escape from reality. Tatte is also open for brunch and dinner, but the cafe and bakery are the stars of the show.
Museums and Galleries
- Any Smithsonian
At the risk of stating the absurdly obvious, you should really visit at least one Smithsonian museum during your first semester at Georgetown. Right now, you have an incredibly unique opportunity to access so many incredible art and history museums for free, just a short walk or Metro ride away. From the National Museum of African American History and Culture to the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden to the National Zoo, there is so much to see.
- The Phillips Collection
The Phillips Collection, located in a large red brick building in Dupont Circle, is an absolute must-see. Exploring the modern art collection feels like going on a treasure hunt through a huge old house, except here the treasures are Matisse and Renoir.
- Dumbarton Oaks
Although it is not free, the Dumbarton Oaks house and art museum in Georgetown features a beautifully designed garden, a museum with a vast art collection and even a music room. The estate is owned by Harvard University, but Georgetown students have a unique advantage to access the museum because of its proximity to campus.
Restaurants in Georgetown
$5-10
- Falafel Inc
- Where to find it: 1210 Potomac St. NW, Washington, D.C., 20007
- Our suggestion: zaatar fries
- Good Stuff Eatery
- Where to find it: 3291 M St. NW, Washington, D.C., 20007
- Our suggestion: Michelle melt
- District Chicken & Gyro (DCG)
- Where to find it: 3147 Dumbarton St. NW, Washington, D.C., 20007
- Our suggestion: chicken & gyro in a wrap
$10-20
- Curry & Pie
- Where to find it: 1204 34th St. NW, Washington, D.C., 20007
- Our suggestion: chicken tikka pizza
- Oki Bowl
- Where to find it: 1608 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, D.C., 20007
- Our suggestion: miso ramen
- Chaia Tacos
- Where to find it: 3207 Grace St. NW, Washington, D.C., 20007
- Our suggestion: creamy kale & potato taco
$20+
- Angolo Ristorante
- Where to find it: 2934 M St. NW, Washington, D.C., 20007
- Our suggestion: penne angolo
- Bluefin Sushi
- Where to find it: 3073 Canal St. NW, Washington, D.C., 20007
- Our suggestion: volcano roll
- Farmers Fishers Bakers
- Where to find it: 3000 K St. NW, Washington, D.C., 20007
- Our suggestion: weekend brunch
