First-Year: Theme-Based Housing

GW Housing Programs’ residential house system converts traditional residential halls into theme-based houses, which focus on providing academic readiness and character development opportunities.  GW Housing Program’s Residential House System is a unique living program tailored to the interests of each of our diverse students.  

More information about each of our eight thematic Houses can be found below:

Science Village at Mount Vernon:

Residents of the Science Village at Mount Vernon will explore their surroundings with an eye-opening glimpse of the way that science affects their daily lives.  In addition to the exploration of traditional scientific fields of study such as earth sciences, bioscience and medicine, computer science, mathematics and engineering, first-year students in the Science Village will look at science through common activities like exercise (anatomy/exercise science); nature walks (ecology), recycling (sustainability), healthy eating (nutrition), computing (technology), and other experiences.

Politics and Public Policy House at Thurston:

In a setting situated just four blocks from the White House, the Politics and Public Policy House at Thurston provides first-year students with the opportunity to engage their interests in politics through lobbying, debate, law, and campaigning.  Students with an interest in political systems and the people behind the authority and power of politics will thrive in this environment.

Media and Public Affairs House at Somers:

The Media and Public Affairs House at Somers allows students with interests in both journalism and public affairs to assemble under one roof to engage with the ever-changing global society.  First-year students will participate in thematic cohorts such as public relations, mass communication, public affairs, and journalism, in order to learn how to engage in media in their daily lives.

Business and Entrepreneurship House at Crawford:

Residents of the Business and Entrepreneurship House at Crawford will critically examine the feasibility of new ideas, implement innovative solutions, and evaluate the success of their entrepreneurial ventures.  Those focusing on the world of business will explore hot topics through first-hand experiences with business and corporate leaders throughout the Washington, DC metro area.  Areas of interest to explore may include entrepreneurship, social entrepreneurship, marketing, administration, emerging markets, accounting, business ethics, corporate responsibility, product development, outsourcing, business plans, and information technology in business, as well as other topics in contemporary business practice.

Humanities and Sports Studies House at Madison:

The Humanities and Sports Studies House at Madison gives students a chance to explore the human condition through a variety of lenses. Literature and languages, history, theology and philosophy, psychology and sociology, sports studies, and American Studies are some of the disciplinary subjects that unify students in this House towards an exploration of human interaction with each other and with the world around us.

Global Perspectives and Diplomacy House at Thurston:

The Global Perspectives and Diplomacy House provides students with an interest in exploring multinational issues and tackling global affairs the forum necessary to support their interests in the areas of international law, cultural studies, international affairs, and peace and justice studies. Students with a co-curricular passion to operate on the world stage will thrive in this environment.

Education and Public Service House at Lafayette:

The Education and Public Service House at Lafayette offers students the opportunity to engage in discussions and activities centered on service learning, civic participation, and activism in education planning and policy.  Past residents interested in Education and Public Service have also benefited from participating in the early-arrival Community Building Community program sponsored by the Office of Community Service at GW.

Culture and Arts House at Mitchell:

Residents of the Culture and Arts House have the unique opportunity to live closely amongst other students who have similar interests in the visual arts, creative writing, performing arts, culinary arts, art history, ethnic diversity and cultural exploration. Many play musical instruments, dance, watch movies from different cultures, cook ethnic foods, sing, and experience the diverse D.C. community together. The Culture and Arts House is a place for students’ talents and interests to flourish within an artistic community alongside their peers.