inandoutthoughts asked: Hello!I will be an incoming freshman, and I was wondering, how is the transportation system? Is it worth it to own a bike?Thanks!
Hello there!
Congratulations! We’re excited to see you on campus in the fall!
As for transportation, the public bus system rights right next to campus, which is very convenient. The metro (Tenleytown-AU) is a mile away from campus. You can take the AU shuttle or walk. It’s a very nice walk and only takes about 20 minutes!
Most AU students rely on the metro for transportation.
Many students also have bikes on campus. You can definitely use it to get around. But if you don’t want to bring your bike AU has a free bike lending program through the student government and a Capital Bikeshare location on campus.
Overall, metro is the most popular mode of transportation, then bus. Taxis are also convenient when you need to get somewhere fast.
Let us know if you have any other questions and we’ll see you in August!
alinatotheleft asked: Hi! I'm actually visiting American university over the weekend, and while I'll probably get a lot of questions answered on the tour, I was wondering more about what type of students attend or are drawn to AU. Additionally, I know it's in DC, and they wouldn't exactly write "Yo, watch your purse" on the tour pamphlet, but is safety a major issue on and around campus?
We’re excited you’ll be coming for a tour this weekend! We love visitors!
AU students are driven, committed to their academics, passionate and engaged with the city around them. Those things seem to be a common thread among AU students. We can give you more specifics if you’d like, but that is the most general answer considering AU students are very diverse and have varied interests.
AU is very safe. We have a great public safety department and a blue light system. We are across the street from Homeland security and are in the safest part of DC. The area surrounding campus is largely residential. It’s mostly families with children or diplomats living in the area. [The author of this post has never felt unsafe on campus, even walking back to her residence hall at 3am from the library]. Overall the campus and surrounding area is very safe.
Let us know if you have any other questions and we look forward to seeing you this weekend!
You have questions about AU, right?
Well, we are here to answer them! Let us know in our ask box!
EDIT: We got a question about when you should pick roommates. We aren’t sure of the exact date, but assume it will be sometime over the summer. If you have further questions about housing email housing@american.edu.
kidswantpeace asked: What are the advantages/disadvantages to taking the full year of University College over just the fall semester?
It really depends on what YOU want out of the University College (UC) experience.
There is only really one difference between the two options: the spring research symposium. One major perk of the full year program is you get to complete a semester long research project that you present at a university symposium at the end of the semester. Basically, you present what you have learned in class first semester and your research findings to the entire university! Including deans, the provost, President Kerwin, etc. Pretty cool. You also get an extra credit for the year long program.
Even if you are in the semester long program, you still live with your UC for the entire year.
However, it does really depend on which UC you are interested in. Definitely go with the topic that is most interesting to you, not if it is a full year or not. University College is a great program and you will enjoy it either way. [At least according to Hannah, the ambassador writing this and full year UC Sustainable Earth alumni!]
Let us know if you have any further questions! We’d be happy to answer them!
-AU Ambassadors
fuckitletsgetfaded-deactivated2 asked: which dorm would you recommend for freshmen? I've heard those on the south side of campus are closer to the frat houses and are more lively and those on the north side are more studious. which dorm(s) would you recommend personally?
We actually don’t have university sponsored fraternity and sorority housing. Most first year students do tend to live on the south side of campus in Letts or Anderson Hall, which makes it a little more boisterous than north side. On north side there is Hughes Hall for the honors program, Leonard Hall for the Washington Mentorship Program, Cassell and McDowell Hall for sophomores and up.
It really doesn’t make a difference which residence hall you live in. The rooms are all exactly the same size and look exactly the same.
Let us know if you have any other questions!
-AU Ambassadors
double-the-n asked: When will I get assigned a roommate?
Sometime over the summer you should get an email from AU about selecting a roommate or will probably be able to access the roommate information via the portal. You fill out a survey about your sleeping habits, living style, etc. Then you can either select a roommate or AU will assign you one based on your survey.
Let us know if you have any other questions!
-AU Ambassadors
valitico asked: I just signed up for orientation! Is this when I'll be signing up for classes? Prepare for many more questions from me, by the way. :) Thanks! Val
Hi Val! So glad you’re coming to orientation! You actually register for classes at the end of May, then you will talk to your academic advisor at orientation to make sure you are enrolled in the right courses. Your academic advisor should be in touch with you regarding what courses to register for and how to register!
We’re looking forward to seeing you on campus next year!
AU Ambassadors
