We know that finding housing as a first-timer in D.C.—housing that you know is safe and won’t break the bank—could be a daunting and intimidating process. We also know that connections are made in the little moments of living together: sharing your goals over a cup of coffee or chatting about the work day in the hallway.

That's why EmpowHER housing—which includes meals and is located on Capitol Hill—is a core part of our program and included in our tuition price.

Keep reading for more information below on your summer 2020 home!

housing benefits

Housing with BA Women includes the following perks:

Private room that includes twin bed, dresser, desk, bookcase, and closet. While there are no private bathrooms, each floor offers two spacious hall-style dormitory bathroom facilities.
Meals are provided daily in communal dining hall facilities, and is included in your tuition price. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated.
Safe, centralized housing on Capitol Hill. In addition to a 24-hour front desk attendant and building security system, BA Women housing is served by both Metro PD as well as the United States Capitol Police.
Living accommodations with a mission-aligned group of BA women, where you'll get to build your BA sisterhood that lasts a lifetime!

MEALS INCLUDED

What sets BA Women housing apart? Well, in addition to building relationships with your fellow residents, BA Women housing includes meals.

We know that being able to spend a summer in D.C. isn't just about being able to afford rent, but also about finding a way to survive in a city of $5 coffees and $15 salads. That's why our housing includes breakfast and dinners Sunday through Friday*, and weekends include a DC-tradition: brunch!

And, while you can always retreat to your private room at EmpowHER's summer housing, you never have to worry about eating alone. There are plenty of opportunities to be social; to connect with fellow residents in the dining hall and common areas as you start and end each day.

*Please note: no dinner is provided on Saturdays.

Being able to move into a fully furnished room on a short term basis without a lease or roommate meant one less thing to worry about when moving to a new city. This allowed me to focus on what really mattered: internships and school.
Jordyn Arndt, 2017 BA Woman

Our Housing Partner

BA Women summer 2020 housing is hosted by Thompson-Markward Hall (TMH). Like many D.C.-area institutions, TMH is a rich slice of women’s history. Established first in 1883, its mission is tied to a simple idea that’s reverberated through decades: to provide a safe, affordable place for young women to live while pursuing their dreams here in D.C. Because of that rich history, to honor the diversity of cultures that make TMH their home each summer, and to celebrate the importance of women claiming their space, TMH is a women-only dorm that also welcomes non-binary individuals. Men are welcome on the first floor only.

What to Bring

To ensure a successful, and comfortable summer in D.C., empowHERed women should bring:

Bedding set for Twin sized bed (including sheets, pillowcases, and a comforter/blanket). We also recommend bringing your own pillow(s).
Bathroom accessories including towels and a toiletry caddy to take items to the hall bathroom, including flip flops/shower shoes to walk to and from the bathrooms.
Decor to make the space your own! Each room is a blank canvas, ready for you to display who you are. Books, plants, pictures/posters, rugs, etc. are encouraged. (Please note: candles are not permitted, however diffusers and other non-lighted aromatics are fine.)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can my family drop me off and/or pick me up at the end of the summer?

We would love to meet your family at move-in or out! Please note, however, that TMH does not allow men on the residential floors, under any circumstance. Any men in your party are welcome on the lobby floor only.

What if my internship starts before or ends after the designated BA Women housing dates?

BA Women's 2020 housing will be available from Saturday, May 30th to Saturday, August 1st. Applicants who wish to arrive sooner, or stay longer, than these allotted dates will communicate this request to BA Women staff upon enrollment to the program (or as soon as you know!), and then we’ll connect you with TMH staff to make arrangements, including payment. Housing is typically available before or after these dates (for up to 2 years!), but is subject to availability.

Is there on-site parking? I'm bringing a car and want to know where I can park over the summer.

There is no parking lot for residents, but street parking is available for residents who qualify for a D.C. parking permit. Curbside parking will be made available for move-in and move-out days. Many summer residents of D.C. also rent long term parking though area garages or digital parking reservation services like SpotHero or Parking Panda.

What about public transportation? What's the best way to get to and from BA Women housing?

BA Women's housing at TMH is located on Capitol Hill, walking distance from the Capitol, Supreme Court, and many other D.C.-area institutions. It's also conveniently located by the the red, blue, silver, and orange metro lines and various bus lines, which means most D.C.-area internships will be a short (and inexpensive!) public transportation ride away.

I have a dietary restriction, such as a gluten allergy, religious diet, etc. Will I still be able to partake in the included dining option(s)?

Major meals are included in the cost of tuition. Major meals include: breakfast daily (brunch hours on Saturday and Sunday) and dinner Sunday through Friday. All meals include a meat and vegetarian option. Kitchen staff are also able and willing to accommodate dietary restrictions within reason and with advance notice, so we'll ask you about your preferences at the time of enrollment in EmpowHER.

While no kitchen appliances are allowed in private rooms, hot and cold drinks, as well as a microwave and toaster, are also available to the residents throughout the day and evening.

Are there laundry facilities on-site? Do I need to bring a stash of quarters?

TMH has a fully-outfitted laundry room equipped with both coin- and card-operated machines, each of which cost $1.00/load. Drying racks can be checked out from the front desk and irons & ironing boards are also provided on each floor.

What house rules should I be aware of?

Like most dorms and other shared living situations, TMH has "house rules" to promote the health and safety of all residents, the preservation of their historic building on the Hill, and to ensure you and your fellow residents have a wonderful stay. House rules include: no man's land above the lobby level, no illicit drugs or alcohol on premises (regardless of age), and no fire hazards (including candles and cigarettes).

Upon enrollment to EmpowHER, you'll be provided with a comprehensive welcome packet with housing details, including the Resident Handbook. All TMH residents, including EmpowHER participants, are expected to comply with all house rules. Failure to do so may result in non-refundable eviction from TMH and expulsion from EmpowHER.

What is the security in the building like? Is the neighborhood really safe?

A safe environment is important to EmpowHER, TMH, and TMH's neighborhood. And we know it's important to you, too. Your summer home includes a 24-hour front desk service, controlled building access, and a building security system. In addition to being served by both Metro PD as well as the United States Capitol Police (because of the proximity to the Capitol), the surrounding area is a residential neighborhood described as a "village within the City."

Will I be able to receive mail over the summer? Or will I need to get a P.O. Box?

Residents are more than welcome to receive packages on-site. The U.S. Postal Service, UPS, and FedEx deliver on a daily basis. Package slips are created for large packages and placed in the residents’ mailboxes located behind the Front Desk in the lobby.

Future residents are allowed to send mail and packages starting one week prior to their scheduled arrival. Please do not send mail or packages more than one week in advance of your arrival. There is no need to list a room number when sending mail or packages.

Are there other amenities? What about common areas, Wi-Fi, or a gym?

We want to make moving to D.C. easy for you, so TMH includes: free Wi-Fi throughout the house, a computer room (with a few desktops), printing (10 cents a page), and a rec room with a fitness area (a treadmill, an elliptical machine, free weights and more). Common areas also include a living room, library, sitting room, garden, covered porch, and sun deck.

My friends and family are planning to visit me over the summer. Are guests permitted in BA Women housing?

There are multiple options for guests to stay at TMH over the summer (and beyond!). Your guest may stay in your room, rent their own room, or rent the Carriage House (with a queen bed & private bath) all at affordable prices. The Carriage House is the only one of these options available to male guests.

Guests may not stay longer than seven nights without special permission. All overnight guests must be registered at the front desk 24 hours prior to arrival and payment must be made at the time of arrival. Children under the age of 12 are not permitted to stay the night.

For more information, please visit the TMH website directly.