George Washington University Top Questions

Political student organizations and non-profit organizations

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Greek life is HUGE at GW. Even the girls most avidly against rushing in the fall will rush in the Spring or sophomore year once they realize that a social life is nearly impossible without joining the Greek movement.

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The most popular groups on campus are the College Democrats and Republicans, and the International Affairs Society. Model UN is also huge. I started a student organization my freshman year called Babies Behind Bars to raise support and money for an organization rescuing children of incarcerated women from prisons in Nepal. It was easy to set up and has made a huge impact on campus, and we are incorporating as a 501(c)3 organization. Students leave their doors open but it's always a risk. UPD is good at patrolling the floors and there aren't a lot of robbery cases that I know of. Athletic events are not popular, but guest speakers, especially ambassadors and politicians, are very popular. Theater is big within certain groups. The dating scene is non-existent (coming from someone who is not participating in that scene, my view might be limited), but there's a lot of talk about hook-ups at parties, etc. As for relationships, they are not visible on campus whatsoever. Lots of people have relationships at other schools. I met my closest friends through the Honors Program because there are lots of events oriented towards building community within this group. If I am awake at 2 AM, I am probably trying to get internet in the hallway and working on something for school. There are so many events every year that it's impossible to recount. There are lots of student org events that take over U Yard and Kogan and have lots of energy. People party a fair amount (as freshmen at least) but you only see the ones who party, and there are many more who stay in but are just less visible in the halls. Greek life is huge, but not imperative. I didn't join and didn't feel the need to, but it gets annoying to have such a strong presence of the Greek community on campus without being able or wanting to be part of it. Last weekend I did a ton of school work and went running to the Vern campus. There was a monthly Pancakes with the Provost event that I went to after jogging through Georgetown. It's a great place to spend time on the weekend (DC). Saturday nights are great for wandering around the monuments, going to Cone-Island or Crepeaway (open so late for food adventures), going to a nice restaurant in Georgetown, or watching a movie. There are events at the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage every night and lots of DC events on Linktank. I always go off campus to the museums, monuments, shops, farmers markets, coffee places, food trucks, clubs or restaurants, or I go into Virginia or Maryland to get away from the city.

The most popular student groups are the socially politically active groups, like LGBT. I am involved with Hillel and was part of the GW Cheer team. I also am involved with a leadership fellowship through Meor at GW. Students in freshman dorms and in Greek housing typically leave their doors open and interact frequently. In upper level dorms, the interactions become less frequent. Athletic events are fun when well attended, but they only are on major games, and basketball is the only one with a real present. I met my closest friends on the cheer team and in my freshman dorm. People can choose if they want to party a lot or not. I have friends that go out all the time, and friends that stay in studying. Fraternities and sororities have a presence but are not at all necessary and it's easy to make friends independent of greek life. Last weekend I studied Friday night then went out with my friends Saturday night.

Greek life is growing at GW, but College Democrats and Republicans are still very popular. They go on campaigning trips and host speakers and debates regularly. I am a photographer for the newspaper, which has no doubt been the best thing I've done in college. Working for the Hatchet has gotten to go to events on campus and all over DC. Everyone needs to find a group of friends. I found that at the paper and on my Freshman floor. People like to go out to clubs and bars, but there are lots of things to do one weekends - go to a concert, see at slam poetry performance at Busboys and Poets, go to a free show at the Kennedy Center, get cupcakes in georgetown. Some of my latest nights haven't been from partying - but from waiting in line for tickets to see Hilary Clinton and Robert Gates, or to cover the Occupy DC protests.

Greek life is growing at GW, but College Democrats and Republicans are still very popular. They go on campaigning trips and host speakers and debates regularly. I am a photographer for the newspaper, which has no doubt been the best thing I've done in college. Working for the Hatchet has gotten to go to events on campus and all over DC. Everyone needs to find a group of friends. I found that at the paper and on my Freshman floor. People like to go out to clubs and bars, but there are lots of things to do one weekends - go to a concert, see at slam poetry performance at Busboys and Poets, go to a free show at the Kennedy Center, get cupcakes in georgetown. Some of my latest nights haven't been from partying - but from waiting in line for tickets to see Hilary Clinton and Robert Gates, or to cover the Occupy DC protests.

By far the most popular student groups on campus are the College Democrats and the College Republicans. GW has the most political active student body in the country, probably because our closest neighbors are the White House, Capitol Hill, and the State Department. Students spend the week working 40 hours on Capitol Hill and the weekend canvassing for political candidates, and they never shy away from a debate on immigration or welfare reform - no matter if it's 10 or 2 in the morning. Common phrases you will hear on campus are: "Did you catch the State of the Union last night?"; "I totally read about that on CNN this morning!"; and "Wolf Blitzer is awkwardly obsessed with our school..."

Student Government is very big, with both the College Republicans and College Democrats both being very prominent and hosting many big events. Additionally there are many significant community service and social interest groups.

Students at George Washington are extremely involved in politics. Thus, College Republicans and College Democrats are extremely popular here. Everyone is extremely social, doors are almost always open on my floor and we all gather in one room and study or watch our favorite shows together. There are a number of fraternities and sororities at GW that are always hosting events. Many students rush, however it doesn't dominate the social scene. There are always DC clubs that are hosting parties for college students or where a singer or band is performing. Organizations are constantly holding events, and if they're promoting free food, everyone shows up! There's plenty for students to find, either on or off campus.

Stop with the narratives! If you want a down to Earth opinion, just let me know!

There is always something going on on the GW campus, and a group for each student. People are involved in everything from College Democrats to Club Soccer, a capella groups to Amnesty International. I'm involved in Greek life, but it does not govern my entire life. While some of my friends are in my sorority, most are either in different ones or not involved in Greek life at all. I can choose how deeply involved I want to be without feeling pressured to change who I am to be a part of my sorority. Only 25{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of GW students are in Greek life and there really is no line between students who are and who aren't. Most dorms leave their doors open and are very close to their hallways. Thurston, the biggest freshman dorm, is notorious for being the "party dorm," but there is no pressure for anyone to do what they don't want to do. There is always something going on that might involve drinking, but that doesn't mean that there isn't something going on that doesn't. Most people meet their first friends at CI (Colonial Inauguration, our version of orientation) during the summer or just prior to the start of school. I met my closest friends there, but I also have friends I've made in class, on my floor and in my sorority. It is very easy to meet people if you make the effort to introduce yourself or join something that forces you to. There is always an event on campus, whether it is a guest speaker, an athletic event or a show. Students have the opportunity to attend all of these, but there is often a lack of publicity so they do not know the event is taking place until too late. Its key to take initiative if you want to attend something.

Greek life is pretty big at GW but not the way you're thinking about it. Unlike most schools where you either go Greek to have a social life or face eternal isolation, there are tons of kids who choose to go against the masses and stand on their own with others who are exactly the same way. I chose to refrain from joining any sorority because I didn't want to be tied down to the demands. As a Freshman, I can understand the benefits of feeling loved and beloved, I just wanted to spread my own wings. Sports clubs are really big at this school as well. Since we don't have a football team, lots of students try to create orgs to make up for the devastation. We have polo club, soccer club, and basketball club just to name a few. The great thing about GW is that if you can't find a club, you can create it! The school embraces creativity and honestly is interested in embracing students' ideas. Study abroad is something else that a lot of people are into. I hear Freshman talking about all the time, dreaming of the day when they can touch the Great Wall or dip their feet in the Thames (yuck). The study abroad office does their best to accommodate all of students' requests and has partnerships with various international universities. GW is a very worldly University and has made many friends with big name companies and organizations to ensure students get what they pay for. Dorm parties are not really the big thing to do come Friday night, majority of students venture out to the many clubs around the D.C. area. Most of them hold 18+ events so scrounging for fake ID's is not necessary whatsoever. D.C. is a hopping place that always has something going on. The National Mall is literally steps away from campus as well as the most historically rich museums in America. As I like to say on my tours, if you're bored, it's cause you want to be.

I believe there are more than 150 organizations. They range from anything and everything. I myself am active in the Asian community, composed of 15+ organizations. Just to get an idea though, you are not limited to the activities you sign up for. There is also alot of night life in DC, providing external resources of fun

Indeed the most popular student groups are sorority and fraternity. GW have hundreds choices. And the fall rush and spring rush are the "big time" throughout the year. GW is not really popular at athletic events. But guest speakers and theater performance are happening everyday. Normally, there will be theater shows every weekend, performing by dance teams, theater groups and etc. Each school will have their weekly "news letter" informing their students about the highlight guest speaker, book talk, and conference within the week. And to be honest, they are awesome and precious opportunities!

The most important tradition at GWU is there freshman orientation ( Colonial Inauguration). CI, an award-winning orientation program, is designed to welcome you to the GW family and acquaint you with our campus services, resources, opportunities, and community.

Student groups at GWU are intense. They call them student orgs, and people have e-boards (executive boards) and board meetings and budgets and put a lot of their school pride and time into these orgs. And they really get things done...I was in one that started two urban gardens on campus! College Democrats and College Republicans are huge, and sponsor speakers and debates that are always well attended. La Fiestasa, a party/fundraiser put on by OLAS (Organization of Latin American states) is really popular every year. Greek life definitely makes itself known, but you do not have to be involved with it to find a social group! Going out to clubs is a popular activity (DC has some nice ones!) but no one will frown on you if you choose to stay in with a movie and there is nearly always some sort of on-campus event you could go to instead! Again, it's what you make of it. DC seems to have free festivals every single weekend...you could never attend every cool event there is to do! (I know, I've tried.) Dorms are incredibly nice, but apartment style for the most part, so unless you are in the freshman dorm of Thurston, don't expect to make your friends on your hall. My good friends are through student organizations, classes, random meetings (I mean, where did I meet these people I always hang out with? Not sure),and church. (The great thing about a city school is that your social life isn't only other students!) GWU students create their own communities, the school doesn't do it for you. Some people complain about this, but I hated the forced camaraderie of my hall in my old school... If you get involved, you will find friends! Girls do complain about the dating scene. There are more girls then guys (I mean, same is true for most colleges these days) and a number of the guys are gay. I am a straight female and haven't had trouble finding dates, but it differs for everyone. But what I love about GWU is while girls will whine about their lack of romantic males, we all know that we would trade them for that great job on the Hill or that fellowship in South America any day. Dating is not the priority here.

GWU has hundreds of student organizations on campus, ranging from knitting, acting, ethnicity-specific, honors societies, and politics. However, Greek Life, now composed of some 26{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the student body, is by far the largest campus activity. Generally, GW is pretty widely known as an undergraduate party school. I recall an article this year naming freshman Thurston Hall as the 3rd largest party dorm in the US, while upper-classman dorm Ivory Tower was ranked as number 8. If partying isn't your scene, DC has endless activities, festivials, and events throughout the city. Oftentimes, places like the Smithsonian Institution, Library of Congress, and so on are free. Or, you can delve into the historical side of DC, visiting U St. for some concerts at 930 Club or shopping in Georgetown. As for extra curricular activities, I am the vice president of GW's chapter of The National Society of Collegiate Scholars and Campus Correspondent for Her Campus GW. It can be very easy and in the end a rewarding experience to get involved on campus.