What You Need to Know About GU-Q
By Daphne Soriano (GU-Q ’28), an undergraduate student at Georgetown University in Qatar.
The fifteen minute break between each class is the best time to go on a walk
Need something other than coffee to pick up your energy? I find short walks in Oxygen Park or just sitting on the hill chatting with friends to be great. Speaking from personal experience, a bit of sunshine and fresh air will do wonders to restore your energy. GU-Q is conveniently located a short walk away from Oxygen Park, my personal favorite place in Education City.
Make office hours your best friend
Professors have them for a reason! Office hours are not just for when you’re struggling, they’re also opportunities for connecting and conversing with your professor. Professors at GU-Q are incredibly knowledgeable and I’ve found that I engage with my professors better outside of class. At a small campus like GU-Q, these conversations can be the most intellectually engaging and rewarding experience.
The Women’s Center is the best place for naps (and you can grab fruits on the way there!)
Located near the wellness center, the Women’s Center is one of those hidden gems that you can’t get enough of once you discover it. There’s a shelf full of self-help books, a study room, the comfiest couch on campus, and a dedicated Nap Room complete with pillows and a blanket. Plus, you’re almost always guaranteed to find a basket full of fruits in the hallway—the perfect healthy treat whenever you need it.
It’s okay if it feels lonely sometimes
Sometimes, it’s hard to find your people. Even with my close group of friends, I can get scared coming to the atrium alone when it’s bustling and busy. In a small, intimate campus setting, it’s easy to familiarize yourself with certain faces and people—but familiarity doesn’t necessarily translate to deep connection. Building friendships takes time, and even if you don’t find your people immediately, what’s certain is that from classmates, professors, and staff, there’s always someone sending a smile your way.
You can dress your cutest or most comfortable
No particular dress code is enforced at GU-Q, so you can wear whatever you want, as long as it is respectful and modest in line with Qatari culture. One time I went to uni dressed as a clown for a campus event, and no one batted an eye. Whether it’s sweatpants and a hoodie during midterms and finals season, or business casual on a random Wednesday, feel free to dress however you please!
Bo’s is the best place for coffee and fun drinks
Aside from Casual and the occasional cafe pop-ups, a trusty constant you can find on campus is Bo’s. From almond croissants (my personal favorite!), to matcha boba and the classic iced Spanish latte, it is in my opinion the best coffee spot at GU-Q. Just make sure you get there before the morning and lunch rush!
Growth will come (if you let it)
In university as with most things in life, you get what you give. The amount of effort you put into your classes, clubs, friendships, and work directly translates into the kind of growth and change you experience. If you want to make the most of your university journey, you have to say yes to the discomfort of growth. It’s through challenging yourself that you’ll find yourself flourishing.
You’ll be supported every step of the way
The intimate campus setting makes it difficult to slip through the cracks. Statistics may highlight the class sizes and student-to-faculty ratio, but what these numbers don’t show is the feeling of being truly seen and heard. At GU-Q, each member of the community takes care of each other and contributes to the culture of care and attentiveness. Rooted in the Jesuit value of Cura Personalis, meaning “care for the whole person,” GU-Q encourages holistic growth in every student.
The posts and comments on this blog are the views and opinions of the author(s). Posts and comments are the sole responsibility of the authors. They do not represent the views, opinions or policies of the University.
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