
The George Washington University offers a range of housing options for its students, from traditional residence halls to apartment-style living. With campuses in the heart of Washington, D.C., students can take advantage of the city's cultural activities and global events, as well as easy access to three major airports and Union Station. While first-year students can register for housing via the GW Home Portal, some choose to live off-campus due to the expenses of on-campus housing and dining plans. Off-campus housing is available in the Foggy Bottom area and other parts of D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, with easy access to campuses via the Metro and bus stops nearby.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | George Washington University is located in the heart of Washington, D.C. with campuses in Foggy Bottom, Mount Vernon, and Ashburn, Virginia. |
| Transportation | The campuses are easily accessible via public transportation, with nearby Metro stations and bus stops. Three major airports serve the area: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport, and Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. |
| Housing Options | On-campus residence halls promote belonging, student success, personal growth, and shared community. Off-campus housing is also available, with many students choosing to live in the surrounding D.C. area, Maryland, or Virginia. |
| Costs | On-campus housing costs around $1,600 per month, while off-campus options can range from $1,500 to $2,000 per month, excluding utilities. |
| Student Experience | Students are encouraged to get involved in their residential communities through events and leadership opportunities within the Residence Hall Association (RHA) and National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH). |
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What You'll Learn

On-campus housing
To register for on-campus housing, students need to make a deposit to the university, but there is no separate housing deposit required. Housing registration typically opens in April via a student's GW Home Portal, and students are encouraged to take their time and be thoughtful in their registration. They can indicate a desire to live with specific people by creating a roommate group.
During the 2025-2026 academic year, George Washington University offered 11 first-year residence halls across the Mount Vernon and Foggy Bottom campuses. These include Clark Hall, Cole Hall, Hensley Hall, Merriweather Hall, and Somers Hall, which primarily offer double rooms with adjoined bathrooms. The residence halls provide views of landmarks such as the Washington Monument and the United States Capitol Building from their top floors.
While on-campus housing offers a convenient option for students, some have opted for off-campus housing due to the expenses associated with on-campus accommodations and dining plans. The competitive housing market in areas like Foggy Bottom has made it challenging for students to find affordable alternatives, with some reporting monthly costs of $1,650 to $2,000 for off-campus accommodations.
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Off-campus housing
The George Washington University is located centrally in Washington, D.C., with campuses in Foggy Bottom, Mount Vernon, and Ashburn, as well as graduate education centres in Alexandria and Arlington, Virginia. The university's Office of Off-Campus Student Affairs provides resources to help students find off-campus housing.
Finding off-campus housing in the District of Columbia can be an exciting yet stressful process. Students have described the experience as a "huge pain", especially when trying to find a convenient and affordable option. The competitive housing market in the Foggy Bottom area, in particular, has made it difficult for students to find properties, with many reporting a lack of responses from realtors.
Students at George Washington University have several options for finding off-campus housing. They can choose to live in the city of Washington, D.C., or in the nearby states of Maryland and Virginia, as all campuses are easily accessible via public transportation. The university's website also offers a service to help students find roommates, where they can create a profile and search for other students to live with.
The cost of off-campus housing varies, with some students reporting that they found options within their budget, while others had to increase their budget or look outside of the Foggy Bottom area. For example, one student who originally budgeted between $1,500 and $1,800 per month for housing in Foggy Bottom ended up renting a townhouse in Georgetown for $2,000 per month, not including utilities. Another student found a studio apartment in the Foggy Bottom area for $1,650 per month, plus electric and WiFi expenses.
Overall, while there are challenges to finding off-campus housing in the Washington, D.C. area, it is possible for students to find options that fit their needs and budgets with some effort and flexibility.
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First-year housing registration
The George Washington University requires all first- and second-year students to reside on campus unless they are approved for an exemption. First-year students who believe they meet one of the seven exemption criteria and wish to live off-campus may apply for an exemption. However, applying for an exemption does not guarantee approval. Exemptions granted will remain in effect for the student's entire undergraduate career unless they are relinquished. The exemption application form will be available via the student's GW Home Portal from April 28 to July 1.
During housing registration, students will sign the 2025-2026 Housing License Agreement, outlining the terms of residing in a GW residence hall. They will also update their contact information for the university's records. Students in living-learning communities, such as Civic House and the Women's Leadership Program, will rank building and room types but will be assigned to live in specific buildings predetermined by their program.
Students who are not in living-learning communities must rank all possible room types. While the university aims to assign students to rooms near the top of their preference list, demand for specific halls and room sizes may exceed availability. Students should be prepared for the possibility of being assigned to halls and room sizes lower on their preference list. Single rooms with private bathrooms are typically reserved for students with Disability Support Services housing accommodations and are not eligible for ranking.
Students will be notified of their housing assignments for the 2025-2026 academic year on April 2. Housing assignments will be released throughout the day on a rolling basis. Students are encouraged to take their time with their ranked preference lists, as assignments are not made on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Residence Hall Association (RHA)
The Residence Hall Association (RHA) at George Washington University is a student-led organization that aims to support and improve residence life on campus through advocacy, community building, and leadership development. With a presence in all 24 residential halls on campus, RHA combines student leaders to foster a sense of community and enhance the overall residential experience.
RHA is committed to making every hall a home and achieves this through various initiatives and programs. They organize events that bring students together, ranging from volunteer work for important causes to fun movie nights in different halls. These events also extend to the wider GW and DC community, encouraging residents to explore their neighborhood and get involved.
One of RHA's key focuses is advocacy. They elevate student concerns and work towards making a positive impact on residence life. This includes providing various rental programs and supplying items that can enhance student organization events, helping to take them to the next level.
In addition to their own programs, RHA also collaborates with other campus organizations to host joint events, fostering a sense of unity within the student community. They also offer funding support to student organizations that need additional resources to make a meaningful impact on the community.
RHA provides students with leadership opportunities, allowing them to develop valuable skills that will serve them beyond their time at George Washington University. Through their involvement with RHA, students can gain experience in event planning, community engagement, and advocacy, while also contributing to a positive and welcoming residential environment.
Overall, the Residence Hall Association plays a crucial role in shaping the residential experience at George Washington University. Through their dedication to community building, advocacy, and student engagement, they create a sense of belonging and ensure that the residence halls truly become a home away from home for their residents.
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Living-learning communities
The George Washington University offers a range of living-learning communities (LLCs) to cater to the diverse interests and needs of its students. These LLCs provide students with opportunities to live and learn together, fostering a sense of community and enhancing their overall educational experience. Here is an overview of some of the notable LLCs offered by the university:
Civic House Community
The Civic House Community is a highly selective programme designed for first-year students aspiring to become actively engaged citizens in their communities. The programme revolves around three core values: live, learn, and serve. Students are challenged to explore the unique culture, strengths, and needs of Washington, DC's communities. They build collaborative relationships with peers, faculty, and community organisations to address these needs through service initiatives.
Women's Leadership Program (WLP)
The WLP is a selective year-long programme offered exclusively at the Mount Vernon Campus. It is designed for first-year women students across all schools at the university. Participants benefit from small class sizes, close interactions with faculty, and strong connections with women in leadership roles. The curriculum emphasises the exploration and development of leadership skills through academic courses and weekly symposia, which include special lectures, workshops, and experiences that showcase the achievements of women in various professional fields. WLP students reside in Somers Hall, where they are mentored by a graduate teaching assistant.
Politics & Values Community
The Politics & Values Community brings together a select group of students interested in exploring societal politics. This intensive year-long programme provides a platform for students to delve into political topics while living and studying together.
GW First-Generation Living-Learning Community
This LLC is specifically tailored to support first-generation college students as they transition from high school to college life at GW. The programme promotes a sense of belonging and academic success through various connected events, increased faculty and staff interaction, and intentional programming. First-generation students are encouraged to apply through the housing application process.
Sustainability Living and Learning Community
The Sustainability Living and Learning Community is a year-long programme that unites students passionate about the planet's future. Participants live, work, and learn together, hosting events and speakers, and engaging both on campus and in the city. This LLC fosters creativity and a commitment to contributing to planetary well-being, while also allowing students to build meaningful networks and friendships.
These living-learning communities at The George Washington University offer students unique opportunities to pursue their interests, develop personally and professionally, and forge strong connections with their peers, faculty, and the wider community.
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Frequently asked questions
George Washington University has campuses in Foggy Bottom, Mount Vernon, Ashburn, Alexandria, and Arlington.
First-year students can register for housing via the GW Home Portal. There are 11 first-year residence halls across the Mount Vernon and Foggy Bottom campuses, including Clark Hall, Cole Hall, and Merriweather Hall.
Students can find off-campus housing options in the Foggy Bottom area and other parts of Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. The Office of Off-Campus Student Affairs provides resources to help students find suitable housing.
Students can register and create a profile on the GW Off-Campus Housing website to search for potential roommates.























