What to Know Before You Go

View the Residential Life Handbook to learn about life in the UCDC Center and in Washington, D.C.

In the Intern's Guide to DC, the UCDC program has provided much-needed information before your departure to the nation's capital, including banking information, a checklist of what to bring, how to get to the center, resources within the building, transportation, dressing for DC, behavior on the job, vocabulary to know, and cultural activities to participate in. This is a great way to learn more about Washington, DC as a student.

Learn about how to dress for your internship and places to visit in D.C.

Mailing/Shipping Information: Find out where to ship items prior to arriving in D.C.

  1. You can only have items shipped to the Center three days before you arrive. Your address is: Your Name, 1608 Rhode Island Ave NW Apt #New Resident, Washington, DC 20036.
  2. Mailboxes are on the 4th floor. Packages can be picked up from the Residential Services Office mail window, which is the giant, metal-gated window to the right of the mailboxes. We put notices in your mailbox when you receive a package. If you do not have a slip, we either do not yet have your package, or it has not been sorted. Once you have a slip, you may pick up your package.

Other things to keep in mind:

  1. Plastic bags at grocery stores cost an additional 5-10 cents, so consider reusable bags.
  2. Consider purchasing a Metro SmarTrip card. They are about $5 and can save you money in the long run if you have to commute to your internship. They can be purchased online or at any CVS or Giant stores. For more information about the metro system and SmarTrip cards, visit our Local Transportation Page.
  3. Metro costs can add up, so talk with your supervisor about their travel reimbursement policy to see if they can provide you with a travel subsidy.

Before you leave, ensure that you have the following items packed or shipped to the center: 

  • Debit card and/or credit cards
  • Student ID and California Real ID
  • Medical Insurance Cards and any necessary medications or documents
  • Pillows, extra-long twin size bed sheets, and hangers
  • Travel mug and/or water bottle
  • Laptop and charger 
  • Bathroom amenities including towels, blow dryer/straightener, shower shoes
  • Professional Outfits (including shoes/socks and belt)
  • Professional bag, purse, or briefcase
  • Umbrella, raincoat, and rain-boots (there tend to be many unexpected rainstorms)
  • Comfortable walking shoes 
  • Travel Bag for Weekend trips
  • Other clothes including workout attire, pajamas, casual attire, nightlife attire (winter coat, gloves, and boots)