George Mason UniversityStudent Guide

Academic dates, campus language, housing, and student-life references for George Mason University. Free for students.

Public Research University in Fairfax, VA. Operating on a semester system.

Looking for dorms? Scroll for the dorm and housing breakdown below.

Fairfax, VA
40K+ students
@georgemasonu.edu
5 syllabi analyzed
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40K+

Total Enrollment

Research University

Institution Type

44

Housing Buildings

Student guide · Summer 2026 Session 1 (14 Weeks)

The semester, explained for George Mason University

Dates from the active academic calendar, plus the campus language and local details students actually need. Every entry comes from DormWay's approved campus reference library.

Relevant term
Summer 2026 Session 1 (14 Weeks)
Campus terms
26
Local details
15

Academic calendar

Summer 2026 Session 1 (14 Weeks) runs May 15, 2026 – Aug 20, 2026. Calendar aliases that share a date range are grouped together, with every source term still shown.

56 entries
  1. Summer 2026 Session 1 (7 Weeks)
  2. Summer 2026 Session 1 (8 Weeks)
  3. Summer 2026 Session 1 (14 Weeks)Relevant now
  4. Summer 2026 14 Week Session (S4)Summer 2026 7 Week Session ISummer 2026 8 Week Session I
  5. Summer 2026 Session A (5 Week)
  6. Summer 2026 Session SE (7.5 Week)
  7. Summer 2026
  8. Summer 2026 12 Week SessionSummer 2026 Full SemesterSummer 2026 Session A (5 Week)Summer 2026 Session D (10 Week)Summer 2026 Session E (7.5 Week)
  9. Summer 2026 Session B (8 Week)
  10. Summer 2026 Session C (5 Week)
  11. Summer 2026 Session 2 (8 Weeks)
  12. Summer 2026 8 Week Session II
  13. Summer 2026 Session C (5 Week)
  14. Summer 2026 Session 2 (7 Weeks)
  15. Summer 2026 7 Week Session II
  16. Summer 2026 Session F (5 Week - Online)
  17. Summer 2026 Session F (5 Week Online)
  18. Fall 2026 7.5 Week Session I
  19. Fall 2026 7.5 Week Session I
  20. Fall 2026 15-Week SessionFall 2026 16 Week Session (S4)Fall 2026 7.5 Week Session IFall 2026 8 Week Session IFall 2026 Full Semester
  21. Fall 2026 7.5 Week Session II
  22. Fall 2026 7.5 Week Session II
  23. Fall 2026 8 Week Session II
  24. Spring 2027 16 Week Session (S4)Spring 2027 8 Week Session ISpring 2027 Full Semester
  25. Spring 2027 7.5 Week Session I
  26. Spring 2027 7.5 Week Session I
  27. Spring 2027 15 Week Session
  28. Spring 2027 7.5 Week Session II
  29. Spring 2027 7.5 Week Session IISpring 2027 8 Week Session II
  30. Summer 2027 14 Week Session (S4)Summer 2027 7 Week Session ISummer 2027 8 Week Session I
  31. Summer 2027 12 Week SessionSummer 2027 Degree Conferral CycleSummer 2027 Session A (5 Week)Summer 2027 Session D (10 Week)Summer 2027 Session E (7.5 Week)
  32. Summer 2027 Session B (8 Week)
  33. Summer 2027 Session C (5 Week)
  34. Summer 2027 8 Week Session II
  35. Summer 2027 Session C (5 Week)
  36. Summer 2027 7 Week Session II
  37. Summer 2027 Session F (5 Week Online)

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Campus language

Search the full glossary. Nothing is sampled or hidden when the search field is empty.

26 terms

B

Bonus Bucks
Dining-specific funds included with meal plans that can be used at on-campus retail eateries like Starbucks or Panda Express.

C

CAPS
Counseling and Psychological Services, providing mental health support to students.

H

HR
Shorthand for Hampton Roads, a suite-style residence hall.

I

Ike's
Ike's Dining Hall, located in the President's Park area, known for being open late.

M

Mason Day
The university's longest-standing tradition, an annual spring festival with carnival rides and concerts.
Mason Money
Prepaid funds on the Mason ID card used for laundry, printing, and at various on-campus and off-campus vendors.
Mason Pond
The central pond near the Center for the Arts, a popular spot for graduation photos and relaxation.

O

OSI
Office of Student Involvement, the hub for student organizations and campus life.

P

PAC
Patriot Activities Council, the student-led organization that plans major campus events like Mason Day.
Patriot
The official moniker for a George Mason University student.

R

RHA
Residence Hall Association, the representative body for students living in on-campus housing.
Rubbing the Toe
The tradition of rubbing the gold-colored toe of the George Mason statue for good luck on exams.

S

SciTech
The Science and Technology campus located in Manassas, Virginia, often reached via the shuttle.
SG
Student Government, the representative body for the Mason student population.
SI
Student Involvement, often used interchangeably with OSI.
Southside
The main dining hall located near the center of the Fairfax campus.
Starships
The fleet of autonomous delivery robots that transport food from campus eateries to students.
Starships
The autonomous robotic delivery fleet used to bring food to students across campus.

T

The Clock
The clock tower located near the North Plaza, a common landmark for meeting up.
The Commons
A residential area consisting of Amherst, Brunswick, Carroll, Dickenson, Essex, Franklin, Grayson, and Hanover halls.
The Globe
The dining hall located within the Mason Global Center.
The JC Food Court
The collection of retail dining options located on the ground floor of the Johnson Center.
The Park
Short for President's Park, a residential neighborhood primarily for freshmen including halls named after U.S. Presidents.
The Ridge
A residential area including Blue Ridge, Sandbridge, and Piedmont halls.
The Statue
The George Mason statue located on Wilkins Plaza, a central landmark and meeting spot.
The Woods
A residential cluster on the Fairfax campus consisting of buildings named after trees like Alder, Birch, and Cedar.

Places and practicalities

Buildings, logistics, and other local references drawn from the approved campus snapshot.

15 details
AFC
Aquatic and Fitness Center, the gym featuring the university's Olympic-sized pool and sauna.
Bonus Bucks
Dining-specific funds included with meal plans that can be used at on-campus retail food locations.
CUE Bus
The Fairfax City bus system which Mason students can ride for free by showing their Mason ID.
Exploratory
Exploratory Hall, a key building for science labs and the College of Science.
Fenwick
Fenwick Library, the primary research library on the Fairfax campus.
G-Number
The unique student identification number starting with a 'G' used for all official university business.
Horizon
Horizon Hall, a modern academic building located on the Wilkins Plaza.
Mason Alert
The emergency notification system that sends texts and emails regarding campus closures, weather, or safety issues.
Mason Money
A prepaid debit account linked to the Mason ID card used for laundry, printing, and off-campus partners.
Mason Shuttles
The university-operated bus system connecting the Fairfax, SciTech, and Mason Square campuses, as well as the Metro.
Merten
Merten Hall, the main administrative building housing the admissions and registrar offices.
Patriot Web
The self-service online portal where students register for classes, check grades, and manage financial aid.
The Hub
A student union building housing the bookstore, student media, and various administrative offices.
The JC
The George W. Johnson Center, the central hub for student life, dining, and the main library services.
The RAC
Recreation and Athletic Complex, one of the main campus fitness centers located on the west side of campus.

Quick answers

Useful facts students can verify from the guide above.

What academic term is relevant now?
Summer 2026 Session 1 (14 Weeks) runs May 15, 2026 – Aug 20, 2026.
How much campus context is included?
26 approved campus terms and 15 local details are included in full.
Are all approved campus terms included?
Yes. The complete approved glossary is available in the scrollable, searchable campus-language section.
Where does this guide come from?
Calendar dates, campus terms, and local details come from DormWay's approved campus reference library.

Class of 2030 · George Mason University

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The four months ahead don’t need to be one giant open tab. Sign up and we’ll only email you when George Mason University actually needs you to do something this summer — orientation, housing, course registration, immunization. That’s the whole product.

What we’ll email you about

  • Jul 1

    Final High School Transcripts Due

    Required · source

  • Aug 1

    Mason Card Photo Upload

    Recommended · source

  • Aug 1

    Immunization Record Submission

    Required · source

  • Aug 19

    Fall Move-In Begins

    Required · source

  • Aug 24

    Tuition and Fees Payment Due

    Required · source

One email per real deadline. Source link cited every time. We re-check 7 days before each one fires.

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Find a few communities to try at George Mason University

These are things we discovered from public campus sources. We are constantly looking for more.

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24 mapped items from 6 public sources

Interest filters
  • Major-aligned clubs, pre-professional groups, and research communities.
  • Performing arts, visual arts, student publications, film, and music.
  • Cultural orgs, identity communities, and faith-based groups.
  • Volunteer groups, civic engagement, mutual aid, and student government.
  • Outdoor clubs, intramural sports, club sports, and rec center programs.
  • Entrepreneurship, hackathon teams, makerspaces, and engineering project teams.
  • Casual hangouts, interest groups, and open events without applications.

Worth a look

Equestrian Club

A competitive club for riders of all levels, competing in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) in both Hunt Seat and Western disciplines.

Source: recreation.gmu.edu · Verified 1 month ago

Learn More

Fourth Estate

The official student-run news outlet of George Mason University, publishing a weekly print newspaper and maintaining a continuous online presence.

Open to all

Source: studentmedia.gmu.edu · Verified 1 month ago

Visit Website

George Mason Crew Club

A competitive rowing team for both experienced rowers and novices, competing in regattas throughout the fall and spring seasons.

Regular commitment

Source: masoncrew.com · Verified 1 month ago

Learn More

GMU Robotics Club

A community for students interested in robotics to learn, build, and compete. The club works on various projects and participates in competitions.

Open to all

GMU Slam Poetry

A club for poets and performers to write, share, and compete in the art of slam poetry. They host open mics, workshops, and send a team to the CUPSI national competition.

Open to all

Ice Hockey Club

Competes in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Division II. The team plays home games at the Prince William Ice Center.

Tryout required

Source: recreation.gmu.edu · Verified 1 month ago

Team Website

Mason Cable Network (MCN)

The student-run television station at GMU, producing original content including news, sports, comedy, and entertainment shows.

Open to all

Easy to try first

Baking Club at GMU

A club for students who love to bake or want to learn. The club holds baking workshops, socials, and participates in bake sales for charity.

Drop in any time

Collective of Visual Arts (COVA)

A community for students interested in visual arts, providing a space to create, collaborate, and showcase work.

Drop in any time

GMU Organic Gardening Association (GOGA)

Manages the Potomac Heights Vegetable Garden and promotes sustainable agriculture practices and food education on campus.

Drop in any time

Source: green.gmu.edu · Verified 1 month ago

Learn More

Homecoming Week

A week-long celebration of Mason spirit in the spring semester, featuring a series of events like a tip-off party, student organization events, a day of service, and culminating in the Homecoming basketball game.

Drop in any time

Source: homecoming.gmu.edu · Verified 1 month ago

Learn More

Campus rituals

Mason Day

George Mason's longest-running tradition, an annual spring festival featuring live music, carnival rides, food trucks, and activities to celebrate the end of the academic year.

Drop in any time

Source: si.gmu.edu · Verified 1 month ago

Learn More

Recent George Mason University Syllabus Analyses

Browse syllabus breakdowns from George Mason University courses

101

Untitled Course

Spring 2026

View Full Analysis

BIOL 213

Cell Structure and Function

Spring 2026

View Full Analysis

CHEM 211-002

CHEM 211-002

Spring 2026

View Full Analysis

CHEM 213

General Chemistry Lab I

Spring 2026

View Full Analysis
Browse all George Mason University courses

Using DormWay at George Mason University

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George Mason University on DormWay

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7

Active Students

5

Syllabi Analyzed

4

Courses on DormWay

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Popular Courses

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Cell Structure and FunctionCHEM 211General Chemistry Lab ISOCI 101

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Life in Fairfax for George Mason University Students

Everything you need to know about living and studying in Fairfax.

Timezone

Eastern Time (ET)

Median Rent

$2,100

Cost of Living Index

150

Student Population

38,000

City Transportation

Walkability

72

Bikeability

63

Public Transit

Fairfax Connector, CUE Bus (City of Fairfax), Washington Metro (Orange and Silver Lines via nearby stations)

Nearest Airports

Washington Dulles International Airport (regional), Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (regional)

Climate Averages

Climate

Humid subtropical

Avg Annual Temp

56°F

Avg Snowfall

15 in

Dorms & On-Campus Housing at George Mason University

Various dorm and housing options are available for students.

43 known dorm and housing options. The first 24 are shown below; the rest are available in the expandable list.

Adams

Amherst

Angel Cabrera Global Center

Capacity: 300

Room types: double

Beacon Hall

Capacity: 200

Room types: studio, one-bedroom, two-bed/two-bath

Blue Ridge & Sandbridge

Capacity: 400

Room types: double

Brunswick

Carroll

Commonwealth Hall

Capacity: 240

Room types: double

Dickenson

Dominion Hall

Capacity: 240

Room types: double

Eastern Shore Hall

Capacity: 200

Room types: double

Essex

Franklin

Graduate Residence Halls

Room types: apartment

Grayson

Hampton Roads Hall

Capacity: 450

Room types: double

Harrison

Jackson

Jefferson

Kennedy

Liberty Square

Capacity: 500

Room types: single, double

Lincoln

Madison

Monroe

Show the remaining 19 housing options

Northern Neck

Capacity: 310

Room types: single, double

Piedmont Hall

Capacity: 175

Room types: double

Piedmont & Tidewater

Capacity: 300

Room types: suite

Potomac Heights

Capacity: 500

Room types: single, double

Presidents Park

Capacity: 450

Room types: single, double

Rogers Hall

Capacity: 310

Room types: single, double

Roosevelt

Sandbridge Hall

Capacity: 200

Room types: double

Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation

Room types: apartment

Taylor Hall

Capacity: 300

Room types: double

The Commons

Capacity: 500

Room types: single, double, triple

The Townhouses

Capacity: 100

Room types: single, double

Tidewater Hall

Capacity: 175

Room types: double

Townhouses

Capacity: 150

Room types: townhouses

Truman

Upper-Level Residence Halls

Room types: suite, apartment

Washington

Whitetop Hall

Capacity: 300

Room types: double

Wilson

Campus Details

Academic System

Semester

Control

Public

Email Domain

@georgemasonu.edu

Official Website

Visit Website →

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