As with any institution, myths about GW have popped up over its almost 200-year history. Below are tales you may have already heard. And, so you’re not uninformed your first day of class, The Hatchet has debunked the ones that are merely gossip.
Students sharing digs with a 90-year-old man:
You may have heard the tale of one of GW’s oldest occupants: Old Man Schenley. At the time of his death in 2007, Eddie Bieber had lived in the same apartment in Crawford Hall for more than 60 years, paying $203 in rent each month. A grandfather clause allowed Bieber to live in Schenley while paying a rent-controlled price. Bieber spent most of his time relaxing on the benches outside the building and chatting with any student who stopped to listen. While it may seem strange that college sophomores shared a building with a 90-year-old man, this is one GW story that is full of truth.
FACT
All freshmen are required to live on the Mount Vernon Campus:
During the construction of Pelham Hall, rumors swirled that all incoming freshmen would be required to live on GW’s more suburban campus. Freshman filling out the housing application can see that these rumors have little truth to them, as there are five residence halls on the Foggy Bottom campus that will house freshmen in the fall. The Mount Vernon campus will also house upperclassmen this fall, debunking the nickname “freshman campus.”
MYTH
Students pay the same tuition all four years:
College students will do anything they can to catch a break from rising education costs. When first hearing about the fixed tuition policy at GW, it may seem strange, particularly in comparison with tuition hikes at other schools. But freshmen, don’t doubt this story. The tuition price a student pays during his first year remains fixed for 10 semesters.
FACT
Rubbing the hippo’s nose for good luck:
If you rubbed the nose of the bronze hippo statue located on the corner of 21st and H streets to increase your chances of getting into the University, you were duped by one of GW’s longest running myths. While prospective students are often be seen using the hippo as a good-luck charm, it’s highly unlikely you will ever see a GW student at the hippo before an exam.
MYTH
