FAQs Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the UC Washington Center and living in Washington, DC.

What is a typical day like?
Can I talk to an alumnus of the Center?
What if I missed the application deadline?
How do I get an internship?
How do I apply to the program?
How much does a typical quarter in Washington DC cost?
Is Financial Aid available for Washington Program?
Where would I live?
What are the living arrangements like?
What is there to do in Washington DC after hours?
Do I need a car to get around Washington DC?
Will being a Washington Program alumnus benefit me in the future?
What is a typical day like?
Your day will vary based on the type of internship you hold. Students typically intern 4-5 days a week and get the true professional work experience. Your internship will be a learning experience so remember to take advantage of all the cultural and academic events DC has to offer.
 
Can I talk to an alumnus of the Center?
Yes, we have Alumni Advisors that are happy to talk with you about their experience and answer any questions you have. Click here for more information about the Center's network of Alumni Advisors.
 
What if I missed the application deadline?
Each campus has different deadlines, if you have missed the deadline, get yourself on your campuses waiting list and contact Roya Soleimani at the UC Washington Center about the possibility of securing a spot.
 
How do I get an internship?
Each campus handles the internship search process differently, so check with your home campus first. The best way to find an internship is to research, research, and research what opportunities DC holds (see the Internship Opportunities in the Arts & Humanities page on the Center's website for links to many opportunities in the Washington DC area). Think of your dream job and try to find it within an organization. Many organizations have well defined summer internship programs that often include lunches and speakers. Others will work with you to create a program that works just for you. When approaching possible internships, remember to be professional in all correspondence, verbal or written, including e-mail. The UC system has an extremely good reputation in DC so we expect each UC student to uphold and build on that reputation.
 
How do I apply to the program?
Visit your campus Washington Program webpage or contact your campus representative for detailed instructions.
 
How much does a typical quarter in Washington DC cost?
While it depends on your spending habits, a quarter in Washington DC will be about $2,000–$3,000 more than a quarter at your home campus. The housing cost is approximately $2,500-$3,000 for the entire quarter. Tuition fees are the same as if you were enrolled in classes on your home campus. Additional costs for food, travel and entertainment will be different for every person depending on spending habits.
 
Is Financial Aid available for Washington Program?
Yes. Contact your financial aid counselor on your campus for more details.
 
Where would I live?
Participants live in the UC Washington Center, an eleven-story building located six blocks away from the White House and two blocks from Dupont Circle. The building opened in Fall 2001, and is extremely safe, clean, and accommodating. The Washington Center building has laundry facilities, vending machines, an ATM, a computer lab, a lounge with a big-screen television, and classrooms.
 
What are the living arrangements like?
You will live with three other UC students of the same gender (maybe from your home campus, maybe not) in an apartment suite. There are two bedrooms in each apartment, and two beds in each bedroom. There is one bathroom per apartment, a fully equipped kitchen, and a living area with a table and chairs, a couch and a television. There are approximately 275 UC students housed in the Center each quarter.
 
What is there to do in Washington DC after hours?
DC has one of the most thriving social and cultural scenes in the country. The city is divided into neighborhoods; each of which have a unique feel and attraction. You are minutes away to the National Mall, White House, Memorials, Smithsonian’s as well as hundreds of restaurants and nightlife. Additionally, the surrounding states are rich with historical attractions; Philadelphia, New York and Charlottesville are among the cities most visited by UCDC students.
 
Do I need a car to get around Washington DC?
Transportation in Washington, DC is very convenient and geared towards people without cars. In fact, driving there can be a nightmare! The Metro system (subway) is extremely convenient, safe, and runs from very early in the morning until very late at night. The Metro can take you all around the city and its outlying areas in Virginia and Maryland. Taxis are in abundance in the city, and are always an option when you do not feel like walking. In addition, Amtrak trains and Bus companies such as Greyhound are readily available for trips to New York, Philadelphia and other East Coast destinations.
 
Will being a Washington Program alumnus benefit me in the future?
In a word, YES! The networking opportunities that you will have while working in your internship will be invaluable to you. After living in Washington, DC for a quarter, you will feel like you can live in any big city. After successfully completing a quarter of study, research and work, you will feel accomplished and confident that you can succeed in both professional and academic settings. There are many opportunities for Washington Program Alumni to reconnect through alumni events which further develop your network of colleagues and professional associates.