GWsports.com - The official site of George Washington University Athletics

GW: Something Happens Here

The exceptional opportunities, resources, and experiences of The George Washington University await you--in the classroom, on campus, and in the city. As an institution of higher learning and academic research, we have the "added attributes" of offering students an academic and social life in the world-class city of Washington, DC. As a result, we attract an exciting mix of students and faculty to GW. We create and support a unique, fun, and competitive atmosphere for talented students and faculty from across the globe. We are able to capitalize on the energy and excitement of a national and international city and match it to the opportunities we offer on our campus and in our classrooms.

Washington is perhaps the most livable major city in the country. With over 40 colleges and universities and nearly 400,000 students, student life is a major aspect of the nation's capital. GW's two DC campuses are perfectly situated to make the most of that student life scene. Our Foggy Bottom Campus has well-defined and recognizable gateways (our 18 city blocks, bricked courtyards, plazas, bronze busts of George Washington, and memorial parks) and our Mount Vernon Campus offers a green suburban oasis complete with athletic fields, an outdoor pool, tennis courts, superb outdoor intramural and recreational facilities, and low-ropes outdoor challenge course. GW prides itself on the nearly seamless fit between both campuses and the city. Surrounded by multiple attractions, we encourage our students to take advantage of all the sites and sounds that DC has to offer. What you will begin to notice about these well-recognized landmarks as a "Washingtonian" is how they change, depending upon the season of the year. The always-visible Washington Monument is transformed from a tourist destination into a friendly presence outside your residence hall window; the White House or Foxhall embassies become welcoming neighbors during the holidays, and the Potomac River, becomes a place for strolling, beach volleyball, sailing, bike riding, and sunbathing. We offer the proximity of all that is best about DC.

But living here also means living in a "luxe" GW residence hall according to MSNBC. Under the expert care of GW Housing Programs, about 8,000 students live in the University's 30 residence halls, 24 situated in Foggy Bottom and six on our Mount Vernon Campus. The GW House System offers close-knit communities centered on common interests that share the challenges and fun of a first-year-college experience. GW has multiple Living and Learning Communities that are available for students interested in the performing arts, foreign languages, world cultures, healthy living, politics, and business leadership, among others. Our residence halls offer data, voice, and cable TV connectivity.

Since GW recognizes the connections between a sound body and mind, the Lerner Health and Wellness Center is a showcase of fitness and wellness opportunities. With its 100-station cardio-exercise area, free weights, indoor track, squash and racquetball courts, and 25-yard lap indoor pool, GW enhances the quality of student life and supports students' interests in intramural sports, club sports, and other recreational and wellness activities. GW students also have the opportunity to shuttle over to Mount Vernon on "The Vern Express" for more recreational fun on our NCAA regulation softball, soccer, and lacrosse fields as well as enjoy our outdoor pool and tennis facilities.

Both campuses offer friendly neighborhood restaurants and cafes. Eating, shopping, and socializing are favorite on- and off-campus pastimes. The Marvin Center is a major gathering place on campus for students, faculty, and staff. Serving as headquarters for most student organizations, the Marvin Center also includes recreation, entertainment, places to eat and shop, the GW Bookstore, and other conveniences.

When it comes to dining, GW's own J Street, WOW Wingery, Ivory Tower, Gelman Library Starbucks, and Ames Dining Room are where you'll find convenient campus meals! Combined they offer vegetarian and kosher options, as well as hot meals, grab-n-go, all you care to eat, brand favorites, salads, specialty coffee, groceries, and other specialty food and ethnic meal choices. Add the over 50 in-the-city dining partners and you have a world of alternatives! You can dine on campus and in the city by using our declining balance and flexible spending program known as Colonial Cash. Colonial Cash can also be used for a variety of retail, convenience, beauty, mail and residence hall laundry services, and GW Bookstore purchases. Your Colonial Cash account can be managed online and is administered through our GWorld card program. Your GWorld card also serves as your official identification card and access card to your residence hall and other campus buildings and University activities and programs.

Categorized as a one-of-a-kind opportunity that is so typically GW, the School of Media and Public Affairs state-of-the-art broadcasting facilities is a popular venue for prominent journalists to meet and work with students. In fact, CNN's former programs Crossfire, On the Story, and Reliable Sources called the Jack Morton Auditorium home for nearly five years. Now the space is used for speeches and lectures from prominent political figures and GW alumni.

GW student life is also about honoring school traditions and starting new ones. In addition to more than 350 student-run organizations, the Student Activities Center, based in the Marvin Center, offers programming to educate and excite students throughout the year, from Midnight Breakfast to Stress Free Zone. Other programs include AIDS Awareness Week, International Week, Welcome Week and Greek Week! School spirit and Colonials varsity athletics are a huge part of GW student life. If you include the 22 NCAA Division I GW sports teams and the 50 club and intramural teams with the local professional sport attractions including the Capitals, Redskins, Nationals, Mystics, United, and Wizards, you will find a city full of collegiate and professional sports enthusiasts.

So, you can see why we proudly say, Something Happens Here in the Classroom, Campus, and City!