Airport Transportation

The DC metropolitan area is serviced by three airports: Washington Reagan National (DCA), Baltimore Washington International (BWI), and Dulles International (IAD). DCA is the closest airport to AU; however, transportation to campus from all three airports can be arranged with Super Shuttle, Uber/Lyft services, or taxis.  AU will station personnel at DCA on the inaugural day from noon until 4 p.m. to assist in coordinating group ride-sharing services.

Arriving by Car

Please use AU's campus map to locate Anderson Hall and nearby parking.

Arriving by Train

The Amtrak station closest to AU is Union Station, a stop on Metro's Red Line. AU is a 20-minute walk to the Red Line's AU/Tenleytown Metro stop. AU shuttles run between AU and Tenleytown every 10 minutes.

 

Dormitory Information

You will be staying in doubles or triples in AU's centrally located Anderson Hall. The front desk of the dormitory is staffed throughout the night, seven days a week. We have hired experienced Resident Assistants who will live in the dorms and serve as chaperones. An experienced senior RA will also be living on the floor. The front doors of the dormitory are kept locked at all times; students swipe their access cards every time they enter. WiFi is accessible in the dorms as are laundry facilities. All buildings on campus are air-conditioned.

Packing List

• Casual summer clothing
• Sweater, sweatshirt, or light jacket
• Business casual outfits for downtown site visits. Appropriate business casual attire includes khakis/dress pants, a shirt, and dress shoes for males; dress pants/skirt or dress, blouse, and sandals or ballet flats (no flip-flops) for females.
• Comfortable walking shoes (essential)
• Toiletries and bathroom caddy
• Any prescription medications
• Flip flops (for showering)
• Umbrella and/or rainwear
• Pencils/pens/paper
• Photo ID (license or passport)
• Spending money (for a few off-campus lunches, extra snacks, souvenirs, or personal needs)
• Laptop or tablet (preferable but computers are available on campus)
• Washcloth and soap
• Other linens – (optional) NOTE: Anderson Hall will provide two flat sheets, a blanket, a pillow, a towel, and a washcloth. However, if you have room in your luggage, you may prefer to pack your own towel and linen sets. The beds are regular twins (not twin XL).
• Sunscreen and bug repellent (optional)

Meals

Residential students will be enrolled in a meal plan for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at AU's Tenley Dining Room (TDR), which is in the Mary Graydon Center. Students will be given an access card with meal swipes. In addition, a few catered meals will be arranged for students.

Student Mail

Should a student need to be sent anything during the on-campus segment, please use the following address:

Student Name c/o
Director of Pre-College Programs
Community of Scholars
School of International Service
American University
4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20016-8071

Check-in

Residential students may check-in to Anderson Hall on Sunday, July 7, 2024, between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Anderson Hall is located on AU's Main Campus. See campus map. Please email us if an earlier arrival time is needed: communityofscholars@american.edu. 

Resident Assistants will be on-site to welcome students and assist students with student check-in.

Check-out

The campus program concludes on Friday, July 19, 2024, with a ceremony beginning at 11:30 a.m., followed by a slideshow and lunch. Students must check out of their dorms and store luggage in a designated classroom. The closing program will end at approximately 1 p.m. Students should plan to leave campus by 2 p.m. AU staff will assist in facilitating departures as needed. 

 

Check-in at Anderson

3 - 5 p.m. (residential and commuter students)

Explore AU Campus

3 - 6 p.m. 

Icebreakers at AU SIS

6 p.m. (residential and commuter students)

Welcome Dinner

7 p.m. (residential and commuting students)

Meeting in Anderson Hall Lounge

9 p.m. (residential students only)