Welcome Back, Hoyas! 

Sun shining through the trees on Healy Lawn and a Corp coffee in hand, welcome to — or back to — the Hilltop. From all of the editors, reporters and staffers at The Hoya — Georgetown’s oldest and largest student newspaper of record for the past 100 years — we are excited to get to know you and see you around campus. 

For all of us at The Hoya, our experiences at Georgetown have been life-changing, and we hope your time here will be equally as impactful. Coming to Georgetown’s campus, whether or not you have been here before, can be a complicated transition. 

If you find yourself asking, “Is Lau 5 the right floor to meet for a rowdy group project?” or, “Are Lime Scooters the most efficient way to bring my large suitcase to Reagan National?” or even, “Can I expect the Hoyas men’s basketball team to take home the national championship?” (to that, we continue to have high hopes!), the annual New Student Guide below will be a place to help you out, hopefully easing the transition back to campus. 

The seasoned editors of The Hoya know what they’re talking about — we have been on campus for the past few years, keeping an ear to the ground for the biggest stories that shape our university and the nation while utilizing the resources we think all students should know about. We hope that our 2025 New Student Edition can help you understand what to know about campus before you arrive this year, and we aim to provide you with a clear overview of what to expect. 

Our guide isn’t everything — take time to enjoy what Georgetown has to offer in all its forms. From relaxing on the front lawn with friends to enjoying the first Apple Pie Chai from Uncommon Grounds, we hope you get to learn the little things that we all love about Georgetown. Take advantage of getting to know your world-class faculty (yes, even that professor with a class of 200 people, they still want to meet you). Join that one club you’ve been eyeing for years (we would love to see you in The Hoya!). Explore the city and all it has to offer beyond Georgetown and the monuments. 

Most importantly, though, be yourself! You have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet an entirely new group of people and foster lifelong friendships. 

From everyone at The Hoya: Hoya Saxa, and welcome to Georgetown!

– Maren Fagan, Editor-in-Chief

Here’s a useful guide of all your on-campus dining needs! Georgetown University’s dining options are accessible through meal swipes, Flex dollars or meal exchanges — all of which are included in the first-year meal plan. You can check each location’s menus and hours here.

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

As anywhere in the Washington, D.C. area, Georgetown is home to a variety of restaurants and cafes with some delicious offerings. If you want a fun switch-up from Leo’s, try some of these picks located in Georgetown, Dupont Circle and Rosslyn, Va.

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.