You’re standing in the middle of Foggy Bottom. It’s loud. Sirens are screaming, tourists are blocking the sidewalk in front of the White House, and the "campus" is basically just a series of office buildings with George Washington University flags out front. It’s a lot. Then, you hop on the Vex—the university’s shuttle—and fifteen minutes later, you’re in what feels like a secret garden. This is the Mount Vernon campus GWU experience, and honestly, people either love it or they totally misunderstand it.
It’s not just "the other campus."
The Mount Vernon campus, or "The Vern" as everyone calls it, sits up in the Foxhall neighborhood of Northwest D.C. It’s tucked away. Private. Green. If Foggy Bottom is the adrenaline-soaked heart of the city, The Vern is the backyard where you actually go to catch your breath. For a lot of freshmen, it’s where they start their college lives, especially if they’re part of the Women’s Leadership Program or specific Honors cohorts. But let’s be real: when you get your housing assignment and see "Mount Vernon," your first thought is probably about the commute.
Why the Location Actually Matters (For Better or Worse)
Foxhall is one of the quietest, wealthiest pockets of D.C. You won't find a Chipotle on every corner here. Instead, you get W Street and the rolling hills of a former women's college. George Washington University acquired Mount Vernon College in 1999, and since then, they’ve turned it into a fully functioning residential hub. It’s got its own gym, its own dining hall (Pelham Commons), and its own pool.
Yes, a pool.
That’s a big deal in a city where most students are sweating through their shirts in 90% humidity while waiting for the Metro. On The Vern, you can actually lay out by the water between classes. It feels like a traditional liberal arts college campus, which is a rare commodity in the District. Most D.C. schools are either integrated into the city grid or strictly walled off. The Vern is a hybrid. You have the safety and quiet of a suburban estate, but you’re still technically in the nation’s capital.
The Vex: Your New Best Friend or Your Worst Enemy
We have to talk about the Vern Express. The Vex. It’s the shuttle that runs 24/7 between the two campuses.
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Most people complain about it. You’ll hear students grumbling about missing the 8:15 and being late for a midterm at Rome Hall. But here's the thing: it’s actually a great place to get work done. Or nap. The ride takes anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes depending on how bad the traffic is on Whitehurst Freeway or through Georgetown.
Pro tip: don't rely on the "scheduled" times during rush hour. Use the GW mobile app to track the shuttles in real-time. If you see three shuttles clumped together on the map—a phenomenon known as "bus bunching"—you know you're in for a wait.
Living at Mount Vernon Campus GWU: The Dorm Breakdown
Living here is different. In Foggy Bottom, you might be in a high-rise like Thurston or District House. On The Vern, the scale is much smaller.
Somers Hall is the big one. It’s centrally located and houses a lot of the freshmen. Then you’ve got West Hall, which is basically the "luxury" option. It’s newer, it has the dining hall in the basement, and it features a black box theater and a recording studio. Seriously. If you’re a musician or a theater kid, West Hall is the jackpot.
Then there are the smaller, older houses. Merriweather and Clark. They have a lot of character, which is code for "they feel old," but they offer a sense of community you just don't get in a 1,000-person dorm. You actually get to know the people on your floor. You recognize the faces in the laundry room. For students who find the 25,000-person scale of GW overwhelming, this smaller footprint is a literal lifesaver.
The Food Situation
Pelham Commons is the main spot. It’s fine. It’s campus food. However, it’s often quieter and less chaotic than the dining options at University Student Center. The grill usually has a shorter line, and the staff actually gets to know you.
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But what do you do when you’re tired of campus food? You’re in Foxhall, so your options within walking distance are limited compared to the hundreds of spots in Foggy Bottom. You’ve got Jetties for sandwiches—which are incredible—and a small shopping center nearby with a Safeway and a CVS. You learn to meal prep or you learn to love the shuttle ride to Trader Joe’s.
Is it "Social Suicide"?
There is a persistent myth at GW that being placed on the Mount Vernon campus is "social suicide."
Let's debunk that right now. It's not.
In fact, many students who spend their freshman year on The Vern end up being closer to their peers than those in Foggy. Why? Because you’re all in it together. You share the shuttle rides, you hang out at the same three spots, and you create a tighter bond. It’s like a small-town vibe within a big city. Plus, the Foggy Bottom campus is always there. You can go down for a party, stay late at the library, and then take the Vex back to a quiet, dark room where you can actually sleep without hearing a siren every six minutes.
The Academic Side of The Vern
It’s not just dorms. There are plenty of classes held here. The Eckles Library is a hidden gem. While everyone is fighting for a seat at Gelman Library in Foggy Bottom, Eckles is usually peaceful. It has big windows, lots of light, and a much more relaxed atmosphere.
The Women’s Leadership Program (WLP) is arguably the crown jewel of the Mount Vernon campus GWU. It’s a selective, year-long program for first-year women that focuses on different cohorts like International Politics, Science and Health, or Arts and Culture. These students live together on the campus and have specialized seminars. It’s a massive networking advantage and a great way to find a mentor early on.
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Hidden Spots and Quiet Corners
If you explore the edges of the campus, you’ll find some cool spots. The "Vernhenge" area is a bit of a meme among students, but it’s a nice place to sit outside. There’s a soccer field and tennis courts that are usually available. Because the campus is built on a hill, there are some decent views if you know where to look.
Also, the proximity to the Glover Archbold Park trails is a huge plus. If you like hiking or running, you have immediate access to miles of wooded trails that make you forget you’re in D.C. entirely. Most GW students never see a tree that isn't planted in a sidewalk square; Vern students have an actual forest next door.
The Reality of the "Vern Gap"
Acknowledge the gap. It exists. Sometimes you will feel a bit disconnected from the protests at University Yard or the late-night runs to Western Market. You have to be more intentional about your social life. You can't just stumble out of your dorm and be in the middle of everything.
But that intentionality builds better habits. You learn to manage your time because you have to account for the shuttle. You learn to plan your day so you don't have to go back and forth three times. These are actually useful adult skills, even if they feel like a hassle when you’re nineteen.
What to Bring if You're Moving to The Vern
If you find out you're living here, your packing list should look a little different:
- A high-quality umbrella. You’ll be waiting for the Vex, and sometimes the wind in Foxhall is brutal.
- Good walking shoes. The campus is hilly. Your calves will be burning by October.
- Noise-canceling headphones. Great for the shuttle ride or blocking out the roommate in a smaller dorm room.
- A bike or scooter? Maybe not. The hills are steep and the Vex has a bike rack, but honestly, most people just walk or ride the shuttle.
Final Thoughts on the Mount Vernon Experience
The Mount Vernon campus GWU isn't for everyone. If you want the "city that never sleeps" experience every second of the day, you might find it too quiet. But if you want a home base that feels like a real neighborhood—with grass, a pool, and a tight-knit community—it’s actually the better deal.
Don't listen to the haters in the GW Reddit threads. Most of them haven't even spent a full afternoon on the Vern. They’re missing out on the best naps in D.C. and the easiest access to nature you can get while still being a Colonial (or a Revolutionaries, as the new moniker goes).
Actionable Steps for New Vern Residents
- Download the GW App Immediately: You need the shuttle tracker. Don't guess. The traffic on M Street is a fickle beast.
- Visit Eckles Library Early: Find your favorite "hidden" corner before finals week when everyone else figures out it’s better than Gelman.
- Walk the Perimeter: Spend twenty minutes walking the edge of the campus. Check out the entrance to the Glover Archbold trails.
- Join a Vern-Specific Group: Even if you aren't in the Honors program, look for events at the Black Box theater or the outdoor fire pits.
- Test the Commute: Before classes start, take the Vex to Foggy Bottom at 8:00 AM. See what the traffic feels like so you don't panic on your first Monday.
- Check the Pelham Menu: Some days are better than others. Know when the "good" food is being served so you don't waste a swipe on a day you'd rather order Jetties.