by Can Tran

Created on: August 17, 2011   Last Updated: August 18, 2011

The District of Columbia, also known as Washington DC, is a hub or nexus of information for many reasons. One reason is that Washington DC is the national capital of the United States of America as it has the White House, the Pentagon, and both houses of the United States Congress (US House of Representatives and the US Senate). The second reason is that Washington DC is one of the notable cultural hubs of North America.

More importantly, from an academic standpoint, Washington DC is home to several major educational institutions. However, there are more private institutions than public institutions. If you are a college student going to school within or on the outskirts of Washington DC, then there are certain neighborhoods you may want to go to. Notable institutions are George Washington University, Georgetown, American University, Howard University, and Gallaudet University.

For living, you would want to live in a neighborhood that is relatively close to your school. You could still live about anywhere in Washington DC and still make it to your school. This is because the Washington DC metro system is considered one of the most reliable modes of transportation in the city.

If you are a political science major, you need as much on hand political experience as possible to supplement what you are learning in school. In this respect, you would want to live in a neighborhood that is close to Capitol Hill. This way, you will run into politicians and other notable political leaders.

If you are going to school at George Washington University, then you may want to go to Foggy Bottom. This is because George Washington University can be found in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood. Also, Foggy Bottom has its own stop on the Washington DC metro. You can easily access George Washington University from either the blue or orange lines. If you are a political science major, you can take the metro from Foggy Bottom and get off at either Smithsonian or Capitol Hill.

If you are going to school at Georgetown University, then you want to move to the Georgetown neighborhood. If you are into nightlife, Georgetown is able to provide. If you are into shopping, Georgetown provides those opportunities as well. Most importantly, Georgetown University is in close range of the neighborhood.

If you go to either George Washington University or Georgetown University, DuPont Circle is a good neighborhood to look into. This runs along the metro's red line.

If you are into the vibrant nightlife, then you could look into the U Street District. This has places such as the 9:30 Club, Ben's Chili Bowl, and many more.

If you are going to school at the University of Maryland at College Park, then you should look into the College Park neighborhood.

The best neighborhoods to live in and/or visit depend on where you are going to school, your college major and your interests.   

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