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Visiting Campus

We encourage prospective students to visit the SAIS campus, located in the heart of Washington, D.C.  Those that choose to visit SAIS may arrange to participate in a student-led campus tour, attend a class, and/or Information Session.  The Admissions staff is also available to answer prospective student questions during our office hours.       

SAIS Campus: 
SAIS is an urban campus comprised of three buildings on Massachusetts Avenue in northwest Washington, DC. These are the Rome Building at 1619 Massachusetts Avenue, the Bernstein-Offit Building at 1717 Massachusetts Avenue, and the Nitze Building at 1740 Massachusetts Avenue. SAIS classes are held in all three buildings, while the library, student lounge, cafeteria, and most administrative offices are housed in the Nitze Building. 

The easiest method of transportation to SAIS is via the Metro subway system. Limited street parking makes driving less convenient, however there are coin-operated metered parking spaces occasionally available. Visitors may want to consult directions and a listing of local hotels before planning a trip to Washington, DC.

Campus Tours:
SAIS offers guided tours of our Washington, D.C. campus prior to information sessions. Visitors can reserve space in one of our student-led tours by completing an online registration form.  Prospective students are also welcome to explore our facilities on their own by securing a visitors pass at the front desk of the Nitze Building.  Please note that the best time to visit SAIS is during the semester, throughout which classes are in session, students populate the campus, and Information Sessions are conducted by the Admissions Office.

There are no guided tours available at this time, but self-guided tours are available in the Admissions Office.  Check back soon for a Spring 2008 tour schedule.

Attend a SAIS class:
Prospective students are encouraged to experience the quality of SAIS students and professors by attending a class. Please consult the class schedule to select a course of interest to you, and contact the corresponding Academic Program directly to request permission to attend a particular session. Rooms identified with "N" on the course schedule are located in the Nitze building and those identified with "R" are located in the Rome building.

Information Sessions:
For many prospective students, an ideal visit includes participation in one of the SAIS Admissions Information Sessions.  Friday evening Information Sessions are followed by the weekly SAIS Happy Hour during the academic year.  The informal and social nature of Happy Hour provides visitors with a great opportunity to mingle with SAIS students.  Web registration for the Information Sessions is requested.

Visit the Office of Admissions:
While the Admissions Office does not schedule interviews or informational meetings with prospective students, we are available to speak with you informally during your visit. The Admissions Office is located in Room 200 of the Nitze Building. Our office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday through Friday, and it is not necessary to set up an appointment before the date of your visit.

Please note that the SAIS Admissions Office closes during the last week of December for holiday break and will be unable to accomodate any visits during that time.