Welcome (or welcome back) to the Hilltop! From all of our editors, writers and artists here at The Hoya — Georgetown University’s oldest and largest student newspaper of record for over 100 years — we’re so excited to get to know you. 

Whether you’re arriving at Georgetown for the very first time or a longtime campus visitor, an incoming first-year or new transfer, arriving at a new school always comes with excitement, a few nerves and, let’s face it, a whole lot of questions. “What’s a Hoya?” “Who’s Lau?” “How does it take this long to walk from Darnall Hall to the dining hall?” And if you’re anything like me, your most important question will be “Where’s the food?” 

Well, that’s where we here at The Hoya come in to help: Just scroll down and you’ll find our annual New Student Guide. Call it a cheat sheet on the transition to Georgetown, written by people who are experts on making that very transition themselves. We hope reading our tips on how to get around D.C., navigate campus and, yes, find delicious food will transmit our love for this school and its people. So keep reading: Whether you’re already well-researched on things like dorms or dining halls or brand-new to the secrets of Georgetown, you might just find a new restaurant to eat at, a new museum to visit or a new tidbit of trivia for one of the countless icebreakers you’ll participate in during the next few weeks.

But the contents of this guide aren’t everything at Georgetown — let the guide take care of the confusing and practical aspects of life here so that you can experience the fleeting, precious moments of joy that come with starting at Georgetown. Revel in the opportunities to form new friendships. Take advantage of every chance to get to know Georgetown’s incredible faculty. Sign up for every club that takes your fancy (ahem: https://thehoya.com/join-the-hoya/). Go out and explore the wonderful city and area that you now call home. Ask questions. And be yourself! It may take time, but you’ll soon find your feet and your people here at Georgetown.

From everyone at The Hoya, good luck and Hoya Saxa!

— Evie Steele, Editor in Chief

While exploring the Georgetown neighborhood and broader Washington, D.C., food scene is a part of many students’ college experience, not every night calls for a splurge at Mai Thai, El Centro or Good Stuff Eatery. Georgetown’s dining options — accessible through either meal swipes, Flex dollars or meal exchanges — are worth exploring in your first year with the mandatory unlimited-swipe plan. Get to know our on-campus dining options with this guide.</span>

Meal exchange (E), swipes (S), or flex dollars (F)

Academics and staying ahead in your classes represent some of the most important parts of your academic journey in college. Finding the perfect study spot is crucial to your academic success. 

When the monotony of Lauinger Library begins to bore you, don’t be afraid to venture off campus. The Georgetown neighborhood is home to many great study spots for when you want to switch up from your usual places to work.

Arriving at Georgetown University, no moment carries more trepidation than your first look at your new home in one of the school’s five first-year residence halls. Whether it’s Darnall in the far north of campus or New South on (duh) the south side, each first-year dorm has its differences — location, layout, room size — and its similarities: at least one resident assistant on each floor, at least one chaplain in each building and endless opportunities to form lasting friendships.