Welcome Week is the kickoff to your GW experience — five days packed with events, resources, and opportunities to find your people. Whether you are a first-year arriving on campus for the first time or a senior returning for one more year, here is how to make the most of it.
Monday: Move-In and the Involvement Fair
The week starts with move-in day across all residence halls. Student Association volunteers will be stationed at every major entrance to help carry boxes, answer questions, and hand out campus maps. By 3 PM, the Involvement Fair takes over University Yard, where more than 450 student organizations set up tables. This is your chance to sign up for anything from the GW Debate Society to the Climbing Club.
Pro tip: bring a tote bag. You will collect a lot of flyers, free pens, and stickers. And do not try to sign up for everything — pick three to five organizations that genuinely interest you and follow up with them during the first week of classes.
Tuesday: Campus Resources Tour
Tuesday is all about finding your support systems. The Student Association hosts a self-guided tour of key campus resources, including the Writing Center, the Career Center, Gelman Library, and the Colonial Health Center. Each stop features a brief orientation and a chance to meet the staff.
We strongly recommend visiting the Colonial Health Center early. Knowing where to go before you need it makes a huge difference. Same goes for the Career Center — even freshmen should stop by to learn about resume workshops and internship timelines.
Wednesday: DC Exploration Night
One of the best parts of attending GW is living in the heart of Washington, DC. Wednesday evening, the Student Association organizes group trips to iconic DC spots — the National Mall at sunset, Georgetown waterfront, and the U Street corridor. Students sign up in advance and depart in groups led by upperclassmen.
This is consistently rated as the most memorable event of Welcome Week. There is something about standing on the Lincoln Memorial steps with a group of new friends that makes GW feel like home.
Thursday: Academic Welcome
Thursday shifts focus to academics. Each school hosts its own welcome session where students meet their advisors, learn about degree requirements, and get a tour of their academic building. The Student Association also runs a panel called "How to Succeed at GW" featuring upperclassmen sharing honest advice about course selection, time management, and balancing academics with campus life.
Friday: First Night on the Mall
Welcome Week culminates with First Night on the Mall — a celebration that brings the entire incoming class together on the National Monument grounds. There is live music from student performers, food trucks, and a keynote speaker. This year, we are thrilled to welcome a GW alum who now serves as a senior advisor at the State Department.
The night ends with a group photo on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. It is a tradition that dates back over a decade and is the perfect way to close out your first week as a GW student.
Getting Involved Beyond Welcome Week
Welcome Week is just the beginning. The Student Association runs events and programs all year long. Join our mailing list at the involvement fair, follow us on social media, and check our blog for weekly updates. If you are interested in joining the Student Association itself, elections for first-year representatives happen in September — watch for the announcement.
Welcome to GW. We are glad you are here.
