The US capital, Washington, is the home of every event. And that "event" could be anything, history, culture, art, food, politics - you name it, the list is endless.
Whatever your interests, you will find it here in a museum in the capital of the United States of America. There are many local tourist attractions, such as parks, theaters, etc. that open their doors for free to visitors, which will surely fit your budget as an international student.
How do you spend your first week in Washington, DC?
Getting to know a new city can be exciting and stressful at the same time, and Washington is no exception.
There are so many things to do in this city that it can be hard to know where to start. So, we offer you this guide to guide you through the first week of your stay in Washington, to help you adjust to the new city and feel right at home.
Go to the National Mall
It is definitely a prestigious tourist place, and it is also one of the best places you can visit in Washington, DC. Nearby you will find dozens of museums, monuments and attractions, most of which are free.
Don't try to visit them all at once, but just get to know the atmosphere around you in the first week.
Some key features:
- There is a footpath of about two miles. Note the Tidal Basin at the end of the west side, as this is where you'll want to come back when the cherry trees are in bloom in the spring.
- The Smithsonian Castle, about halfway there, is a great place to get some brochures and maps from the visitor center.
- On the east side, you can take some pictures in front of the Capitol building to send to your friends and family and share your feelings from this place.
Learn about transportation
Unfortunately, traffic gets a bad rap in Washington, but fortunately, public transportation makes it easy to get around the capital. It not only covers the Washington, D.C. metro, but also reaches some outlying suburbs.
The trains run on six lines, and signs at stations and on trains indicate the final destination to help you get where you need to be. If you get stuck, just ask the stationmaster or log into Trip Planner to see which route also includes buses.
Ticket price starts at $2 USD and goes up if you are using a highway with designated stops (buses) or if you ride during peak times (trains). Charge your fare on the SmarTrip card . rechargeable. And if you travel frequently, you can take advantage of weekly or monthly subscriptions to save a little money.
Find your favorite grocery store
If you dine in one of the capital's restaurants, you'll pay up to 10% sales tax on your meal, but otherwise groceries are tax-free. Therefore, you should take advantage of this feature. So where are the best grocery stores?
Competition among the capital's mega-grocery stores is fierce, with locals as sympathetic to their favorites as any political party.
Most of the outlets are dominated by Giant Food and Safeway chains, offering a wide range of products at reasonable prices. And if you want to save some bucks, you can buy from European brand stores such as Aldi and Lidl, which are located in the metro area. Trader Joe's is characterized by its luxurious appearance, as it was designed in the form of a hut, and it is characterized by covering its products with dark chocolate.
For more pricier options, you can head to Whole Foods, which specializes in selling organic products, while Harris Teeter will charm you with its free cookie samples.
And while you'll find all your needs in one place at any of these chains, you shouldn't miss a visit to the Eastern Market, which is located near the Capitol Building. Dairy and baked goods made on local farms.
What are the suitable suburbs for student housing?
Washington has the largest metro area in the United States, which means you have a lot of options available when looking for housing.
Although housing in the metro area is not cheap, housing in the suburbs varies from living in medium-sized cities to small towns, and they all have many amenities.
Here is a list of the best student-friendly suburbs:
Vienna, Virginia
If you want a place to welcome strangers and relax, there's no better place than Vienna, Virginia. And you can go to it from Washington via transportation to enjoy the atmosphere of the small city that includes parks, historical buildings, and plenty of picnic spots in its midst.
There are an endless number of activities that you can do in Vienna, especially if you are a nature lover. Bring your books to the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens to soak up the sun on this 100-acre property. You can also feed the animals at Roer's Zoofari . Additionally, you can cycle on the Washington & Old Dominion trail . The 45-mile long, or take nostalgic photos of the antique general store and historic train station with its bright red spances for Instagram.
Don't expect an exciting nightlife in this city of fewer than 20,000, as the southern neighborhoods are very different from the hustle and bustle of Washington, D.C.
Takoma Park, Maryland
A progressive city, allowing children from the age of 16 and non-citizens to vote in local elections and to participate deeply in their activities. Tacoma Park, located in Maryland, is an all-encompassing park. About a third of the city's population was born outside of the United States, and you can sample plenty of international foods at the restaurants on the International Corridor.
Housing prices vary greatly in this city, there are Victorian-style houses on the high side, but there are also affordable apartments all over the city. Don't confuse yourself with nearby Tacoma, Washington.
Residents of this counterculture suburb can enjoy city strolls filled with green spaces, shop at two farmer's markets, and attend festivals that celebrate all kinds of art, from music to folk art.
Haitzville, Maryland
Haitzville is less than 30 minutes northeast of downtown by train. This city is one of the best places for you if you are looking for affordable housing, great local restaurants, luxury shops and a good community.
The city is characterized by its artistic nature, as the Huntsville Arts Festival is held in the city center in September of each year. Throughout the year, you can enjoy plenty of free public art, including mosaics, murals, and interactive sculptures.
Haytzville is one of four municipalities in the Gateway Arts District , which is home to artists, studios, and community events.
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