New Student Experience

Each academic year, the School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) Office of Undergraduate Studies and Student Success in collaboration with the SEAS Student Peer Advisory Network (SEASSPAN) assist first year students with their transition to college through a series of pre-semester events called the New Student Experience (NSE) which includes a day trip referred to as The Getaway (TG).

Fall 2026 Program Dates

For more detailed information about the information sessions, pre-semester activities, The Getaway, advising, registration, and workshops, see our GW Engineering First Year Experience website by clicking the below (FYs will be given access soon):
 

GW Engineering First Year Experience Website

The New Student Experience - The Getaway

The New Student Experience  is a two day pre-semester program that will take place on Wednesday, August 19. It also includes our annual trip, The Getaway on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

Program Cost and Registration

There is NO COST to SEAS first year students participating in the SEAS New Student Experience and The Getaway, but students are required to register in advance to participate in our trip to River Riders. You will receive an email in early June to register for this event - please check your GW email regularly!

However, any cancellations or no shows after Wednesday, July 15, 2026 are responsible for paying a fee to cover the cost of transportation, food, and the activities. If you have any questions or concerns, please email seasthedaygwu [dot] edu.

Item to Bring

In order to help you be ready for the New Student Getaway we have prepared this checklist (pdf). If you have any questions about what to bring do not hesitate to reach out to your individual mentor and/or SEASSPAN at seasspangwu [dot] edu.

Questions?

Check out our frequently asked questions below or email us at seasthedaygwu [dot] edu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who organizes and leads the New Student Experience?

The SEAS Office of Undergraduate Studies and Student Success in collaboration with the SEAS Student Peer Advisory Network (SEASSPAN) coordinates all activities associated with the New Student Experience – The Getaway.

How will I be contacted / updated throughout the summer?

The GW Engineering Office of Undergraduate Studies and Student Success and the SEAS Student Peer Advisory Network (SEASSPAN) will be reaching out to you via your GW email throughout the summer. Please activate and check your GW email account regularly starting on May 1.

Is the SEAS New Student Experience mandatory?

As an incoming first year student in GW Engineering, you should plan to participate in the GW Engineering New Student Experience and The Getaway. All events including The Getaway will allow you to get to know your classmates, mentors, faculty, and staff before you begin classes in the fall as well as receive important insights about GW, GW Engineering, and DC! 

All events will have registration to ensure that we can track and prepare appropriately for the event. This holds especially true for earlier housing check-in, Explore DC/GW Engineering, and The Getaway which requires advanced registration by Wednesday, July 15th. Registration information will be sent directly to your GW email. 

If you have any questions, concerns or are unable to attend due to extenuating circumstances, please contact us at seastheydaygwu [dot] edu by or before the registration deadline.

When can I check into my housing assignment?

All GW Engineering first year students registered for the GW Engineering New Student Experience + The Getaway will need to register for check-in times on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. If you have questions or concerns about your housing, please email: livinggwu [dot] edu