"I think that simply providing opportunites like these is amazing because many times I want to explore but don't know where to start, or how to plan and go through with the events."
2019 District Connections Participant
District Connections
District Connections links you with the cultural and intellectual diversity that Washington, D.C. has to offer. The program offers first-year undergraduate students at the George Washington University access to free weekly staff- and peer-led activities designed to connect the Class of 2024 to each other and to this vibrant city.
All District Connections events are small group experiences led by a staff or faculty member as well as a student leader and include time prior to departure for participants to get to know one another. Events are free of cost to students and registration is required. District Connections events are open to first-year undergraduate students only, unless otherwise noted in promotions.
District Connections has concluded for the 2019-2020 year.
Check back later this fall for information on upcoming events for the 2020-2021 academic year.
Events & Sign-Up
"I met so many cool people. I really connected with everyone"
2019 District Connections Participant
Capacity for District Connections events is limited in order to provide a more enjoyable experience that allows for participants to get to know each other in a small group of around 10-25. Please note that signing up does not guarantee your participation in the activity.
You’ll receive an email each month listing all of the upcoming District Connections events. Sign-up will remain open for one week. From all submissions, the participants are selected at random (just to keep it fair). Those selected are confirmed to participate and all others are moved to the waitlist. Everyone that signs up will receive notification if their participation is in confirmed status or waitlist status at least five days prior to the event. If you have questions in the meantime, just reach out to [email protected] and we’ll get right back to you!
If you sign up for an event, we strongly recommend holding the time on your calendar if you want to attend, even if you’re put on waitlist status. We typically see anywhere from 5-10+ cancellations leading up to an event and almost always dip into the waitlist!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can sign up for District Connections?
District Connections is open only to first-year undergraduate students at GW, unless otherwise noted in event promotions. Sign-up is open to all first-year undergraduate students at the George Washington University, but please note that signing up does not guarantee your participation in the activity.
How do I sign up for District Connections events?
All sign-up information will be listed within the event descriptions found on the Events and Sign-Ups page. Sign-up for all events will be shared with all first year students via email and will remain open for one week. From all submissions, the participants are selected at random (just to keep it fair). Those selected are confirmed to participate and all others are moved to the waitlist. Everyone that signs up will receive notification if their participation is in confirmed status or waitlist status.
Is there a cost to participate?
All District Connections events are free. Participants may be asked to cover the cost of transportation if taking Metro or MetroBus. Transportation will be noted in each event description. SmarTrip cards are available for purchase at stations or CVS and cost $10 (with $8 in fare included). If the cost of the card presents a challenge, feel free to reach out to [email protected]. Participants should expect to cover the cost of any discretionary spending (snack, souvenirs, etc.) while at the event
How do I get my ticket if I'm registered to attend?
Each event starts on the fifth floor of Marvin Center (unless otherwise stated) at the stated meet up time. You will receive your ticket here, if needed. Please bring your GWorld card and a government-issued ID, as some venues require additional identification. Participants under 18 must submit the parent/guardian signed travel waiver (PDF) in advance (no later than 48 hours prior) in order to participate.
Can I get my ticket early and meet the group at the event?
We ask that participants all meet at designated location and travel with the group. We do not provide tickets in advance. You are welcome to travel back to campus on your own following the event.
How do we get to the event?
The transportation plans for each event will be noted in the event description. Generally, if the destination is Metro accessible, the group will take the Metro and participants are expected to cover the cost of their own transportation. If the destination is not metro accessible, we will provide shuttle transportation. Regardless, participants for each event should meet on the fifth floor of Marvin Center at the stated meet up time and the group will travel together. If you have questions or concerns about a specific event or need assistance covering the cost of transportation for a specific event, please contact us at [email protected].
How long should I plan to be at the event?
Each event begins at the stated meet up time on the fifth floor of Marvin Center (unless there is another location designated). Prior to departing for the event, we include time for the participants to do brief introductions. The total time commitment varies per event, but we try to provide our best estimate of a total time, which includes when we anticipate returning to the Foggy Bottom campus based on event duration and travel time. These details are noted within each event description.
Can I attend more than one event?
Yes! Please feel free to sign up for any event in which you’re interested. Sign-up for all of the events remains open for seven days after the schedule is released via email. From those submissions, the participants are selected at random and all others are placed on the waitlist. You will receive notification indicating if your participation status is confirmed or waitlist.
Something came up and I can't go anymore. What should I do?
We understand that things come up - out of courtesy and respect for your classmates, please just be in touch! If you need to cancel your ticket, kindly let us know at [email protected] no later than 24 hours prior to the event start time so that we can ensure another student is able to enjoy the experience. If your event is scheduled for a Sunday or Monday, we ask that you provide notice before 5:00pm on the Friday before as it can be difficult to fill spots from the waitlist over a weekend. Nearly all of our events have a waitlist, so please keep in mind that failing to let us know your ability to attend has changed may prevent another student from enjoying the event.
Participants who fail to show up and/or fail to notify us of a cancellation prior to 24 hours before the event (for 5:00pm on Friday for Sunday/Monday events) will be charged a no-show fee of $15 to their Student Account.
The event I want to attend is full/closed. Is there a waitlist?
Capacity for our District Connections events are limited in order to provide a more enjoyable experience that allows for participants to become acquainted with each other. Sign-up for all of the events remains open for seven days after the schedule is released via email. From those submissions, the participants are selected at random and all others are placed on the waitlist. You will receive notification indicating if your participation status is confirmed or waitlist. Should a ticket become available, we will notify the next person on the waitlist (based on the original random sorting).
If you find that the event you’re interested in is already closed for registration, just send us a note at [email protected] and we will add you to the waitlist or to the event participant list whenever possible.
What if my plans change?
If your participation is confirmed and you need to cancel your ticket, we ask that you do so at least 24 hours prior to the event start time by emailing [email protected]. If the event is on a Sunday or Monday, you must cancel no later than 5:00pm on the Friday prior, as weekend cancellations make it difficult to fill openings from the waitlist. Late cancellations and no-shows will result in a $15 fee added to your student account. This is to minimize the number of wasted tickets and maximize the number of students that are able to enjoy these experiences.
Who can I contact for more information, with questions, or with ideas for future events?
We welcome and encourage your feedback on the program and ideas for future events. District Connections is coordinated by GW’s Student Life team. Please contact [email protected] or 202-994-6555 with questions.
We welcome and encourage your feedback - let us know how we’re doing!
