For the first three weeks of the program, you will be running (often literally) to sites all around the District and surrounding cities. You could say this is the "class" part of Inside Washington, but it's unlike any class you've ever taken. The following information will help you prepare for the program:

It's important to know what's going on in Washington before you get there, so get in the habit of reading major papers, political blogs, and other political news. (You will probably be quizzed in some form...)

Many of the locations you visit have strict visitation policies and security checkpoints. It's not uncommon to pass through half-a-dozen airport-style checkpoints in a day. Minimize the amount of metal you carry and avoid metal on clothing (if you normally wear a belt, consider buying one with an aluminum buckle that won't set off metal detectors; the same goes for some dress shoes). Coins, pens, and some cell phones won't set off most of the detectors, but sensitivities vary greatly among the locations.

Along with security checkpoints, ID checks are common and you should bring several forms of photo ID to Washington. Often, your driver's license, Miami ID, or Boston University Center ID will be sufficient, but at some places you will need multiple forms of government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license and passport.

During the first three weeks you will be lucky to get two "traditional" meals in a day. Make sure to have snacks or energy bars handy to keep you going. But be aware of the rules at the various locations you will be visiting; the Metro has a strict 'no eating or drinking' policy in all stations and trains; you will not be allowed to bring food or drinks into the Capitol complex at all, so bring only what you can eat before you get there (the House office buildings are exceptions; most of the time you will be able to bring bottled drinks and wrapped foods into Longworth, Cannon, and Rayburn).
>>See The Food for more information on meals

It's important to dress properly during the program and the dress codes listed on each day's schedule are valuable guides (see a past schedule). Because you will be moving quickly from one place to another, many students have found it helpful to bring comfortable walking/running shoes as well as their dress shoes and switch as-needed during the day. DC is hot and humid in the summer, there's simply no getting around that, but you can prepare. Girls, pack some professional skirts along with dress pants; guys, try to find lighter suits and dress shirts that "breathe". And don't forget to stay hydrated.

Even though professional dress will be the norm, remember to bring enough casual clothes to wear during the evenings and free days. Dupont Circle has a public pool and you can often sneak into the Marriott across from the BU Center if you wish to go swimming.

You should also bring a camera to record the places and people you experience. (And to keep this site fresh!)

Most people have a cell phone already, but, if you are not among them, it would be a very good idea to get one. Make sure your plan will cover you for a decent price in the city. Washington is known as the 'most-wireless city' in the country, so getting reception is rarely a problem in most of the places you will be going. Verizon has a deal with the Metro that gives its customers cell coverage within most underground stations and tunnels.

While Inside Washington isn't like a traditional class, you will need some traditional supplies including paper and pens for note-taking. You should also bring a bag (backpack, tote, briefcase, etc...) to carry this stuff, food, spare shoes, and whatever else you want during the day.

Here's a suggested packing list for students written by IW '06 alum Margaret Sweeney. Of course many of the items are optional or do not apply to everybody, but it should give you an idea of the types of things you may find useful.