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George Washington University

Located in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood, four blocks from the White House, GWU is a prestigious DC university with 10 schools and colleges, a vibrant arts scene, Division 1 athletics, and a beautiful and historic campus. Founded in 1821 by Congress, George Washington University offers exceptional intellectual and student experiences across its three campuses, including academics, performing arts and events, that inspire student to follow in the footsteps of many famous GWU alumni and leaders.

Details

Hours

Campus Visiting Hours: Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Prices

Free

Events

  • Colonials Weekend
  • Spirit Weeks & Colonials Invasion
  • Arts Fest and Chalk-In
  • Commencement
  • Alumni Weekend  

Activities

  • Take a tour of the campus
  • Watch a performance at the Davis Performing Arts Center
  • Attend a sports game

GW Cornerstone Events

Colonial Inauguration (CI)

GW's award-winning undergraduate orientation program welcomes incoming freshmen and transfer students. CI is an experience the whole family can enjoy, with age-appropriate activities tailored for students, their parents and even younger siblings.

Colonials Weekend

In October each year, this celebration for students, alumni, family and friends features a weekend of events and world-class entertainment.

Spirit Week And Colonials Invasion

In mid-October, the campus community unites to celebrate the start of the men's and women's basketball season.

Arts Fest And Chalk-In

Students' artistic talents are on display at this April celebration; H Street is closed to traffic during the fest.

Commencement

An all-GW graduation ceremony unfolds on the National Mall within sight of the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol.

Alumni Weekend

Alumni Weekend, a three-day weekend event keeps GW alumni informed about the University and involved in its activities.

Men's Sports

Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Rowing, Sailing, Soccer, Squash, Swimming, Tennis and Water Polo

Women's Sports

Basketball, Cross Country, Gymnastics, Lacrosse, Rowing, Sailing, Soccer, Softball, Squash, Swimming, Tennis, Volleyball and Water Polo

FAQs

  • What are the best things to see at GWU?
    The campus is truly a part of Washington, DC, and its range of architecture reflects that relationship. Landscaped outdoor spaces on the 42 acres include pocket parks, the University Yard, a flourishing rose garden, the classical Tempietto and outdoor sculptures. The campus also boasts historic landmarks, including the F Street House, a residence built in 1849 that served for decades as a club for presidents, vice presidents, Supreme Court justices, members of Congress and other elite.
  • Does GWU offer tours?
    One-hour long tours of GWU's Foggy Bottom campus are offered for prospective undergraduate, graduate and professional students three times per week at 12:30 PM, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and begin at Rice Hall, Suite 302, 2121 I Street, NW, Washington, D.C. Walk through our historic campus with a current GWU student on an hour-long tour. Tours must be scheduled in advance by contacting gwvisit@gwu.edu. Meet with professors, coaches and campus resource staff or attend a class matched to your academic interests.
  • Who are Notable Alumni at Goerge Washington University?
    • Arnold "Red" Auerbach, former president and coach of the Boston Celtics
    • Alec Baldwin, actor
    • Dana Bash, CNN senior congressional correspondent
    • Ina Garten, chef, author and Food Network host
    • J. Edgar Hoover, former director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation
    • Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, former first lady
    • Colin Powell, former U.S. secretary of state
    • Harry Reid, U.S. senator from Nevada and Senate majority leader
    • Chuck Todd, NBC and MSNBC political analyst
  • What Are The GWU Athletic Sports?
    Nicknamed "The Colonials" with "George" as their mascot, GWU a member of the A-10 Conference, offers the following sports: