American University
Reviews

DC Has So Many Great Restaurants!

There are a ton of great places to eat in this city. Whether you're into ethnic food or good ol' American burgers, you will find plenty of excellent choices, many of them within walking distance or just a few metro stops away. Some of my recommendations: The Diner or Tryst in Adams Morgan, Chef Spike's places near the capitol (Good Stuff and We the Pizza), Shop House in Dupont Circle, Nando's in either Chinatown or Dupont. There are so many great dessert places as well: Baked and Wired, Pink Berry, Afterwords Cafe, and of course, Goergetown Cupcake. If you're looking for a nice date night or somewhere expensive to take the 'rents: Founding Farmers, Bistro du Coin, Clydes.

International Studies

The School of International Service at American University is THE place to study IR. There is an incredible, experience, knowledgable faculty and it is the biggest school for international relations in the U.S. I highly recommend AU if you want to study this major.

Not Bad

Some professors are incredible, and others are horrible- typical for all schools. But the real problem with AU is that a lot of students do not care about academics as much as other things (i.e. partying). Academics are really interrupted by the Greek Life and social lives of students. This makes it hard for students who are interested in academics to get the most out of their school experience. Some students don't take classes seriously and disrespect professors and other students. The classes and opportunities at AU are great for people who want to take advantage of them though.

Very Political

It's all about politics in DC, and AU is fight in there with lots of clubs and activities and great speakers, like Bill Clinton last fall.

All Seasons!

We literally get every season...except I hate the humidity in the summer, therefore A-

Acceptance

diverse sexuality is readily embraced and not frowned upon at AU.

It's TDR...

From talking to my friends at other Universities I hear TDR is great. However after going to AU for a year and a half I find myself eating the same food every time. I just don't understand how they can whip out AMAZING meals during family weekend and then never do it again. They legitimately set up a carving station that weekend, let me tell you that does not happen other times of the year. I will say though that they have options and if you are a vegetarian there will always be something to eat. The other places around campus are good, the only problem is that they don't have great hours.

AU's in DC, You Get What You Make of It

DC is obviously one of the best places in the world to study international relations. There is always something going on and there are always international leaders in town for various events. If you are willing to make the effort to get an internship or job you will have no problem doing so but it's not going to come to you. Many of the introductory classes in the School of International Service are not great, but they are informative and the higher level classes are really interesting and relevant. There are very few places that are better to study IR.

East Coast Gem

As far as the nightlife goes at AU, there is always plenty to do. Being in the northwest corner of Washington DC, students have access to the city's many attractions, clubs, and bars. Though AU is a dry campus, there are plenty of Fraternities and Sororities off-campus for everyone's enjoyment. For those who don't feel like a hangover the next morning, "night monumenting" on the National Mall is also very popular.

Great If You Like Frats, Great If You Don't

Welcome Week = Frat parties. UNLESS you don't want them. Brothers and sisters are all around but they do not rule the school. It's just extremely fun if you're involved. You can have friends that are involved, and friends who aren't. Chances are, though, your whole freshman year will be full of frat parties in the weekends. And boy are they fun.

AU Football: Undefeated

Growing up in the football mania south made transitioning to a school without a team a little weird at first but I got over it a pretty quick. There is not as much wild school spirit like that at some fiercely completive state schools but after just one semester I realized that all that hype often blinds students into choosing a team instead of proper school. Not to say that we don't know how to get rowdy and have some fun, it's just that AU students like to get excited about different things. At the same time, we have pretty successful Basketball and Soccer teams if you ever get the urge to paint your face and scream a fight song.

Overall I'd Probably Still End up Here

Initially I was super turned off by American and did everything to avoid it. Other college prowler posts scared me away. And although what many of them said is true, it seemed a lot more negative than positive. Yes there is a high gay population, but there are just as many straight people to get with too. No we don't have raging campus parties because we are a "dry" campus, but there are plenty of parties off campus, and they are easy to get to. American is in the middle for everything which i find great. its not too hard but not too easy, academically. Its not a party school but its not a boring school either, theres something for everyone.

Triple

I am a freshman and I am in a triple and although the spacing is hard to deal with you really don't spend that much time in your room besides when you are sleeping so don't freak out if you're in a triple. The school is also really good at de trippling throughout the semester, and i you like your two roomate you have the option of not de tripling as well

Lots to Do

DC is a great area for exploring, with a lot of shops, restaurants, bookstores and cultural events with all of the embassies so close.

Hard but Worth It

There is a ton of work and most of the professor and courses are very challenging, but it pays off and you learn a LOT. You will always find those certain classes and professor that you don't like, but the majority of professor are amazing and always willing to help you whenever you need and encourage you to do your best and try your hardest.

Greek Life

The sororities/fraternities are available if you like that kind of thing, but not annoyingly present if you don't. The university tries to create a sense of community in the dorms, so you don't need to be involved in Greek life just to have a group of friends.

Greek Life Is Very Prominent

Fraternities are very active on campus. Most of the parties freshman attend are off campus frat parties. While on campus you always see people with their fraternity or sorority letters on their clothing/accessories. Greek life is really prominent. There is no official Greek housing. Typically members of the fraternities and sororities get houses together off campus. There are a large number of students not at all involved with Greek life though.

Communications

Being a Communications major at American University is very interesting because it's Washington DC location is ideal for those interested in being a part of the political media.

Lots of Variation

In DC, we experience all four seasons. It's hot and humid in the summer, windy and rainy in the fall, snowy in the winter, and warm and sunny during the spring.

Laptops Useful, but Not Necessary

There are lots of computers for student usage across campus - however, students having their laptops makes it a lot easier, especially during classes and taking notes.

Meh

Greek life is there but it doesn't rule campus life. And even within the greek life there is alot of diversity.

Shuttles Are Great.

The AU campus shuttles run to Tenleytown, Tenleytown Campus and the Washington College of Law regularly - they're so easy to catch and they run 20 minutes past the metro closing time every night. Public transportation in DC is otherwise pretty expensive, but once you're downtown, it's really easy to just walk around to whatever you want to see.

Psychology

The psych department is the biggest one in the college of arts and sciences but it feels so cozy. The professors are all very nice people and accomplished scholars in their respective fields. The head of the department Anthony Riley is the coolest professor ever. He only teaches one class and he is the toughest professor I've ever had but don't let that stop you. You will learn a lot not only in his class but in all other classes as well

Activities Galore.

They have an abundance of activities, so even if you're a transfer student, you can find friends very quickly. It's great! there are so many clubs and organizations, if you don't join one, you're missing out!

Expect the Unexpected

AU weather is unpredictable. On a daily basis, the weather can and will change drastically.