About DC Unofficial Guide

CONTENTS
Where to Live in DC .................................................................................................................................... ..4
Summer Housing ....................................................................................................................................... 4
College Options ............................................................................................................................................. 4
Other Options ............................................................................................................................................... 4
Semester Housing ..................................................................................................................................... 4
Hospitals ........................................................................................................................................................ 5
How to Get Around DC ................................................................................................................................. 5
Metrorail ................................................................................................................................................... 5
Hours of operation ........................................................................................................................................ 5
How the Metrorail Works ............................................................................................................................. 5
Rules and Tips ............................................................................................................................................... 6
Metrobus .................................................................................................................................................. 7
Hours of operation ........................................................................................................................................ 7
Cost ............................................................................................................................................................... 7
DC Circulator ............................................................................................................................................. 7
Cost ............................................................................................................................................................... 8
Capital Bikeshare....................................................................................................................................... 8
Cost ............................................................................................................................................................... 8
What to do in DC: Major Sites ...................................................................................................................... 8
What to do in DC: Beyond the Monuments ................................................................................................. 9
Educational ............................................................................................................................................... 9
Brunch ....................................................................................................................................................... 9
Entertainment ......................................................................................................................................... 10
Summer ....................................................................................................................................................... 10
Where to Get Groceries .............................................................................................................................. 10
Summer ................................................................................................................................................... 10
Semester ................................................................................................................................................. 11
No Time for Cooking? ................................................................................................................................. 11
Must Tries ............................................................................................................................................... 11
Cheap Eats ............................................................................................................................................... 12
Shopping for Work Attire ............................................................................................................................ 12
For Women ............................................................................................................................................. 12
For Men ................................................................................................................................................... 13
Helpful Hints ........................................................................................................................................... 13







WHERE TO LIVE IN DC
DC is an expensive cityespecially for temporary residents like interns.
SUMMER HOUSING
COLLEGE OPTI ONS
In the summer, many DC universities open up their dorms and greek houses to interns. The most convenient place
to live as it serves as a hub for interns and is close to everything is George Washington University. From GW,
you have an easy walk to the White House, K Street, many shopping and eating locations, and great tourist spots.
You can also very easily hop on the Metro!
George Washington University: approximately $2800 - $4000 for 10 weeks
GW housing fills up relatively quickly. You can already express interest in GW summer housing so if you know for
sure you will be in DC, sign up now to receive advanced notification about GWs housing options and reservation
process.
American University: approximately $2500 - $3500 for 10 weeks
If at American University, be prepared to take the bus or metro everywhere because this school is located in a DC
suburb.
Georgetown University: approximately $2900 for 10 weeks
If at Georgetown, be prepared for lots of walking/bus riding! There is no metro stop in Georgetown.
OTHER OPTIONS
Thompson-Markward Hall: approximately $900/month
Thompson-Markward Hall temporarily houses women between the ages of 18 and 34 that are new to the city for
work or study. This place is very conveniently located on Capitol Hill, within walking distance of congressional
offices.
Subletting
Just like at Penn, there are many college students that sublet out their places for the summer. If you have friends
at DC schools, definitely reach out (as early as possible) in your search for a summer sublet. Subletting can
certainly be cheaper than dorm living. You can also check out Craigslist for subletting options.
SEMESTER HOUSING
Penn in Washington Semester provides housing at University of California, DC. UCDC is located at 1608 Rhode
Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036, which is located in the heart of all the action in DC.

HOSPITALS

George Washington University Hospital
900 23rd St NW
Washington, DC
(202) 715-4911
This hospital is down the street from the Foggy Bottom metro.
There are also a great deal of primary care facilities and doctors throughout the DC metro area. Be sure to check
with your parents/insurance company about how you can see a doctor while you are in Washington.
HOW TO GET AROUND DC
METRORAI L
The easiest way to get around DC is by Metrorail, especially during the summer when it is always humid and
always hot. The Metro runs through the entirety of the Washington, DC metropolitan area, as well as into Virginia
and Maryland.
HOURS OF OPERATI ON
Open: 5am Monday Friday 7am Saturday Sunday
Close: 12am Sunday Thursday 3am Friday - Saturday
The cost of your trip is dependent on the time of day and distance of your trip. You can use the Trip Planner and
Fare Finder (located on right side of page) on WMATAs website to determine exactly how much your trip will be,
as well as the precise time of the next train!
If you are going to be taking the Metro often which you most likely will it is very wise to get your own SmarTrip
card. Without a SmarTrip card, your Metro trips will be $1 more each way because of a surcharge applied to all
paper farecards. SmarTrip cards cost $5 and can be bought in Metro stations, as well as at convenience stores,
such as CVS.
Register your card because Metro will replace it and the value on the card if it is lost or stolen for a $5 fee. You can
register your card and add balance online at smartrip.wmata.com.
HOW THE METRORAIL WORKS
There are five Metro lines:
Red - Glenmont to Shady Grove
Orange - New Carrollton to Vienna/Fairfax-GMU
Blue - Franconia-Springfield to Largo Town Center
Green - Branch Ave to Greenbelt
Yellow - Huntington to Mt Vernon Sq 7th St-Convention Center.
All of the Metro lines intersect, making it easy to switch between lines to reach your final destination. It is always
wise to plan out your trip before embarking. Below is a map that you can use to figure out when and where you
need to get off or make a connection. You can also find this map on WMATAs website.




















RULES AND TI PS
There are many rules that make DCs Metro stricter than Philadelphias Septa. Here are some rules and tips:
No eating or drinking is allowed on Metro.
Allow people to get off the train before you board.
Handicapped seating must be available for the disabled or elderly.
The most crowded times are 7:45 to 8:45 a.m. and 4:45 to 5:45 p.m.
The busiest days are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
If you have flexibility in your schedule, consider riding Metro during the reduced fare hours: after 9:30
a.m., before 3 p.m. and after 7 p.m. on weekdays.
Save time by keeping enough fare on your farecard or SmarTrip card so that you dont have to add money
at the vending machine each time you ride.
Keep your money and valuables out of sight.
Call boxes are located at the end of each rail car, if needed to report an emergency.
Sign up for MetroAlerts at wmata.com to get timely, targeted Metro information sent right to your
desktop or mobile device.
METROBUS
Another way to get around DC is by bus. Like the Metrorail, buses go through the DC metropolitan area, as well as
into the Virginia and Maryland suburbs.
HOURS OF OPERATI ON
24-hours-a- day, 7-days-a-week
Service intervals vary by time of day and by weekday/weekend to meet demand. Metrobus stops are designated
with red, white, and blue signs and the route number and destination are displayed above the windshield and on
the boarding side of the bus.
For planning bus trips, please see the Trip Planner or phone the Metro information line at 202-637-7000.
COST
$1.60 using SmarTrip
$1.80 using cash
$3.65 express routes using SmarTrip
$4.00 express routes using cash
There are discounts for bus-to-bus transfers and bus-to-rail transfers for those using SmarTrip cards.
DC CI RCULATOR
The DC Circulator is another great way to get around DC. Use this helpful mobile app to find out exactly when the
next bus will be arriving so you can plan accordingly.
There are 5 bus routes with buses arriving every 10 minutes:
Dupont Circle Georgetown Rosslyn Georgetown Union Station
Sunday Thursday: 7am Midnight Daily: 7am 9pm
Friday and Saturday: 7am 2am Additional Night Service:
Whitehaven McPherson Square Metro
Potomac Avenue Metro Skyland via Barracks Row Sunday Thursday: 9pm 12am
Winter Hours (Oct 1 Mar 31): Weekdays 6am 7pm Friday and Saturday: 9pm 2am
Summer Hours (Apr 1 Sep 30): Weekdays 6am 9pm,
Saturdays 7am 9pm
Woodley Park Adams Morgan McPherson Square Union Station Navy Yard
Sunday Thursday: 7am midnight Winter Hours: Weekdays 6am 7pm
Friday and Saturday: 7am 3:30am Summer Hours: Weekdays 6am 9pm
Saturdays 7am 9pm
COST
$1.00 using cash
$1.00 using SmarTrip
FREE transferring from Metrobus to Circulator
$.50 transferring from Metrorail to Circulator
Ride all you want by purchasing unlimited-trip passes before you board. One-Day ($3), 3-Day ($7), Weekly ($11)
and Monthly ($40) passes are available for purchase through CommuterDirect.com.
CAPI TAL BI KESHARE
If you prefer biking to taking public transportation, try Capital Bikeshare. After purchasing membership, you can
pick up a bike from one of 300 stations in the DC area and drop it off at another. The bikes are available 24 hours a
day, 356 days a year. You can purchase a bike key online and it will be shipped to you within a week. Once you get
it, just activate it online and youll be ready to unlock and use the bikes. Click here for more information on how to
become a member and use Capital Bikeshare.
Semester Students: There is a station at 17
th
& Rhode Island Ave NW, right next to the UCDC buildings.
Summer Students: There is a station at 22
nd
& I St. NW, right on George Washingtons campus.
COST
$75 for one year of membership
$25 for one month of membership
$15 for 3 days of membership
$7 for 24 hours of membership
But be careful! You will incur additional charges (as much as $1000) for any bike ride lasting over 30 minutes.
WHAT TO DO IN DC: MAJOR SITES
DC is full of history and great tourist locations. Before leaving DC, especially if this is your first time visiting, be sure
to check out:
The Three Houses of Government you can either set up an official tour through each of the buildings websites or
simply look in from the outside
Monuments and Memorials Here is a complete guide of all of the monuments and memorials in DC, from the
Lincoln Memorial to the Arlington National Cemetery
Smithsonian Museums African American History and Culture Museum, African Art Museum, Air and Space
Museum, Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center, American Art Museum, American History Museum, American
Indian Museum, Anacostia Community Museum, Arts and Industries Building, Freer Gallery of Art, Hirshhorn
Museum and Sculpture Garden, National Zoo, Natural History Museum, Portrait Gallery, Postal Museum, Renwick
Gallery, Sackler Gallery, Smithsonian Institution Building, The Castle
The Pentagon
Supreme Court when the Supreme Court is in session, you can sit in on oral arguments
Library of Congress
Georgetown Cupcakes beware of long lines!
WHAT TO DO IN DC: BEYOND THE MONUMENTS
Online resources for things to do: www.washington.org, www.washingtonian.com, www.365thingsdc.com,
www.brightestyoungthings.com, www.culturaltourismdc.org, and www.dclinktank.com
Be sure to also check out local newspapers and magazines for music festivals and other events that will be taking
place during your time in DC!
Washington City Paper offers a great summer entertainment guide that includes all types of events.
The Washington Post has a great going-out guide complete with a calendar and lists of the best places to eat and
drink.
Some big magazines have city guides for DC so definitely check the website of your favorite magazines for fun
things to do in DC!
A few examples are: NYLON, Washingtonian, TIME, Lucky Magazine
EDUCATI ONAL
Check the websites of think tanks that interest you for events. Many think tanks regularly have interesting
speakers and great panel discussions. There is a fantastic new resource that consolidates everything going on at
the think tanks in town on one site: http://dc.linktank.com/
Here are some links to events taking place at some of the most well-known think tanks: Heritage Foundation, AEI,
Center for American Progress, Brookings Institution
More museums!: Newseum, US Holocaust Memorial Museum, National Geographic Museum, National Museum of
Crime and Punishment, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum
BRUNCH
Best brunch places: Belga Caf, Red Derby, Granville Moores, the Agronaut, Oriental East, Tabard Inn, Caf Saint-
Ex, Birch and Barley, Cashions Eat Place, Kangaroo Boxing Club, Farmers Fishers Bakers, Masa 14, Perrys
Boozy brunch a popular activity in DC for those 21+
Best boozy brunch places (shared by CityEats): Founding Farmers, Quench, Tabard Inn, Teds Bulletin, Pizzeria
Orso, Seasons, A&J Restaurant, Cedar, Family Meal, Jackies Restaurant
ENTERTAINMENT
SUMMER
Jazz in the Garden: The free concert series features an array of jazz artists performing a wide variety of styles
including salsa, blusion, xylophone, and Afrofunkevery Friday evening from 5:00 to 8:30 at the National Gallery
of Art Sculpture Garden. For more information, click here.
Screen on the Green: watch classic movies on a giant screen in the middle of the National Mall every Monday
night, starting in July. For more information, click here.
National Capital Barbeque Battle: an annual competition between local barbeque restaurants means good food,
tons of music, and great fun. For more information, click here.
Annual Congressional Baseball Game: The annual baseball game is played by members of the United States
Congress. All proceeds go to a charity. For more information, click here.
WHERE TO GET GROCERIES
SUMMER
There are plenty of grocery stores in Foggy Bottom, which is where most interns will be located:
Whole Foods
2201 I Street NW
Washington, DC, 20037

Trader Joes
1101 25
th
Street NW
Washington, DC, 20037

FoBoGro
2140 F Street NW
Washington, DC, 20037

If youre looking for a convenience store, there are numerous CVS stores throughout Foggy Bottom:

CVS
1716 G St NW
Washington, DC, 20006

CVS Pharmacy
2125 E St NW
Washington, DC, 20037

CVS Pharmacy
2000 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, DC, 20006

The closest Target is in Columbia Heights
3100 14
th
St NW #201
Washington, DC 20010
The best way to get to Target is by Metrorail. From Foggy Bottom, take the Orange line to LEnfant Plaza and
transfer to the Green line. Take the Green line all the way to Columbia Heights. Target is about half a block up on
14
th
St NW from the Columbia Heights metro station.
SEMESTER
There are also some grocery stores very close to UCDCs campus for the semester students. Safeway and Whole
Foods are both only about a 10 minute walk away.
Safeway
1701 Corcoran Street NW
Washington, DC, 20009
Whole Foods
1440 P Street Northwest
Washington, DC, 20005
Trader Joes
1101 25th Street NW
Washington, DC 20037
There are also plenty of CVS stores nearby.
CVS Pharmacy
6 Dupont Circle Northwest
Washington, DC 20036
CVS Pharmacy
1637 P St NW
Washington, DC 20036
To get to the Target, take the S4 bus from the station on 16
th
St. & M St. to the station on NW Irving St. & NW 16
th

St. Walk two blocks east, and then turn left on 14
th
St. Target is about half a block up 14
th
.
NO TIME FOR COOKING?
Between interning and sightseeing in DC or interning, sightseeing, and going to class (for the PIW Semester kids),
you may not have much time for cooking. While there are restaurants everywhere in a big city like DC, it might be
helpful to know the favorites of DC residents.
Listed below are some great websites to find food for late nights, takeout runs, or that just tastes good.
MUST TRIES
Each year, DC Eater comes out with a list for the 38 essential Washington restaurants. The experts who make the
list are not only looking for restaurants with good tasting food but also with decent prices. Click here to read all
about their top restaurant choices, with food choices ranging from Indian to seafood to Spanish.
CHEAP EATS
The DCist has compiled a great list of cheap eats in DC. The list, compiled here, provides food choices starting at
$1.50 (for egg drop soup) and has nothing over $10.
The Washington Post has the best lists for everything, including cheap eats, chocolate shops, vegetarian
restaurants, and more. To start you off, look at the best cheap eats list here
The Washingtonian comes out with a Cheap Eats list during each summer. Here is the most recent list that boasts
finding the best restaurants for all cuisines under $25 a person (including tax and tip).
Food trucks are always a great option for cheap food on-the-go. Here is the official food truck tracker for
Washingtonian Magazine. It features dozens of food trucks whose locations update in real time.
Kramerbooks & Afterwords Caf & Grill is a bookstore/restaurant hybrid that was recommended by Fall 2013 PIW
Semester participants. The restaurant is open 24 hours Friday and Saturday!
SHOPPING FOR WORK ATTIRE
D.C. is more formal and conservative when it comes to clothing than most cities. It is not uncommon for people to
wear suits or business attire every day to work. That being said, every office is different so be sure to check in with
your internship coordinator about what is appropriate for your office. The best rule of thumb is to observe what
others are wearing and do the same. It also never hurts to be overdressed. The phrase "dress for the job you want,
not the job you have" certainly applies. People will take note!
There are tons of great shopping options in Washington DC. However, it might be best to get a lot of your business
casual, business attire while you are at home. Check department stores and favorite stores and come prepared!
FOR WOMEN

Appropriate wear: dress pants, skirts that reach the knee (nothing shorter!), work dresses, blouses (nothing too
revealing please!), sweaters, blazers, cardigans, button-down dress shirts
You may need a full pant or skirt suit depending on where you work.
Where to shop in DC:
Ann Taylor Banana Republic J Crew
1140 Connecticut Ave NW 3200 M Street, NW 3222 M Street, NW
Gap The Limited Zara
1258 Wisconsin Ave NW 1100 South Hayes St. 1238 Wisconsin Ave NW
Arlington, VA 22202

There are a lot of great shopping options in Georgetown, from many boutiques and high end stores to many of the
ones listed above (this is useful if you just want to shop and discover new stores!).
FOR MEN
Appropriate wear: one or two suits, one or two sports jackets, three or so pairs of pants (go with light-weight ones
if you're interning during the summer), ties (depending on the office)
Where to shop in DC:
Macys Mens Wearhouse Jos. A Banks
1201 G St NW 1024 Connecticut Ave NW 555 11th St NW

Lost Boys
1033 31st NW
HELPFUL HINTS
DO NOT: wear shorts or flip flops to work no matter how hot it is!!
Because of high levels of humidity in the summer, many people will change into their work attire upon arriving to
the office. Its okay to wear flip flops or casual shoes on the Metro or on your walk to work. Its also okay to wear
jeans and change in the restroom or a gym before entering the office.
FIND: a good dry cleaners!
Taking care of dress clothing requires special attention. Find a good dry cleaner to adequately take care of your
clothing. They are located on just about every block in DC and everyone has their favorite. Find one that is close to
your home or office!