Washington Program Housing


Student interns are responsible for finding housing while in Washington. Interns should choose their housing and roommates carefully.  We provide information to help guide you through this process. 

Prior interns have arranged housing in a number of ways:
• Students have extended the lease from a prior group of interns.
• Many students have used internet resources, such as Craig’s list to find an apartment.
• Students has lived at WISH at Woodleypark
• Boston University has an apartment unit for their interns.  If their intern program is not full, they offer open apartments to other interns in DC.
• Suite America has an agreed to offer apartments to our program interns on a priority list basis.

We urge you to examine the lease carefully before signing it.  Not all landlords are trustworthy.  Also, make sure you know when to notify the landlord you are vacating the apartment; often this date is soon after you arrive!

Although we know you are independent adults, this is a good time to ask for help from your parents.  They have experience with locating housing, negotiating, arranging leases/mortgages, and paying monthly invoices.  This is real-world experience for your future.

Some things you will need to keep in mind when looking for housing:
1. What is the neighborhood like?  What is the crime rate?  Are there any grocery stores nearby?  How far will you need to walk to a metro or bus stop?  Is it near any restaurants or places to go at night?
2. What is the commute to your internship?  How will you get to and home from the Washington Program Office and Classroom?
3. Are utilities included in your rent? If not, what is the average cost?  Is it furnished? Does the apartment have convenient laundry facilities?  How about a gym, pool, or other recreational facilities?
4. Also, think about your roommates.  What if your politics are divergent?  What would you do if your roommates enjoy late night parties and all you want to do is study?  How would you feel about a roommate that doesn’t clean up after themselves and leaves dirty dishes in the sink?

Decide the important factors you need in your living quarters; make sure you prioritize these when searching for your apartment/living arrangements.

Resources for finding internship accommodations:

Suite America

Gables Corporate Accommodations

Washington Intern Student Housing (WISH)

Boston University Intern Housing

Tips for Finding Housing

Apartment Checklist #1

Apartment Checklist #2