Between classes, clubs and pretending you know which way the Metro is going, freshman year in D.C. comes with a huge learning curve – especially when you are coming from a small town like I did. What has helped me the most was exploring DC and finding new spots to call my own, whether that be for coffee, a free afternoon, or a long day of studying. Here are some of my favorites that help make the District feel like home.
Best Place for a Fun Drink — Sook Dc
As a certified matcha lover who has recently started drinking coffee, I have made it my mission to go to as many coffee shops as possible, in search of finding the most perfect drink. That mission led me to Sook DC, a Lebanese-inspired café in Shaw. Sook DC has a wide variety of beverages and food on their menu, and the most intriguing to me was a Lebanese Fog, a take on a classic London Fog but with Middle Eastern spices and SO. MUCH. FLAVOR. After just one sip of this drink, I knew that I would be coming back for more. For fellow freshmen, consider this your reminder to venture beyond your usual campus coffee run. You might discover your new go-to order somewhere you weren’t expecting. My search for the perfect drink is still ongoing, but Sook has certainly made the competition harder.
Best Way to Take a Break — Scenic Walk
School can certainly be overwhelming sometimes and I have found that the best way to decompress is by going for a walk! Living in DC, we are so blessed to have so many different walking trails and paths, but my personal favorite is part of the Rock Creek Trail that goes past the Kennedy Center and continues into the Georgetown Waterfront. I find that walking is the perfect way to relieve stress and relax, while also staying physically active. If you are looking for a study break (that does not involve scrolling!) try swapping the laptop for some sneakers. After all, the assignments will still be there when you get back.
Best Off-Campus Study Spot – Yours Truly DC Hotel
I am not sure about you, but if I am going to really concentrate on my schoolwork and be productive, I need to be in an environment with an inviting atmosphere and where there is a balance of noise and movement. For me, that is simply not the campus library. Instead, I’ve found my ideal spot in the lobby of Yours Truly DC, a hotel in the West End about a 10-minute walk from campus. This lively hotel lobby has plenty of different seating, an inviting atmosphere that encourages you to focus, and an on-site Call Your Mother deli for when you need a snack break.
Best DC Event – Capitol Hill PorchFest
One of my favorite things about D.C. is that there’s always something to do on the weekend. A highlight so far has been Capitol Hill PorchFest, which turned the historic neighborhood’s porches into stages for musicians across a variety of genres. There was a porch for every music taste, making it easy to spend the afternoon wandering from one performance to the next. It was a fun way to explore a different neighborhood and spend an afternoon with friends. If this sounds interesting to you, check out the Adams Morgan PorchFest on November 7!
Best Place for a Sweet Treat – Van Leeuwen
This spot has a reputation for a reason: the ice cream is truly incredible, and the frozen yogurt might be even better! There is such a variety of flavors on the menu that everyone can find something to enjoy. My personal favorite is the honeycomb: a light, vanilla-like ice cream that has crunchy caramel pieces that mimic real honeycomb. It pairs well with the earl grey if you are looking for a two-scoop combination! If you are looking for more of a peanut butter and chocolate treat, my roommate’s favorite is the peanut butter brownie honeycomb! Whatever flavor you choose, it’s the perfect excuse to take a study break and treat yourself to something sweet.
Conclusion
You don’t have to have D.C. figured out to start making it feel like home. Sometimes, all it takes is a new coffee order, a walk with a friend or a study spot that makes your to-do list a little less intimidating. These are a few of the places that have helped me settle in, and I’m excited to keep finding more. So consider this your excuse to head off campus and find your own favorites—even if you take the Metro in the wrong direction first!