Our nation's capital

Washington — Some call it our nation's capital, others the center of the free world, but at this university, we also call it our home. 

Just a short Metro ride from the campus, students are able to take advantage of all Washington has to offer.

For some students, being close to Washington was a major factor in their decision to attend the university.

"[The university's] proximity to the capital was a huge selling point for me," said Chip Andrews, a freshman engineering major from New Jersey. "Many of the careers I am interested in are well represented in D.C."  

Josh Vitale, a freshman journalism major from Connecticut, agreed. "D.C. was definitely a plus in choosing Maryland," he said. "It is one of the best places for an aspiring journalist to start his or her career."

As first-time students, both said they are interested in visiting Washington museums, such as the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, Museum of Natural History and National Museum of American History, and the National Archives. Although the archives museum is closed on Sunday, the other museums are open daily and are free to the public. 

Of course there are also the monuments — the Washington monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial — most of which are within walking distance from a Metro stop.

But for students who have "been there, done that," the city offers many interesting options for people familiar with the area. 

One attraction is attending Washington Nationals baseball games. With the team's stadium near Navy Yard Metro station, students coming from College Park on the Metro's Green Line don't even need to change trains.

In addition, many discounts are available to penny-pinching college students, such as the College Super Saver deal during the months of April and September, when students can purchase a ticket for 50 percent off the regular price with their student ID. 

For those who are museum enthusiasts, there are some lesser-known museums to visit. The International Spy Museum (www.spymuseum.org), located just one block from the Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro stop on F Street, covers every aspect of espionage from the James Bond 1964 Aston Martin DB-5 to the KGB to World War II code breakers. While the price is a relatively steep $18, the museum is a must-see.

Madame Tussauds (www.madametussauds.com/washington/), an interactive wax museum located near the Metro Center stop featuring lifelike models of celebrity figures such as President Barack Obama, Tiger Woods and Angelina Jolie. Students can get a 15 percent discount with their university ID. 

Finally, any budding journalists and history buffs can spend hours at the Newseum (www.newseum.org), which is located near the Capitol building. This museum features everything from pieces of the Berlin Wall to an exhibit containing every daily newspaper in the world updated each morning. The $20 admission, though a bit pricey, buys you a day's worth of entertainment. Visitors can even create their own news broadcast.

The Shuttle-UM buses circulate every 10 to 15 minutes from Stamp Student Union to the College Park Metro station.

ga@umdbk.com