George Washington UniversityMove-In Guide
Washington, Washington, D.C.
🏫 Private UniversityEst. 1821🔗 www.gwu.edu
George Washington University's Foggy Bottom campus sits blocks from the White House and State Department, anchored by the historic Lisner Auditorium, with undergraduates required to live on campus for their first two years in halls including Thurston, Madison, and Potomac House.
Enrollment
24,500
Total Students
Freshman Class
6,125
Approx.
Move-In Dates
Aug 17-23, 2026
Fall 2026
Acceptance Rate
44%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Details
Sign up for a 30-minute arrival timeslot through the GW Home portal once your eligibility email arrives over the summer. Select groups (certain living-learning communities, athletics, some pre-semester programs) move in earlier on designated days. Vehicles must be removed from unloading zones promptly - check the specific time limit for your hall. Because arrival times are scattered throughout the week, GW isn't able to reserve long-term parking directly in front of residence halls.
Check your assignment in the housing portal for your specific date and time - your exact move-in date is shown above in the Overview.
Move-in day logistics
- Arrival window
- Arrive during your scheduled 30-minute timeslot - there may be a short wait before you're directed to a temporary parking and unloading spot.
- Check-in location
- Go check in first, and have your driver and others wait in the car - if your check-in location differs from your assigned residence hall, go to the building that corresponds to your specific check-in location first.
- Parking
- You'll be able to temporarily park in front, on the side, or behind your building to unload. Once unloaded, you'll be directed to the closest parking garage, where you'll receive a three-hour voucher - you may stay longer, but will be prompted to pay the fee difference upon departure.
Move-in day tips
- Arrive during your assigned move-in window - arriving early may mean waiting until your time slot.
- Bring a rolling cart or hand truck - campus carts can run out quickly during busy move-in periods.
- Have a parking backup plan - spaces near residence halls can fill up quickly, so know where you can unload if your preferred area is full.
- Watch the loading-zone time limit - many campuses require you to move your vehicle to longer-term parking after unloading.
Housing & Dorms
- Photo coming soon
Thurston Hall
Traditional · Coed
First-year only - Photo coming soon
Madison Hall
Traditional · Coed
- Photo coming soon
Potomac House
Traditional · Coed
Housing Links
Each available link goes directly to George Washington University's own specific page, not just its general homepage.
Orientation
First-Year Orientation (required, overnight two-day)
All new students are required to attend one orientation session.
June 1 - August 16, 2026
Orientation tips
- Register as early as your class allows - popular session dates fill up first.
- Bring a parent/guardian if separate family programming is offered.
- Check whether placement testing or advising sign-ups happen the same day.
Costs
Room & Board
$18,160
Estimated / Year
Nearby Essentials
- Walgreens0.4 miles
- Target2.2 miles
- CVS Pharmacy2.5 miles
- Wegmans3.3 miles
- Walmart4.5 miles
More Links
Checklists
Get the Ultimate College Move-In Checklist
A free, printable packing checklist covering everything from bedding to important documents - built for any freshman, including yours at George Washington University.
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