Affinity Housing

Affinity Housing presents the opportunity for students at the George Washington University to define and create their own living community around their particular needs and interests. This is a great opportunity for registered student organizations, athletic groups, and academic groups to live together, but Affinity groups are not required to be tied to organization or department.

All members of an affinity group will play a role in leading and crafting the shared experiences of their community. Affinity communities have the opportunity to receive programmatic support to build connections among themselves and the larger residential community, as well as the intentional support from residential staff. Although each Affinity has a different focus and structure determined by the group, the goals of these communities are to:

Encourage active engagement in community creation
Enhance student’s overall educational experiences and sense of community
Foster learning through group discussion, activities, and communal living
Encourage support and respect of self, community, and society.

All affinities are located within the District House residence hall on the north and south ends of the building.

If you're a current Affinity resident who questions about affinity living, please contact your Community Coordinators for District House.

District House North Affinity Dimensions

District House South Affinity Dimensions

Previous Affinity Housing Groups

Black and African Women's Affinity: The Black and African Women's Affinity at GW unites women who share the diverse cultures and experiences of Black and African women. It provides a supportive space for connection, empowerment, and celebration of these identities. The group fosters sisterhood, helping members navigate campus life and build a strong sense of community. Through open dialogue, the affinity promotes unity and belonging.
Women Empowering Women Affinity: Women Empowering Women is an affinity for women who are passionate about succeeding in male-dominated fields and advocating for feminist values. This diverse community brings together women from various backgrounds, united by a shared desire to uplift and empower each other.
Casa Blanca Affinity: Casa Blanca is an affinity for students with Latina/Latino cultural backgrounds. This community provides a "home away from home" where members can connect with their roots, build lasting friendships, and feel empowered to express themselves authentically.
Women of Color Affinity: The Women of Color Affinity is a space for women of color at GW, each with unique racial backgrounds, to build community, find support, and celebrate their diverse identities. This affinity fosters a sense of belonging and empowers women to navigate the challenges of a predominantly white institution.
Women's African Diaspora: The Women's African Diaspora Affinity is a community for women of African descent, including Afro-Latinas, Caribbean women, African Americans, and Africans. This affinity provides a supportive space for women navigating the challenges of a predominantly white institution and fosters a strong sense of sisterhood among members.
Men of Color: The Men of Color Affinity is a community for men of color at GW. This affinity provides a supportive space for members to connect, build relationships, and navigate the challenges of a predominantly white institution. The affinity aims to foster academic and personal growth among its members while promoting a strong sense of brotherhood.
Muslim Women: The Muslim Women’s Affinity fosters sisterhood and support for Muslim women at GW. It provides a space to connect, practice faith, and build community through events like Ramadan meals and prayers. The group promotes unity and understanding while empowering members to celebrate their identity and feel at home on campus.
Women's Leadership Program: The Women’s Leadership Program (WLP) Affinity brings together students at GW who are part of the WLP, an inspiring program dedicated to empowering women leaders. Through mentorship, skill-building, and leadership opportunities, the affinity creates a supportive space for women to connect, grow, and inspire each other. Members are motivated by the program’s values to lead with confidence, embrace diversity, and drive positive change on campus and beyond.
LGBTQIA+: The LGBTQIA+ Affinity provides a safe and inclusive space for queer students at GW, including those who are out and those who are not yet ready to share their identities. It fosters connection through community-building events, dialogue, and support, offering a sense of belonging and understanding. The group empowers members to navigate their journeys authentically while building meaningful relationships and promoting acceptance across campus.
Sober Living: The Sober Living Affinity provides a supportive space for students committed to a substance-free lifestyle. It fosters connection through shared experiences, community events, and mutual encouragement. The group empowers members to thrive in their personal and academic journeys while promoting wellness and balance on campus.
International Students: The International Students Affinity creates a welcoming space for students from around the world to connect, share experiences, and celebrate their diverse cultures. It fosters community through events, support networks, and dialogue, helping members navigate life at GW. The group empowers international students to feel at home and thrive academically, socially, and personally.
Asian and Pacific Islander: The Asian and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Affinity celebrates the rich diversity of cultures, traditions, and identities within the AAPI community. Representing backgrounds from across Asia and the Pacific Islands, the group fosters connection, understanding, and pride through community events and dialogue. It empowers members to share their heritage, build meaningful relationships, and thrive together at GW.

Two Affinity students hold up a prize they won at an Affinity Housing Activity

If one of these current affinities does not pique your interest, you will have the opportunity to submit materials, including a purpose statement and confirmed roster, for review and consideration to be a new affinity group. New affinity groups will be considered and approved based on availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Affinity?

An Affinity is a themed living community within District House at GW, where students with shared interests or identities can live together.

How many people can live in an Affinity?

Each Affinity requires a minimum of 16 members and can accommodate a maximum of 20 members.

How is cleaning managed?

Affinity spaces in District House are cleaned and restocked once a week by
facilities staff, free of charge.

This is a privilege not available to other students on campus.
Trash must be bagged, and boxes should be broken down and placed near the
main elevators.
If the kitchen trash is full, residents are responsible for taking their own trash to
the trash chutes.

If trash accumulation becomes an issue, the following steps will be taken:

First and second warnings: Email notifications will be sent to all members.
Third warning: A mandatory meeting will be held with all Affinity members.
Continued non-compliance: Cleaning services (including restocking of
supplies) may be revoked for the semester or the entire academic year. Fines
may also be imposed.

What is an Affinity liaison?

An Affinity Liaison is a designated representative who helps coordinate
community events and ensures effective communication between the Affinity and
the university.

Starting in Fall 2025, Affinity Liaisons will receive a $500 housing rate reduction per
semester if they fulfill these responsibilities:

Reside in the designated affinity space.
Serve as the primary contact for Community Coordinators and the Graduate Affinity
Coordinator.
Schedule and attend one affinity-wide meeting per semester with staff.
Plan and organize one affinity-exclusive bonding event per semester.
Collaborate with a Community Engagement Assistant to host one building-wide
event per semester.
Participate in Affinity Kickoff events each semester.
Share updates and communications from District House staff as needed.

Note: Failure to meet these expectations in Fall 2025 will result in losing the $500 housing credit for Spring 2026.

How do I sign up for an Affinity?

To propose an idea for an Affinity or to become an affinity liaison, you must submit the Affinity Application. The application closes on February 9th, 2025.

If you would like to join an affinity that is already created, you can do so on your housing application when it opens.