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
—
Approx.
Move-In Dates
August 17 - August 23, 2026
Fall 2026
Acceptance Rate
44%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Dates
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.
August 17 - August 23, 2026
Check your assignment in the housing portal for your specific date and time.
Move-in day tips
- Arrive during your assigned window - early arrivals often just wait longer.
- Bring a rolling cart or hand truck; loading-zone carts run out fast.
- Parking near freshman halls fills up quickly - have a backup plan or drop-off spot.
- Loading zones usually enforce a strict time limit (often 30 minutes) before you're expected to move your car to long-term parking.
- Activate your student ID online before you arrive - many schools require it for building and elevator access from day one.
- If you want your bed lofted or the frame height adjusted, check whether your school needs that request submitted online in advance - most won't do it on the spot.
- Check your school's specific package-acceptance window before shipping anything ahead - most won't hold early deliveries outside a set date range.
- Unpack essentials first: bedding, toiletries, and chargers, before anything else.
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
Links open George Washington University's website - not always the exact page, but a real starting point.
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
Nearby data coming soon.
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.
Share
Send this page to a roommate, a parent, or anyone else helping plan the move.