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Guide To: Things I Wish I'd Known Before Coming to D.C.
By Kendra Garstka on 8/16/07
Before coming to college and when first arriving, freshmen are bombarded with advice from upperclassmen and administrators. Just in case you want some more advice, we compiled a simple list of things we wish we had known before coming to AU. You don't have to listen to us, but hey, we've been here longer than you, and we might just be on to something.
Get a SmarTrip Card.
It makes riding the Metro much more convenient, and you don't have to deal with flimsy paper cards that have to be refilled often. They cost $5. SmarTrip cards can be purchased at www.wmata.com, Metro Headquarters (600 Fifth St., N.W.), Metro Center station, Metro Pentagon Sales Office or at over 400 retail locations that can be searched for on Metro's Web site.
Ride the bus.
While the buses may look scary, it isn't the worst thing to ride them. They are fairly inexpensive ($1.25 a ride, plus a transfer if you ask), stop more places than the Metro and accept Smartrip cards. But they rarely run on schedule, so allow extra travel time. (Or, ride a bike. It makes getting around D.C. much easier and cheaper, plus it's great exercise.)
Don't be afraid to fly.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is the easiest airport to get to by Metro, but BWI and Dulles are also accessible. However, they require more travel time with multiple modes of transportation.
Carry I.D. at all times.
Clubs always card. While most clubs have 18-to-enter policies, they will card you, so make sure to always carry a widely accepted form of I.D., such as a driver's license, and an AU I.D.
Visit Baltimore.
Getting to Baltimore is easy and cheap, plus the Inner Harbor is a fun day trip. But remember - the MARC trains, Maryland's statewide rail system, don't run on weekends.
Watch baseball.
Tickets to the Nationals game are generally cheap. The Metro stops at the stadium (Stadium Armory, blue and orange lines), and they are great ways to spend time outside.
Get internships.
Get a SmarTrip Card.
It makes riding the Metro much more convenient, and you don't have to deal with flimsy paper cards that have to be refilled often. They cost $5. SmarTrip cards can be purchased at www.wmata.com, Metro Headquarters (600 Fifth St., N.W.), Metro Center station, Metro Pentagon Sales Office or at over 400 retail locations that can be searched for on Metro's Web site.
Ride the bus.
While the buses may look scary, it isn't the worst thing to ride them. They are fairly inexpensive ($1.25 a ride, plus a transfer if you ask), stop more places than the Metro and accept Smartrip cards. But they rarely run on schedule, so allow extra travel time. (Or, ride a bike. It makes getting around D.C. much easier and cheaper, plus it's great exercise.)
Don't be afraid to fly.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is the easiest airport to get to by Metro, but BWI and Dulles are also accessible. However, they require more travel time with multiple modes of transportation.
Carry I.D. at all times.
Clubs always card. While most clubs have 18-to-enter policies, they will card you, so make sure to always carry a widely accepted form of I.D., such as a driver's license, and an AU I.D.
Visit Baltimore.
Getting to Baltimore is easy and cheap, plus the Inner Harbor is a fun day trip. But remember - the MARC trains, Maryland's statewide rail system, don't run on weekends.
Watch baseball.
Tickets to the Nationals game are generally cheap. The Metro stops at the stadium (Stadium Armory, blue and orange lines), and they are great ways to spend time outside.
Get internships.
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Adam
posted 8/28/07 @ 2:19 PM EST
Just a quick note...your AU ID will not do you much good at a club. You need an ID that confirms your birthday to prove that you're at least 18.
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