Justin Higgins (C’28), originally from Albany, New York, is a sophomore in the College of Arts & Sciences and a Georgetown Storyteller studying government with a minor in journalism.
Last week, I was running past Lau eating my Epi’s so I could catch the GUTS when I slipped on a spilled drink from Midnight and got GERMsed. If that sentence made you scratch your head, you’re in luck. I’ve compiled a guide to some of Georgetown’s most frequent, confusing and odd acronyms.
The GUTS Bus
Regardless of the MedStar hospital at the edge of Georgetown’s campus (see Epi’s), the GUTS bus is not an organ transplant vehicle. The Georgetown University Transportation Shuttle (GUTS) is a free shuttle that connects the Hilltop Campus with the Capitol Campus, Dupont Circle, Rosslyn and Arlington. There is also a shuttle from the second bus turnaround (near Georgetown Medstar) to Wisconsin Avenue, which drops off right next to Trader Joe’s and Safeway.
Epi’s
Epicurean & Company, one of the two main dining halls on campus. As a proud proper grammar user, I too am confused why there is an apostrophe-s added to the shortened version of this late-night favorite. Regardless, Epi’s is GrubHub compatible and features a build your own noodle bar, grill, buffet options and Illy Cafe, which arguably has the best iced latte on campus.
Lau
Lau is short for Lauinger Library, the main library on campus and which consists of five floors and the newly renovated Pierce Reading Room. Did you know Lauinger Library is rumored to be a brutalist interpretation of Healy Hall?
HFSC
Speaking of, Healy Hall is the big, flagship building right beyond Georgetown’s front gates. The HFSC is the Healey Family Student Center – there is an “e” in Healey. The HFSC is mainly a social study area, which also has meeting and study rooms, dance studios and event spaces.
ICC
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, SFS kids, but your 10 am Spanish class is not at the International Criminal Court. If you have class in the ICC, you’ll be heading to the Intercultural Center through Red Square. The ICC is also home to one of the Corp’s locations, MUG (see below).
MUG, UG, Midnight, Hilltoss, Snaxa, Vittles
The Corp, or to go by its government name, Students of Georgetown Inc., is a student-run, nonprofit organization at Georgetown known for its coffee and refreshments. UG, pronounced (you-jee) is a coffee shop located in the Leavey Center, while MUG (pronounced like the cup), or More Uncommon Grounds, is in the ICC. The Midnight Mug is located on the second floor of Lau (now I’m really testing your Georgetown lingo comprehension). Vital Vittles and Hoya Snaxa are convenience stores, located in the Leavey Center and Southwest Quad, respectively.
GUGS
While on the food topic, the Georgetown University Grilling Society grills and sells burgers in Red Square every Friday afternoon. GUGS is pronounced with a soft “g” (think: jugs) and is known for their extremely spherical shape.
Vil A, Vil B, Vil C?
Vil A refers to Village A, the apartments that line Library Walk known for their rooftop views. There is technically no Vil B. Vil B refers to Alumni Square, the upperclassmen apartments directly outside of the front gates. For some reason, Village C does not go by a shortened “vil” nickname. Rather, it adopts the edgier “VCW” and “VCE” depending on whether you are referring to the dorm’s west or east wing. Check out my VCW dorm tour below!
