Social Activities and Building Connections
On your Orientation Schedule you will find specific social activities, designated by a star symbol, that the Orientation team and campus partners alike, created for new students to engage with each other through social and late night events. Below you will find additional information about everything we have to offer.
Slack Chats
Join here to become a part of the Orientation Slack Workspace! Slack Chats consist of various Slack channels based on identity, undergraduate school, and interests for you to learn more, ask questions, and discuss life at GW with both incoming and current students! Add yourself to channels by clicking on the “+” by Channels to get in on the conversations with Orientation Leaders and other current students! If you are new to Slack, you can view our Slack How-To Guide. Once you have joined the Slack Workspace, use this URL (https://gwnewstudento-lrm1803.slack.com) to log back in, if needed!
Affinity Chats
Affinity Chats provides new students with opportunities to engage with affinity-based community groups across GW in an unfiltered, informative live session through Instagram @studentlifeatgw. To watch past Affinity Chats, please visit @studentlifeatgw and select the IGTV option (the scroll), located between the grid and tags.
| Episode | Date & Time |
| LGBTQIA+ Life at GW | August 4, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. ET |
| The First-Gen Experience | August 6, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. ET |
| AAPI @ GW | August 11, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. ET |
| The Black Student Experience (Part 2) | August 17, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. ET |
| The GW Latinx Community | August 18, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. ET |
| The South Asian Student Experience | August 24, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. ET |
Online Fitness Class
Lerner Health and Wellness Center, GW's campus recreation center, is dedicated to providing programming for students in the areas of intramural and sport clubs, fitness and wellness instruction and informal recreational opportunities. Join your peers in participating in the Online Fitness classes, see below for more information.
HIIT
August 5, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. ET
Access information:
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Zoom ID: 937 070 2011
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Password: gwrec
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Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9370702011?pwd=N1dmakg5Mlhtd2djRUUwZ1Nacy8vdz09
This class focuses on short duration, high intensity intervals paired with periods of lower intensity intervals for active recovery. This form of exercise can train the body to be more efficient. Expect to build endurance and lean muscle in this powerhouse of a fitness class.
Zumba
August 12, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. ET
Access information:
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Zoom ID: 937 070 2011
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Password: gwrec
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Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9370702011?pwd=N1dmakg5Mlhtd2djRUUwZ1Nacy8vdz09
Join the Latin dance sensation with this fusion of Salsa, Merengue, Cha-Cha, Reggaeton, and Belly Dancing moves. Set to Latin, International, and Hip-Hop music, Zumba® creates a dynamic, exciting, and effective workout. The routine features aerobic/fitness interval training with a combination of fast and slow rhythms that tone and sculpt the body.
LYT Yoga
August 20, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. ET
Access information:
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Zoom ID: 937 070 2011
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Password: gwrec
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Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9370702011?pwd=N1dmakg5Mlhtd2djRUUwZ1Nacy8vdz09
Created by PT and yogi Lara Heimann, the LYT method re-envisions Vinyasa yoga to maximize movement function in modern life. LYT classes are designed to encourage optimal communication between the brain and the body. An emphasis on core engagement and full body integration produces physical length through sustainable strength and reinforces movement habits that support health through all phases of life.
Mat Pilates
August 27, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. ET
Access information:
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Zoom ID: 937 070 2011
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Password: gwrec
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Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9370702011?pwd=N1dmakg5Mlhtd2djRUUwZ1Nacy8vdz09
Pilates is a low impact workout based on matching core exercises to breath. You will challenge your core and glutes with stability and mobility exercises aimed at improving posture and reducing lower back pain.
Real Talk
Student driven and designed, Real Talk GW, is a podcast-like series with current GW students discussing topics related to the student experience, every Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m. ET. on Instagram Live @studentlifeatgw. Real Talk has been running since the beginning of the summer 2020, to watch past Real Talk Episodes, please the Real Talk GW Vimeo page.
| Episode | Date |
| The New Normal | August 5, 2020 |
| The New Normal Pt. 2 | August 12, 2020 |
| Making Friends and Finding Communities | August 19, 2020 |
| DC Living and Urban Life | August 26, 2020 |
Small Group Socials
Small Group Socials are virtual social events that provide a casual, relaxed space for new students to build community within their Orientation group. With the help of their Orientation Leaders, students will engage in one of four social activities created to spawn discussion, connect students to their community, and help them acclimate to virtual events! For additional questions about how to participate please contact your Orientation Leader.
Creative Collab
Creative Collab is an event intended to bring together members of GW’s artistic community in order to welcome, connect, and support incoming students with a passion for performance. Students will experience a live, pre-recorded event showcasing performances from various student organizations. The link to view Creative Collab can be found here, join us on August 15th at 7:00 p.m. ET.
All Things GW Kahoot! Trivia Night
Brought to you by Lerner Health and Wellness Center, this is an “All Things GW” trivia night! Come test your knowledge of the University in a fun virtual environment using your computer and smartphones! You will need the FREE Kahoot! Please join at this link on August 18, 2020 at 8:00 p.m., the Kahoot! access code will be provided night of the event. Day of event contact, Erik Strouse ([email protected]).
E-Sports Tournament
Lerner Health and Wellness Center, GW's campus recreation center, is dedicated to providing programming for students in the areas of intramural and sport clubs, fitness and wellness instruction and informal recreational opportunities. Join your peers in participating in the various E-Sports Tournaments, see below for more information.
Super Smash Bro’s
August 24, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. ET
Links to register will be provided at a later date.
Super Smash Bros. is a popular Nintendo game where you battle with your favorite characters. Eliminate the opponent by giving them damage, and taking their lives until one is left remaining. The tournament will be rounds of best of 3.
Event contact:
George Bauman - [email protected]
Rocket League
August 28, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. ET
Links to register will be provided at a later date.
Rocket league is a competition game based on teamwork and outmaneuvering opponents. Players work with their team to advance the ball down the field, and score goals in their opponents' net. It is cross platform as well, so players on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Steam/PC, and Nintendo Switch will compete.
Event contact:
George Bauman - [email protected]
Capture the Spirit
On August 27, 2020 at 8:30 p.m. ET learn the GW Fight Song, win free adidas swag, and hear all you need to know about school spirit and GW Athletics. Join us online for Capture the Spirit 2020 so you're set to #RaiseHigh the Buff and Blue for the next four years. Links to register will be provided at a later date.
Student Leadership Panel
The Student Leadership Panel provides a unique opportunity for students to hear from their peer leaders in an informative live session hosted during the Orientation program. Students will hear advice related to the fall semester, getting involved on campus and making their mark on the GW community! Join us on August 13, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. ET, link to register can be found here.
Get to Know GW Fraternity & Sorority Life
Curious about joining a fraternity or sorority at GW? On August 29, 2020 from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. ET join student leaders from of each of our four fraternity/sorority Councils on Instagram Live, hosted by @gwfsl, to learn about the Greek Life experience and what it means to join a brother or sisterhood community at GW! Submit your questions ahead of time using this Google form (all question submissions are anonymous).
Get to Know GW! with Program Board
On August 22, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. ET, join GW Program Board for an evening of GW trivia! Get to know GW’s history and learn more about the college experience with current GW students. The winner will receive a special prize! Link to participate can be found here.
Coloring, Coffee & Academics: Destress and Prepare for Classes
On August 30, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. ET join other students and the GW Program Board to destress before classes! Grab a cup of coffee and crayons and hear advice about virtual classes from current students. Link to participate can be found here.
Weeks of Welcome
Weeks of Welcome at the George Washington University provides opportunities for students to connect, build relationships, learn about resources, and build a community at GW as they start a new semester. Weeks of Welcome will take place, August 31 - October 2, 2020. For more information please visit the Weeks of Welcome webpage.
Involvement
For additional ways to get inolved, a good place to start is by checking out the Student Life website to explore involvement, and to explore student organizations on Engage. Another great resource is the University Calendar, where you can find events University wide. Don't hesitate to reach out to organizations directly or the Student Life team for additional support or questions, at [email protected].