Comparing D.C. and Columbus

Although you are constantly surrounded by Ohio State students, alumni, events and programs, a semester in WAIP could not be more different than a normal one on campus. Getting used to working full time, living with a lot of people, balancing the load of class assignments and making the most of D.C. can be a little overwhelming if you don’t know what to anticipate going in. Despite only being here for a couple months so far, a lot of us have mentioned that we already forget what it feels like to have our normal class schedule back in Columbus!

Here is a list of some of the ways that I have noticed a semester in D.C. is different than one back home:

1. You are almost always in a professional setting and must act/look as such! Whether it is dressing in business clothes for work, composing yourself in an appropriate manner for a policy tour, being organized with your internship and connections, or even just getting enough rest to be able to function well during a busy week, you definitely cannot just roll out of bed and show up like you could get away with in classes.
2. While you are constantly surrounded by other college students in Columbus, there is definitely a wider age gap of people you encounter here during WAIP. This is for obvious reasons like being around fellow coworkers at your internship or alumni you meet at events, but it is an adjustment to consistently be aware of how you are presenting yourself.
3. Likely, the things that you were most worried about back home are the least of your worries while you are here. Stressing out over spring break plans or a big group project are not on your list, but instead a concern might be impressing a notable individual!
4. COST OF LIVING — I will say although it is very possible to financially navigate the city with the help of some budgeting, it is hard to not compare price differences between D.C. and Columbus!
5. Public transportation is the most common way to get around here. None of us have cars (nor do we need them!) and rely heavily on the metro system. Along with that, the proximity to other cities and how cheap it is to get to them is a very nice plus as well.

Knowing what differences to expect between D.C. and Columbus going in will make the experience all the more worthwhile :-)