College Visits: GWU, AU, Georgetown

Question

Currently mapping out our itinerary for a March visit. Family of 5 with a high school junior really interested in attending school in DC.

We have official tours / info sessions scheduled at George Washington University, American University, and Georgetown spread out over our 6 days in town (with visits to many tourist sites in between).

Looking for advice particularly in the areas surrounding these universities that could help get a feel for the school's "vibe". Where to have breakfast before or lunch after our tour? Student favorite dessert or coffee spot? Shopping street? We've toured a few other schools in other locations already, and I've learned how these unofficial type of stops can really help get a feel for the campus culture.

Answer

Visiting colleges in DC is a fantastic way to combine sightseeing with evaluating campuses, and getting a feel for the surrounding neighborhoods is very helpful for understanding campus culture. Since you have a 6-day itinerary with official tours for George Washington University (GWU), American University (AU), and Georgetown, you can easily incorporate some unofficial exploration, food, and shopping to enhance your experience.

George Washington University (Foggy Bottom area):

Breakfast / Coffee: Try Paul Bakery or Ebenezers Coffeehouse for a student-friendly vibe before your tour.
Lunch: Founding Farmers is very popular among students and locals, offering hearty American fare.
Dessert / Coffee: Stop by Georgetown Cupcake (a short walk or metro ride) if you want a sweet treat students often enjoy.
Shopping / Exploring: Walk along 21st Street NW or explore the small shops in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood to see the student lifestyle.

American University (Tenleytown / AU campus):

Breakfast / Coffee: Open City Café is a student favorite and casual spot near campus for coffee and pastries.
Lunch: Au Bon Pain or Subway are quick, casual options for grabbing a bite and watching student traffic.
Dessert / Coffee: Check out 1st dibs coffee shop in Tenleytown for a cozy, student-oriented atmosphere.
Exploration: Walk around Nebraska Avenue and Massachusetts Avenue nearby to get a feel for the quiet, residential campus area, which is popular for local student hangouts and boutique shopping.

Georgetown University (Georgetown neighborhood):

Breakfast / Coffee: Baked & Wired or Georgetown Cupcake are iconic spots students frequent.
Lunch: Farmers Fishers Bakers or Martin’s Tavern offer a mix of casual and historical ambience.
Dessert / Coffee: Georgetown Cupcake or Dolcezza Gelato are student favorites and fun for exploring the neighborhood.
Shopping / Exploration: M Street and Wisconsin Avenue are the main shopping streets with a mix of chain stores, boutiques, and local shops, giving a true feel for student life and weekend activity.

Additional Tips:

Walking around campus neighborhoods and small streets often gives more insight into student culture than official tours alone.
Check if any campus events or student activities are happening while you visit; these can add to the experience.
Allow some flexible time to explore parks, local coffee shops, and casual eateries that students frequent—these often shape the “vibe” of each campus.

With these stops, you’ll get both the official academic perspective and the local, everyday student experience at each campus, helping your high school junior better gauge fit.

College Visits: GWU, AU, Georgetown

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