Venturing Into Grad Student Housing

By Siddharth Bharani-Dharan

The Beginning of Life at Georgetown

New to Georgetown? One of your first big hurdles will be securing a place to stay. It’s a challenge every graduate student faces—finding a safe, affordable place close enough to campus to keep your commute stress-free. Washington, DC has plenty of options, from neighborhoods near campus to spots in Virginia or Maryland. While the search can be overwhelming, Georgetown fortunately offers resources to help you navigate your search.

The Benefits of Starting Early

Housing goes off the market very quickly. An apartment you were interested in today may be unavailable tomorrow. However, there are steps you can take to help make the best decisions for you The Office of Neighborhood Life is a great place to start, as they provide guidance on finding housing, including the official Georgetown off-campus housing site, and an apartment-style housing option designated for Georgetown Students closer to the School of Continuing Studies, McCourt School of Public Policy, and Law Campus. The housing website can help students find housing options that fit their different needs and budgets. Its resources page provides information on navigating the search, leasing options, transportation, and neighborhoods throughout DC. Using their tips can empower you to make the right decisions in a quick and confident manner.

Apartments.com is also a great resource to find housing options. While not designated strictly for students, there are significantly more options available compared to the off-campus university housing website.

When is a Good Time to Start the Process?

Whether you’re looking for a roommate or exploring studio options, the challenging decision process is now easier. The off-campus housing website has a feature to display personal profiles and to list contact information and connect with others. After that, looking into housing options within budget and reaching out to the leasing or management office is the next step. It is important to inquire about how long in advance an apartment can be held, as people, including those who are not students, are looking to move in at any point throughout the year.

Transportation Options

Georgetown has a free shuttle service for students connecting areas such as Rosslyn, Arlington, Dupont Circle, and the Capitol Campus. Shuttles start early in the morning until late in the evening during the week, with limited service on weekends and holidays. Georgetown is not connected with the metro, so students typically use the public bus service as another option. The Hoya Transit Program can provide 3,200 students with a $50 monthly credit to use on public transportation.

Taking the Next Steps with Confidence

The housing search can come with a lot of stressors and uncertainties. The Office of Neighborhood Life can help guide you through these difficulties and help you find options that fit your needs, timeline, and budget.

Call 202-687-5138 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., to connect with their team and get tailored advice. You can also browse current listings and set up your roommate profile at https://ochlistings.georgetown.edu/housing.

Identify the challenge, learn the process, and finalize your housing accommodation ahead of a great year at Georgetown!