About Washington, DC

Students reside in Pepperdine's facility located at 2011 Pennsylvania Avenue. The DC House is the center of the program, with residential facilities, classrooms, and administrative offices. Located three blocks from the White House and nestled in the neighborhood of Foggy Bottom, this is a perfect location for taking the Metro to your internship or walking 15 minutes to the National Mall. The campus is located across the street from George Washington University and is walkable from fan-favorite neighborhood Georgetown. Shopping, restaurants, and entertainment are plentiful, making this a great place to live and work. Four students will live in each fully furnished apartment suite. Amenities include: library, laundry facilities, student lounges, flat screen TVs and cable in each apartment, 24/7 security personnel on site, controlled access entry and more. 

DC Neighborhoods

Washington, DC is arranged in quadrants - NE, SE, SW and NW - with the Capitol building at the center of the quadrants. The DC House is located in the Northwest quadrant in the commercial neighborhood of Foggy Bottom. 

Capitol Hill - This historic area is well known for its many federal and governmental offices as well as the Library of Congress and the Capitol. It is located on the Blue and Orange lines at the Capitol South and Eastern Market stations.

Adams Morgan - This diverse and exciting neighborhood is located near Dupont Circle and Kalorama, centered on Columbia Roads & 18th St. NW. It is located on the Red Line at "Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan." Adams Morgan is an urban area home to many ethnic restaurants and markets.

Dupont Circle - This area, known for its lively urban and cultural life as well as varied and unique architectural styling, offers a variety of opportunities to take advantage of. Dupont Circle is located along Connecticut Avenue surrounded by Foggy Bottom to the south, and Adams Morgan to the north. The Metro rail (Red Line) and Metro buses run directly through the area as well.

Foggy Bottom - This area is located along the DC/Virginia border on the Blue and Orange Lines. Foggy Bottom is surrounded by the State Department and the George Washington University (as well as Pepperdine). There are multiple restaurants and stores that stay open later for the large college population around them.

Georgetown - Georgetown is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Washington, DC and served as a major port and commercial center during colonial times because of its prime location on the Potomac River. Today, Georgetown is a vibrant community with upscale shops, bars and restaurants along its cobblestone streets. Many of the homes along the tree-lined streets are 200 year-old restored row houses with beautiful gardens. Georgetown is not accessible by metro, but it is within walking distance of the DC House.

The Program administration offices are located on the fourth floor of 2011 Pennsylvania Avenue NW.

Arriving in Washington DC

Students will work with Corniche Travel to book the most economical and direct roundtrip flight available from the closest airport to their permanent address to Washington's Reagan International Airport (DCA) or Dulles International Airport (IAD) and back based on the established program dates. Students are in charge of getting to campus on their own. DC Program staff recommend flying into DCA when possible as it is much closer to campus than IAD. Some students may be exempt from this flight requirement but must immediately contact the International Programs Office to obtain a special flight exemption. 

Transportation to Your Facility

By Metro from Reagan National Airport (DCA)

The least expensive option (about $3.00) is to travel by Metro from Reagan National Airport to the DC House. From the National Airport Metro Station, you will take the Blue Line going towards Largo Town Center, and upon boarding, proceed to get off at the Farragut West Metro (exactly 7 stops). After exiting the metro head up I "eye" street, on your way you will pass a Baja Fresh on your right, and after crossing the road, begin to look for the Pepperdine University building on your right. If you have any trouble, please call the DC Program Office and we will gladly assist you.

By Taxi/Uber from Reagan Airport (DCA)

The easiest and most expensive way to get to 2011 Pennsylvania Avenue is by taxi or Uber. The fare from Reagan National will be about $20.00, depending on traffic. Be aware that most taxis do not take credit cards. Depending on traffic, you should plan for about 10- 15 minutes of travel.

Taxi cabs and Ubers are dispatched from convenient locations on the arrivals curb just outside the baggage claim areas of each terminal. Uniformed taxicab dispatchers are stationed at each taxicab dispatch area to assist passengers with selecting a taxicab based on destinations in Washington DC, Virginia, or Maryland.

By Metro from Dulles International (IAD)

Washington Dulles International Airport is connected directly to Metro's Silver Line. Follow the signs to the underground walkway, which is approximately five minutes from the terminal. The silver line runs directly to Farragut West which is the stop closest to the DC campus. The trip takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes and costs around $6.

By Taxi/Uber from Dulles International (IAD)

Taxis and ubers from IAD to campus typically cost between $40 - $70. We recommend splitting this fare with other students in the program. The trip takes anywhere between 30 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes based on traffic.

Telephone

The area code of the District of Columbia is 202. In Northern Virginia, it's 703, and in D.C.'s Maryland suburbs, the area code is 301.

Student Mail

Student mail is distributed on the fourth floor of the building.

Postal Services

In the building itself, you will be able to mail envelopes. Across the street from the building there is a UPS store, two blocks from campus is a USPS, and behind the building there is a FedEx/Kinkos.

Classrooms

Classes are generally held Monday through Friday. The classrooms are available for independent study or group meetings and projects when classes are not in session. 

Library

The Library is a 24-hour quiet zone set aside for reading, writing, and studying only. There is also a student printer available at your disposal in the library that is free of charge. 

Residential Floors

Student Rooms

Rooms on the DC campus are designed with a young professional in mind. The DC campuses are designed similarly to the Rockwell Towers residence hall in Malibu: 2 double occupancy rooms connected by a restroom with a large amount of private space. Each room comes fully furnished and includes a small common space with Cable TV and a kitchenette (microwave, mini fridge, sink, counter top, and dishes). 

Student Lounges

The student lounges (located on 7th and 8th floors) are for the enjoyment of all students. Each lounge comes with a big screen TV,  board games, and a filtered water cooler.

Laundry

There are two cost-free washers and dryers in each laundry room located on the 7th and 8th floors. Both of the laundry rooms contain an iron, ironing board, and steamer.

Students receive funds digitally disbursed to a debit account of their choosing to use for meals. On Wednesday evenings, group meals will be provided at different restaurants in the District.

What do you need? What should you leave behind? How will you ever get all of your things into the suitcases the airline will let you check in? The answer to all three of these very valid questions is "Less is definitely more!"  Once you arrive in DC, you will have access to many stores and malls that are located near campus. Our recommendation is to pack all of the necessities and your favorite staple items and purchase things that are easily replaceable (i.e shampoo, body wash, laundry detergent, etc)  or things you begin to need as the term goes by. 

What to Take

Since you will be both working and going to school full time you will need to think about packing for life in the office, in the city, and in the classroom. DC is truly a city of all four seasons. This being said it is beneficial to pack clothes in accordance with seasonal changes. In the wintertime, DC temperatures are between the 30s and 40s. For the spring, temperatures are in the 60s and 70s. During the summer, temperatures range between 80 and 100 degrees, and rain is quite often during all four seasons, so a fold-up umbrella is needed. 

Practically speaking, students should arrive with a towel and the clothes that they need for the first week of orientation and the first week of their internship (including both comfortable and professional shoes). Hangers and paper towels are provided to students, but all soap will need to be brought as well (including hand soap).

Typical Luggage Allowance

Airlines usually allow two (2) pieces of checked luggage. The maximum weight of each piece is usually between 50–70 lbs. The total maximum dimension (Length + Width + Height) is approximately 62". There will likely be a charge for each checked bag.

In addition, airlines usually allow one piece of carry-on luggage (with an approximate maximum weight of 13 lbs and a total dimension of 22" x 16" x 8") and one personal item like a purse or a laptop case. Students usually find it useful to take a backpack to use for weekend travel. Should this be your choice, it will be your carry-on and must meet the size and weight guidelines. Expect carry-on luggage to be carefully inspected by airport security.

*AIRLINE RESTRICTIONS VARY. CHECK WITH YOUR AIRLINE FOR THE MOST CURRENT LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE.

A Few Tips

• Avoid over-packing your bag so that the airport security screener will be able to easily reseal your bag if it is opened for inspection.
• Place identification tags with your name and phone number on all of your baggage, including your laptop computer. It is a good idea to place an identification tag inside your baggage as well.
• Pack one change of clothing and necessary toiletries in your carry-on luggage. Suitcases do not always arrive when you do.
• Roll your clothes instead of folding them to save space for purchases bought while in DC.
• For winter students, wear your bulkiest, heaviest shoes and your coat or jacket on the plane so you won't have to pack them.
• Use the space inside your shoes for small items (socks, toiletries, etc.)
• DO NOT pack money, travelers' checks, or credit cards in your checked luggage.
• Save space for your return trip – try to bring one suitcase half full.
• Bed linens will be provided, but not towels.

Resident Advisors (RAs)

Two RAs per semester are hired and trained by the IP Office prior to departure. RAs are expected to work together with the Program Director, the Faculty in Residence, and IP Office to create a strong learning community, maintain Pepperdine standards, and promote the IP mission statement within the group. Through planning events, acting as a leader and working as a liaison between the students and the Program Staff, RAs are essential for the development of camraderie within the house.

Media Coordinator

One IP Media Coordinator per semester is hired and trained by the IP Office prior to departure. The Media Coordinator acts as a liaison to the IP Office for collecting photos and video footage from the program and then creating videos from that footage. These videos are posted onto both the IP and program-specific Youtube and Instagram.

Library Ambassador

The library worker is hired on the Malibu campus before departure for the program. This position serves as a resource for managing and organizing the library resources at the facility, and helping students to more effectively use online library resources provided by the Pepperdine University Libraries.

Rise Ambassador

The RISE IP Ambassador will represent the Resilience-Informed Skills Education (RISE) Program abroad and reflect a passion for spreading awareness, education and information about resilience to the community. 

Other Student Worker Positions

Student Workers are hired by the Program Director once students arrive at their program. These positions range in the amount of responsibilities and time commitment. If you are interested in acquiring a job while at the DC campus, please make sure that you have an updated and current I-9 form with Student Employment. Students will apply based on need and jobs will be discussed upon arrival. 

Service Opportunities occur as and when there is a need. In addition to Pepperdine's Step Forward Day, we will plan days of service throughout each semester.

There are multiple opportunities to take in all the city sights, both rural and urban. Upon your arrival, you will be given a checklist and information highlighting many of the 'must see' events, memorials, museums, etc popular to the DC area. Additionally, the Resident Advisors will work with the program staff to plan 2 events per week. Along with the International Study Tour (IST), each semester the program will embark on a cultural excursion to a neighboring major city. In the past this cultural excursion has included destinations such New York, NY, and Philadelphia, PA.  

There are multiple churches located in the DC area. Upon your arrival, we will provide you with a listing of local congregations.

Dining Out

Dining out can be quite expensive in DC, however since we are near GWU, there are multiple restaurants that provide reasonably priced food for college students. Upon your arrival, we will provide you with more information and suggestions for dining out locations. We also suggest speaking with alumni of the DC Program for suggestions on where to dine. Buying meals from a grocery store is a less expensive alternative. Whole Foods and Trader Joes are both walkable from campus, in addition to a CVS open 24/7.

Getting Around the City

Students are not permitted to have cars while they are studying in the DC program.  The preferred method of transportation is the Metro. The Metro is very extensive and provides you with reliable means of transport within DC, Virginia and Maryland.

Students will receive their first SmarTrip Fare card during orientation. A SmarTrip is a permanent, plastic, rechargeable card used for the Metrorail and local bus. Instead of inserting a ticket, you simply touch the SmarTrip on the exit/entrance fare gates. You are able to add your SmarTrip card to your Apple Wallet which makes travel easy. You are able to add up to $300 on your card either at multiple Metro stations or online. The cost of a one-way trip is between $2.00-$3.10.

Travel

Washington DC is strategically placed where you can explore many historical areas in the northeastern part of the United States. Many students enjoy weekend trips to New York City, Toronto, Philadelphia, Boston, and many more!

Day Trips

There are many places you can visit within a day from DC. Details of the best way to travel to these places is available at the DC House. Options include:

• Gettysburg
• Mount Vernon
• Alexandria
• Philadelphia
• Baltimore
• Fredericksburg
• Annapolis
• Charlottesville

Trains

Amtrak Trains depart from DC's Union Station (on the red Metro line). Train information, such as journey times and fares, can be found online by visiting www.amtrak.com.

Bus Companies

Greyhound buses have the most extensive schedules and routes to plan trips around the country. For more information, please visit www.greyhound.com

Megabus is also another bus option in DC. They provide multiple trips per day. They do not have as many destination options as Greyhound, but they are often a bit cheaper. For more information, please visit www.megabus.com

For direct trips to New York City, the DC2NY bus company provides great fares for $60.00 roundtrip to NY and back to DC. For more information, please visit www.dc2ny.com

Hotels 

There are many hotels in the vicinity of the DC House. These include:

Hotel Lombardy
2019 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20006
(202) 828-2600
www.hotellombardy.com

Located on world-famous Pennsylvania Avenue, the Hotel Lombardy beckons travelers who possess discerning tastes - who appreciate the personalized attention and intimate ambiance of a truly unique Washington DC boutique hotel. Showcasing a classic 1920s décor and rich interior design, we've been designated as a Historic Hotel of America. This hotel is next door to campus. Please call to learn more about the Pepperdine corporate rate. 

Melrose Georgetown Hotel
2430 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20037
(202) 955-6400
www.melrosehoteldc.com

A refined retreat with a boutique sensibility all its own, the Melrose Hotel offers a luxurious atmosphere for business and leisure travelers with exceptional comforts and customer-focused services in the heart of Washington, DC. State that you are with Pepperdine University and they will offer you our corporate rate. 

The Watergate Hotel
2650 Virginia Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037
(844) 617-1972 
www.thewatergatehotel.com

The Watergate Hotel takes classic elegance and bold mid-century modern design and adds all of the extravagance and warmth of contemporary luxury. Located along the banks of the Potomac River, this one-of-a-kind hotel pays tribute to its own storied past, while paving the way for a new chapter to be written. Please call for more details on the Pepperdine corporate rate or use code: TWHPEU when booking online.  

The Westin
1400 M St NW, Washington, DC 20005 
(202) 429-1700
www.westinwashingtondccitycenter.com/

The Westin Washington, D.C. City Center is a vibrant D.C. hotel that captures Washington, D.C.'s dynamic spirit. Our central location makes it easy to enjoy the top things to do in Washington, D.C. and exciting D.C. events. 

Washington Marriott
1221 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20037
(202) 872-1500
www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/waswe-washington-marriott/

Expect stylish comfort from one of the top Georgetown, Washington DC hotels at Washington Marriott, located in the West End Business District and near the Nation's top attractions. 

Guests/Visitors (i.e. non-DC Program Participants) must sign-in on the sheet in the lobby.  All visitors are to leave by 1:00AM.

Overnight guests are permitted with approval by the Program Manager.  Students will need to submit overnight guest request at least 72 hours before their guest(s) arrive. 

Though alumni are not permitted to stay in Pepperdine's International Program facilities, tours may be requested and are dependent upon the availability of the International Program staff. If you are interested in attending an alumni trip held at your International Program site, please contact the Seaver College Alumni Relations Office to find out about upcoming Pepperdine Alumni Travel trips.
Email: seaveralumni@pepperdine.edu
Phone: 310.506.4348