Washington, DC is where the unexpected meets ordinary joys, where the world meets your fingertips, and where your AU journey begins.

By: Jeremy Lowe, Assistant Vice President for Undergraduate Admissions

I have long believed that where a college is located can be just as important as the college itself. And, in my humble opinion, Washington, DC is one of the best places in the country to be a college student.

American University is fortunate to call DC home, and the fabric of our community is deeply woven into the District. For most, DC brings to mind the many monuments and memorials and museums that dot the region. While the capital backdrop defines our city, the rich tapestry of culture, entertainment, and environment makes DC a well-rounded destination for any college student.

Adams Morgan neighborhood in Washington, DC. Photo by Jeff Watts. 

One thing I like most about Washington, DC is that it’s an international city. You’ll meet people here from every corner of the world, who bring with them rich experiences and perspectives that positively shape the student and broader community experience. One distinctive aspect of AU’s location on Massachusetts Avenue is the proximity to embassies that envelop the campus. Commonly referred to as “Embassy Row,” the streets surrounding AU bring cultural events, embassy receptions, and the famed Halloween tradition of trick-or-treating around the globe, all without leaving the neighborhood. Add world-class museums, restaurants, arts and entertainment, and sporting events—you’ll never run short of ways to fill your calendar. DC quite literally has it all.

American University’s campus is strategically located in a beautiful residential district of Washington, DC.

Living in the DC area also means you’re not sacrificing metropolitan appeal for natural beauty. The city punches above its weight when it comes to outdoor activities, and AU’s campus is near it all. Beyond being a designated arboretum that blends nature into our campus atmosphere, American University is less than a 15-minute walk from Rock Creek Park, one of the nation’s largest urban parks (double the size of Central Park!). There, you’ll find hiking trails and wooded spaces that feel worlds away from the city’s hustle. A short drive takes you to Great Falls National Park, perfect for hiking, rock climbing, and kayaking, while day trips to Shenandoah National Park or the Maryland Eastern Shore open up even more opportunities to explore.

Rock Creek Park is the first national park established in a major U.S. city. 

All of this is within reach thanks to the city’s Metro system, which puts Washington, DC at your fingertips. The Metro makes it easy to explore without a car, and its reach into surrounding neighborhoods and suburbs means adventures extend well beyond the district. With a station just down the road from campus, students can be downtown in minutes, whether it’s for an internship on Capitol Hill, a Smithsonian Museum visit, or a concert at the famed 9:30 Club. And you don’t have to worry about constantly having to reload your farecard—AU’s U·Pass program provides unlimited rides throughout the semester on Metrorail and Metrobus (including express and airport shuttle buses) for all full-time undergraduate, graduate, and law students. For AU Eagles, the city truly becomes part of their campus.

American University’s U·Pass program allows students to save money on Metro, avoid the hassles of driving, and help us take cars off the road for a cleaner environment.

Washington, DC is an incredible place to be a college student, but more than that, it’s a place where AU students build community, grow as changemakers, and find a sense of belonging.

What begins as an exciting new city soon becomes a place to call home.

American University students cheer on the Washington Nationals with Clawed Z. Eagle and Screech during the annual AU Night at Nats Park.