American University - Talon / Aucola Yearbook (Washington, DC)

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Off Campus Living: The Alternative It ' s early morning, a little before eight, and the dorms are slowly coming to life as the residents awaken and prepare for the first of the day ' s classes. But outside are cars and buses coming up Massachusetts and Nebraska Avenues, up Foxhall Road and down Wisconsin Avenue across West- ern Avenue, bringing A.U. students from Arlington and Alexandria in Virginia, and Rockville and Riverdale in Maryland, from the corners of Washington and its outlying suburbs to The American University cam- pus, where they create a constant flow of in-and-out traffic from the first class at 8:30 a.m. until the last, ending at 10:40 p.m. Whether they are area natives living at home or students from other cities sharing an apartment, the commuters share a common sense of independence from the often cloistered existence of the on- campus residents. To the commuter, the resources of the city are not something dis- tant and inaccessible, as they may be to the resident who treats the campus borders as walls. The Kennedy Center, local museums, movie theaters and Georgetown are, for many commuters, a way of life and have become regular stops during the day on the way to and from school. For the bus commuter. A.U. becomes four years of bus stops at Ward Circle, 18th K, and Dupont Circle, as well as bus transfers and subway farecards. Getting from one end of the city to another be- comes part of the education of self- sufficiency. The commuter can ' t afford the distinction the resident is prone to make between college life and ' the real world, for on the bus, subway and highways there is no such distinction. When on campus though, the commuter faces the problem of what to do if there is a long stretch between classes, for A.U. is not a campus designed for the non- resident. The 24-hour study lounge and snack bar are fine for a brief respite, but they become monotonous after awhile, and the crowds get tiresome for the student who wants privacy. The Batelle-Tompkins Library, with its tight space and claus- trophobic atmosphere, is also of little help. For those who live off campus, its ad- vantages far outweigh its problems. The city becomes part of their life and part of their education; its resources and oppor- tunities open before them. Paul Page

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Where to Go When Your Dorm Walls Close in on You Georgetown. Exciting playground for junior executives and dignitaries. But what about the rest of us, who do not own gold charge plates? Take heart! Georgetown can be fun on student budgets too. It is a kaleidoscope of sights and sounds, many of which come free of charge. The shops on Wisconsin Avenue and M Street are unique and picturesque, and while their merchan- dise may be priced way out of your range, it doesn ' t cost a cent to look. At Canal Square there are two shops that are especially fun to browse through. The Tiffany Tree features original pieces of art work in various forms of bric-a-brac. Porcelain and pewter figures, hand blown glass and sculptured candle and one-of-a- kind jewelry are just some of the items on display. If you have a passion for classic children ' s toys or Christmas ornaments. The Great Chase is your paradise. They have the finest array of nutcrackers and tree ornaments in the area. Follow a young child around the shop and watch his eyes light up among the stuffed animals and hand puppets. The Square features other shops and usually a street musician or two at night. To really appreciate the diversity and charm of Georgetown, wander away from the main avenues. You will find good and inexpensive restaurants, a canal along which to stroll, row, or ride a bicycle, and off-beat shops such as the Bowl and Board where everything is made of wood. Their toys, dishes, goblets, all have the personal touch of carved wood. The people are friendly and there is no pressure on brow- sers. If you enjoy being touristy, you can catch the view of D.C. from Key Bridge or hunt for the steps used in filming The Exor- cist. If you are a bit more bizarre, you can stand near Riggs Bank ' s golden dome and tell the real tourists, Yes, this is the Capi- tol. When you have walked enough and are interested in food, your choice is only li- mited by your pocketbook and your imagi- nation. If you are celebrating a paycheck, you can enjoy the good food at the Publick House. If not, Crumpets is very informal and the desserts are spectacular. Mr. Smith ' s gives you the option of outdoor di- ning in their Garden Room and the best daiquiris in Georgetown. The Cafe de Paris serves excellent potatoes and fattening de- sserts twenty-four hours a day. The key is to window shop the menus in order to de- cide where and what you would like to eat. Now that you are rested and refreshed, what about the Georgetown night spots you have heard about? Unfortunately, most of them require cover charges and minimums, but there is one place with no cover: Deja Vu, located around 22nd and M, not quite Georgetown proper, but still within walking distance. Proper dress is necessary in this palatial maze of rooms where you can sit and sip your drink and, when the mood is right, make your way to the dance floor. The music is mostly Fifties and the Pina Coladas are stimulating! Best of all, at the end of a night like this, you can take a taxi home and still afford to do it again next week. L. Strongin

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SAW BA 29