The Rookie
There are a lot of exciting firsts that come with freshman year, but you definitely don’t want May to come around without these being some of them.
Don’t wait until senior year to get to know your city. There’s a lot more to D.C. than Foggy Bottom and Georgetown. Check out U Street or Adams Morgan for good restaurants and fun nightlife.
Focus on your studies but don’t sweat the small stuff. The way you approach your first two semesters of college will affect your next four years, but getting a C on one assignment is not the end of the world.
Work up the courage to get to know your professors. They are an amazing resource when it comes to both academics and their connections to internships.
Visit the Vern. Despite what you may think, it is not a secluded island with nothing going on. Go watch a soccer game or eat Sunday brunch in the Pelham Dining Hall.
Go out, but don’t go crazy. We can already spot you rookies from a mile away. You don’t want to make it easier by continually staggering home at 7 a.m. in last night’s ensemble.
The Success Story
Sweet success, you made it through freshman year. Now, you’re trying to choose a major and find an internship, lamenting that you’re not 21 yet and still missing home a little bit. But spice up your sophomore year with these tips and get yourself out of that slump.
Try picking at least one class in a subject area you’re not as familiar with or an elective you’re really jazzed about. It will expand your knowledge outside what you normally study and make life more exciting.
Getting an internship on the Hill may be a time-honored tradition of GW sophomores, but it’s not the only way to immerse yourself in D.C. politics. Volunteer for a campaign or join the College Democrats or College Republicans.
Take the bus to New York City for the weekend or use a ZipCar account to drive to Annapolis, Md. A change of scenery is a great way to rejuvenate when you’re feeling run down.
Run to Arlington Cemetery instead of hitting the treadmill at HelWell. It will get you off campus, and hey, maybe you’ll consider running the Marine Corps Marathon next fall.
The Expat
Even though you can now legally enjoy all of the city’s great bars, don’t go too cocktail-crazy. Keep these thoughts in mind and your third year at GW should be culturally, socially and academically stimulating.
Consider studying abroad. It’s an enriching, challenging and unparalleled experience that will come to define your younger years.
Apply for the job or internship you want, even if you don’t think you’ll get it. Now is the time to put yourself out there and get the career experience that will help you figure out what you’re looking for in the future.
Take advantage of D.C. with events like Restaurant Week and the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which give you a chance to explore the city and take a break from academics.
The Veteran
In your final year at GW, don’t forget why you came here in the first place. With these words of wisdom, you’ll find a balance between focusing on post-graduation plans and living it up in the city.
Start your job search now, not after graduation. According to a survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, students who used their campus career center were 40 percent more likely to land a job than those who didn’t.
Get drinks on the rooftop bar of the W Hotel Washington, D.C. A breathtaking view of the District is sure to remind you why you chose to come to GW for your college education.
Watch the sun rise at the Lincoln Memorial. Whether you’ve been up all night studying or partying, you can’t leave GW without seeing the sun light up the monuments in the morning.
