Orientations & Arrival Information
Welcome to Georgetown! Our office provides many services to assist you in your transition to life at Georgetown University. Orientation will assist you in your transition to life in the United States and at Georgetown.
International Pre-Orientation (IPO) - for undergraduate students, transfer students, and OIP exchange students
International Graduate Orientation (IGO) - for graduate degree students
International Housing Search (IHS) - available for graduate degree students and OIP exchange students living off-campus
Weekly Orientation for Scholars - for new J-1 scholars
Visa & Immigration Pre-Arrival Guide
Visa & Immigration Pre-Arrival Guide for Exchange Students
Preparing for Georgetown University
Cellular Phones | GOCard/Identification | Health Insurance | Housing | Immunizations | Money, Tuition, & Living Expenses | Checklist
Preparing for Washington, D.C.
Climate | Resources for Families | Safety | Transportation & Getting to Campus | Getting Around Washington D.C. | Parking
Cellular Phones
Many students purchase cell phones while living in the United States. The cell phone providers offer various service plans to meet your calling needs. Students should research the plans carefully to determine which services will be the most valuable. Please see a list below of various cell phone providers in the D.C. metro area.
| Verizon 1-888-466-4646 www.verizonwireless.com | Sprint/Nextel 1-800-777-4681 www.nextel.com | T-Mobile 1-800-866-2453 www.t-mobile.com |
| Cingular/ AT&T 1-800-331-0500 www.att.com | Virgin www.virginmobileusa.com |
Your GOCard will be your official identification card on campus. You can use it for university transportation, parking, printing, on and off-campus debit at local restaurants and vendors, and more. You may send a digital photo of yourself to prepare your GOCard, before you arrive on campus. Find directions and more information at the GOCard site.
Georgetown University requires all students to have adequate health insurance. Health care in the United States is extremely expensive. Private companies offer insurance plans that vary greatly in cost and coverage.
J-1 exchange visitors are required by law to maintain adequate health insurance for themselves and for each of their J-2 dependents throughout their program of study.
The University offers a special group plan for students. Please review it carefully for cost and coverage information. The health insurance plan may be accepted or waived online. Students who do not actively waive the University's plan will be automatically charged the cost of University health insurance coverage. Students wishing to waive the University insurance policy must bring a copy of their alternate coverage plan (in English) as well as proof of plan enrollment to prove that the benefits equal or exceed the coverage provided by Georgetown University. Please bring these documents to registration.
The Georgetown insurance plan offers medical prescription coverage but does not cover dental care or prescriptions for eye glasses or contact lenses. Furthermore, students should be aware that most plans have a "deductible" or amount that you must pay before the insurance company begins to cover any medical expenses. Insurance costs will increase significantly when a spouse and/or children are added to the plan.
Please visit the Georgetown web site for more information on health insurance.
By provision of District of Columbia law, all Georgetown University students under the age of 26 are required to present evidence of immunity to Measles, Mumps, Poliomyelitis, Diphtheria, Tetanus and Rubella (German measles). Students under the age of 18 must be vaccinated against Polio. You must submit a completed Georgetown Immunization Report before the semester begins, or you will be blocked from class registration. Students under the age of 26 must have a physician complete the Immunization Form and send it directly to the University's Student Primary Care Clinic.
If you do not have all required immunizations before arrival, you will be required to obtain them in the United States (at your own expense) before registration. Students 26 years of age or older are not required to submit any immunization documents to the University and may disregard these instructions.
In addition, all students regardless of age are screened for Tuberculosis by a risk assessment questionnaire consistent with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and the American College Health Association. While not all students will require a tuberculin skin test, all Medical, Nursing and GEMS (health professions) students must submit immunization information and a tuberculin skin test.
Money, Tuition, & Living Expenses
Initial Expenses
Washington, D.C. is one of the most expensive areas in the United States. If you do not yet have a U.S. bank account, you will need at least $2,000 in traveler's checks and $200 in cash upon arrival. This money will cover initial expenses such as transportation, meals, lodging, textbooks and supplies, and cell phone costs. You may also need funds for initial rent and security deposits as well as tuition.
Traveler's checks are immediately negotiable. International bank drafts are acceptable, but funds may take longer to become available. We strongly advise against carrying large amounts of cash. Foreign currency can be exchanged immediately at any of the airports in the Washington area and at most large banks. Banks in the area charge service fees for cashing foreign checks.
Bank Accounts
We recommend you open a bank account as soon as you arrive. Using an international bank will facilitate wiring money from your home country. Service charges and interest rates vary. Foreign checks may require 4 - 6 weeks before funds become available at a U.S. bank. Traveler's checks are the best way to make initial deposits. Two pieces of identification are generally required to open an account. Banks in the Georgetown area include:
| Georgetown University Alumni and Student Federal Credit Union 3700 O Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20057 Phone: 202.687.8616 Fax: 202.338.7635 Branch & ATM on campus www.guasfcu.com/ | Chevy Chase Bank 1204 Leavey Center Georgetown University 3800 Reservoir Rd. NW Washington, D.C. 20007 Phone: 202.625.5440 Fax: 202.625.5443 Branch & ATM on campus www.chevychasebank.com | Citibank 1901 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington, DC 20007 Phone: 800.627.3999 Fax: 202.298.2850 www.citibank.com |
| PNC Bank 1201 Wisconsin Avenue NW Washington, D.C. 20007 Phone: 202.835.5593 Fax: 202.835.8553 ATM on campus www.pncbank.com/ | Wachovia Bank 2901 M ST NW Washington, D.C. 20007 Phone: 202.637.2502 Fax: 202.625.2590 www.wachovia.com/ | Bank of America 1339 Wisconsin Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20007 Phone: 202.624.4465 Fax: 202.624.4011 www.bankofamerica.com |
Wiring Money from Overseas
After opening a bank account in the United States, you may make arrangements to transfer funds from foreign banking institutions. Wire transfers may take up to 48 hours and require a fee. Speak with a bank representative for more detailed instructions on wiring money from overseas.
Tuition and Living Expenses
Tuition payment is due at the time of registration. Students who are responsible for covering the cost of tuition and fees with personal or family funds should be prepared to submit payment at the time of registration. The University accepts personal checks, cashier's checks, cash, money orders, and traveler's checks. Credit cards are not accepted.
You will need a minimum of $1,730 per month for living expenses. This figure includes only the cost of rent and meals. Students should budget additional funds to pay for health insurance, textbooks, local travel, winter clothing, household furnishings and entertainment.
Students with dependents will need an additional $864 per month for a spouse and $432 per month for each dependent child to cover the cost of their basic living expenses.
 | Pay the SEVIS fee and obtain your visa and visas for any dependents. |
| Make travel reservations. You must arrive by the start date on your I-20/DS-2019 Form. |
| Prepare your finances. If you do not have a U.S. bank account, you will need at least $2,000 in traveler's checks and no more than $200 in cash. You should wire transfer other funds for tuition and rent. |
| Give family members a contact address and the information for International Student and Scholar Services. |
| Pack all identification and important correspondence from Georgetown University in your hand luggage. Include the following: original letter of admission, valid passport, Form I-20 or DS-2019, original financial documentation, driver's license, copy of birth certificate, immunization records and emergency personal items, e.g. medication. |
| If your passport was issued less than one year ago, bring a birth certificate or a second photo ID in order to obtain a U.S. Social Security number. |
| Bring adapters/converters for electrical appliances. The electrical current is 110-115 volts, 60 cycles AC. |
| Make reservations for a local hotel if you have not already secured housing. |
| Check the latest orientation information on our website. |
| And finally...bring photographs and cultural items that will remind you of home! |
Preparing for Washington, D.C.
When packing, prepare for a variety of temperatures. For current weather, please see: www.weather.com
Summer: | Winter: December - February cold, occasional snow -10° to 10°C (15° to 50°F) | Spring & Fall |
Washington is a major, cosmopolitan city. When walking after dark, you should be careful about your personal safety and belongings. Always be aware of your surroundings and try to travel in groups when going out in the evenings. Students who use common sense rarely have problems. If you have concerns about safety, contact the Georgetown Department of Public Safety at (202) 687-4343.
Transportation & Getting to Campus
We suggest that you plan to arrive in Washington, D.C. during U.S. business hours, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, when most University offices and area business are open. Washington, D.C. is served by three major airports: Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA), Dulles International Airport (IAD), and Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI). Unfortunately, Georgetown University is unable to provide airport pick-up.
From Dulles International Airport
Take Super Shuttle from Washington Dulles. Super Shuttle ticket counters are located on the lower level, just before exiting the building. Ask about special rates for Georgetown students.
OR
Washington Flyer airport buses leave regularly (from 5:45am -10:15pm) to West Falls Church Metro station. Purchase tickets ($9.00 one-way) at the Ground Transportation Center. Take the orange line from the West Falls Church Metro station to Rosslyn. From Rosslyn, take a taxi or the Georgetown University Transportation Shuttle (GUTS) to the University. (NOTE: Taxis directly from Dulles to the city are expensive - about $50.)
OR
Take the 5A Express Metrobus to Rosslyn. The bus costs $3.00. From Rosslyn, take a taxi or the Georgetown University Transportation Shuttle (GUTS) to the University.
From Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI)
Airport buses leave regularly from BWI to the Capitol Hilton Hotel in Washington. You can then take a taxi from the Hilton to the University. Amtrak trains travel frequently from BWI to Union Station. MARC trains run Monday through Friday. Please visit the website for train schedules.
OR
Take the B30 Express Metrobus to Greenbelt Metro station, and arrive at Rosslyn station by subway. The bus costs $3.00. From Rosslyn, take a taxi or the Georgetown University Transportation Shuttle (GUTS) bus to the University.
From Ronald Reagan National Airport
There are three options: 1) a taxi directly to the University, 2) the Metro (subway) from the airport to Dupont Circle in the center of Washington, and then the G-2 bus or the Georgetown University Transportation Shuttle (GUTS) bus to the University, or 3) the Metro from the airport to Rosslyn and then the GUTS bus to the university.
From Union Station and Greyhound or Trailways Bus Stations
There are several options. Take a taxi directly to the University or take the Metro (subway) from the train station to Dupont Circle and then a taxi, G-2 bus or the Georgetown University Transportation Shuttle to the University. It is not advisable to walk around Union Station alone after dark.
Helpful websites:
Amtrak Train | Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI) | Dulles International Airport (IAD) | Express Metrobus |
Georgetown University Transportation Shuttle (GUTS) | MARC Train | Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) | Super Shuttle | Washington Flyer
Getting Around Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. is diamond-shaped and divided into four sections: Northwest, Northeast, Southwest and Southeast (map). Public transportation (including buses, taxis and the Metro) covers most of the city and extends into the neighboring states of Maryland and Virginia. Since owning a car can be very expensive, and parking can be extremely challenging, many students rely on the city's extensive public transportation system.
Georgetown University is located in the Northwest section of the city. The Georgetown neighborhood has no Metro station, but buses and University shuttles travel regularly to nearby Metro stations. Many students live in the residential areas around the university and walk or bike to classes. Students who live in other parts of the city either use the Metro and bus, or pay the high cost of parking near the University.
Georgetown University Transportation Shuttle (GUTS):
University operated, free shuttles run regularly between the University and the Red Line (Dupont Circle), the Orange and Blue Lines (Rosslyn), and 2233 Wisconsin Ave. NW, as well as the Georgetown Law Center, in downtown D.C.
Buses:
Bus routes cover most of the city. Please note that bus service can be unreliable at night, that buses stop frequently, and that travel can be slow during peak travel hours. Exact change for the bus fare is required. Transfer between buses is permitted, but you must request a transfer ticket from the driver when you board the bus. Bus stops are marked by red, white and blue flags. The G-2 bus stops outside the main gates of the campus, traveling to and from the Metro stop at Dupont Circle (Red line). Check the website for detailed maps, hours of operation and fare information.
Metro:
The Metro system is safe and accessible in most parts of D.C. and some parts of Maryland and Virginia. Metro has five lines: the Blue, Orange, Red, Green and Yellow. Take a transfer ticket from the Metro station as you enter for a reduced bus fare. Tall brown columns with a white "M" and colored stripes, which indicate the lines, mark Metro stations. Each station has a map of the rail system. Check the Metro website for hours of operation and costs, as fares vary depending upon the time of day and distance traveled.
The nearest Metro stops to Georgetown University are in Rosslyn (Blue and Orange lines), Foggy Bottom (Blue and Orange lines) and Dupont Circle (Red line).
Rosslyn station is just over one kilometer across the Key Bridge in Arlington, Virginia. You may take a taxi, walk across the Key Bridge, or take a GUTS bus.
Dupont Circle Station is on the G-2 bus line, and is also accessible by a GUTS bus. The G-2 stops directly outside Georgetown University at Healy Gates.
Foggy Bottom/George Washington University Station is located at I and 23rd Streets, a 2 km walk from the University. City buses, numbered 30, 32, 34 and 36, run between this Metro station and the intersection of Wisconsin and O Streets.
Taxi Service:
Taxis are convenient but are more expensive than the bus or Metro. Taxi fares within D.C. are determined by a zone system; a map outlining these city zones is posted inside every taxi cab. Cab fares vary depending on the number of zones traveled, the time of day, the number of passengers and the weather conditions. Ask the driver to estimate your fare before you accept a ride in a cab. A 10-15% tip on the cab fare is customary. To decipher the zone system, visit the website listed above (of note, the D.C. government has mandated a switch to "time and distance meters" however it has not yet posted its timeline or transition plan).
All on-campus parking requires a current and properly displayed Georgetown University permit or a visitor parking pass issued by the Office of Transportation Management (OTM). Parking permits and passes allow parking ONLY in the lot for which the permit or pass was issued. Individuals who park in unauthorized lots will be cited.
Please see the Office of Transportation Management website for current parking rates and procedures for getting permits.
Weekly Orientation for Scholars
All new J-1 scholars are required to attend an orientation at OIP within 30 days of the start date of the DS-2019 Form. If you are unable to attend an orientation within that period, please contact your IS Advisor. Orientations are held every Tuesday from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at OIP on the 2nd floor of Poulton Hall. Please try to attend the Tuesday session following your arrival. You should bring your passport and visa documents to this meeting as well these same documents for any dependents. Topics covered in the orientation include regulations governing J-1 visa status, social security numbers, work, travel, health insurance and living in Washington. Please make plans to arrive on time as the session must cover many topics in a short period of time.
OIP must confirm your arrival with Immigration within 30 days of the start date of your DS-2019 Form in order for you to remain legally in the United States. You must attend this session in order for your arrival to be confirmed.
Please note: if you intend to travel outside of the United States after your arrival, you will need to obtain your IS Advisor's signature on the DS-2019 Form in order to re-enter the United States.
Tel: 202.687.5867 | Fax: 202.687.5944 | Web: http://oip.georgetown.edu/isss
