Pros and Cons to Living Near DC?

I often get questions from people who are planning to move to DC. This reader is asking for some insight from local residents, so please visit my forum to share your thoughts.

Beth writes:

I am thinking of studying in Washington, DC but my boyfriend believes it isn't for me. He thinks I'm too shy and reserved to make it in the city and he argues that I can have an internship of the same caliber in the city we live in now. I'm wondering if you can think of any pros/cons to living near the DC area. If I were to study there I would be living in Rosslyn, VA. I would have 3 roommates, and I would be taking evening classes and interning in the day. Please let me know what you can think of, I really appreciate it!

My thoughts: DC is a great city for students. The cultural diversity of the community and the wide variety of things to do, attracts people from around the world to come to the nation's capital to earn a college degree. The people that you meet in the DC area will probably be from more varied backgrounds than where you live, but that is hard to say for sure since you did not say where you currently live. As long as you have a positive attitude and are willing to step out of your comfort zone, the experience of living in the DC area will probably help you come out of your shell. For more information about living in DC, read my article on the Pros and Cons to Living in the DC Area