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
@gmu.edu
63 syllabi analyzed
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40K+

Total Enrollment

Research University

Institution Type

47

Housing Buildings

Student guide · Fall 2026 First Half

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
Fall 2026 First Half
Campus terms
26
Local details
15

Academic calendar

Fall 2026 First Half runs Aug 24, 2026 – Oct 11, 2026. Calendar aliases that share a date range are grouped together, with every source term still shown.

190 entries
  1. Summer 2026 Session 1 (14 Weeks)
  2. Summer 2026 14 Week Session (S4)Summer 2026 7 Week Session ISummer 2026 8 Week Session I
  3. 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)
  4. Summer 2026 Session B (8 Week)
  5. Summer 2026 Session 2 (8 Weeks)
  6. Summer 2026 8 Week Session II
  7. Summer 2026 Session C (5 Week)
  8. Summer 2026 Session 2 (7 Weeks)
  9. Summer 2026 7 Week Session II
  10. Summer 2026 Session F (5 Week Online)
  11. Fall 2026 First HalfFall 2026 First Half (1F)Fall First Half (1F) 2026Relevant now
  12. Fall 2026 7.5 Week Session I
  13. Fall 2026 7.5 Week Session I (751)Fall 7.5 Week Session IFall 7.5 Week Session I 2026
  14. Fall 2026 8 Week Module I (S1)Fall 2026 8 Week Session IFall 8 Week Session IFall 8 Week Session I 2026
  15. Fall 2026 16 Week Session (S4)Fall 2026 16 Week Session IFall 2026 16 Week Session I (S4)
  16. Fall 2026 Independent Study (1I)Fall Independent Study (1I) 2026
  17. Fall 15-Week Session
  18. Fall 2026 Middle HalfFall 2026 Middle Half (1M)Fall Middle Half (1M) 2026
  19. Fall 2026 Last HalfFall 2026 Last Half (1L)Fall Last Half (1L) 2026
  20. Fall 2026 7.5 Week Session IIFall 2026 7.5 Week Session II (752)Fall 7.5 Week Session IIFall 7.5 Week Session II 2026
  21. Fall 8 Week Session II
  22. Fall 2026 8 Week Module II (S2)Fall 2026 8 Week Session IIFall 8 Week Session II 2026
  23. Winter 2027 IntersessionWinter Intersession 2027Winter Intersession 2027 (1W)
  24. Spring 2027 8 Week Session ISpring 2027 8 Week Session I (S1)Spring 8 Week Session I
  25. Spring 16 Week Session (S4)Spring 2027 16 Week Session ISpring 2027 16 Week Session I (S4)
  26. Spring 2027 7.5 Week Session I
  27. Spring 7.5 Week Session I 2027
  28. Spring 7.5 Week Session I
  29. Spring 2027 First HalfSpring 2027 First Half (1F)
  30. Spring 2027 Independent Study (1I)
  31. Spring 15 Week Session
  32. Spring 2027 Middle HalfSpring 2027 Middle Half (1M)
  33. Spring 7.5 Week Session II
  34. Spring 2027 7.5 Week Session II
  35. Spring 7.5 Week Session II 2027
  36. Spring 2027 8 Week Session IISpring 2027 8 Week Session II (S2)Spring 8 Week Session II
  37. Spring 2027 Last HalfSpring 2027 Last Half (1L)
  38. Sum 7 Week Sess ISummer Session I: 7 Week
  39. Sum 8 Week Sess ISummer 2027 8 Week Session I
  40. Summer 2027 7 Week Session I
  41. Summer 2027 14 Week Session (S4)
  42. Sum 14 Week Session (S4)Summer 2027 14 Week Session (S4)
  43. Summer 14 Week Session (S4)Summer 14 Week Session (S4) 2027
  44. Summer Session A (5 Week) 2027
  45. Summer Session A (5 Week)
  46. Sum Session A: 5 WeekSummer 2027 Session A (5 Week)
  47. Summer Session E (7.5 Week)Summer Session E (7.5 Week) 2027
  48. Sum Session E: 7.5 WeekSummer 2027 Session E (7.5 Week)
  49. Summer Session D (10 Week) 2027
  50. Sum Session D: 10 WeekSummer Session D: 10 Week
  51. Summer 2027 Session D (10 Week)
  52. Summer 2027 Full Summer Session
  53. Summer 12 Week SessionSummer 2027 12 Week Session
  54. Summer 12 Week Session 2027
  55. Summer 2027 Degree Conferral CycleSummer Session A (5 Week)Summer Session E (7.5 Week)
  56. Summer Session B (8 Week) 2027
  57. Summer 2027 Session B (8 Week)
  58. Sum Session B: 8 WeekSummer Session B: 8 Week
  59. Sum 8 Week Sess IISummer 2027 8 Week Session II
  60. Summer 2027 Session C (5 Week)
  61. Summer Session C (5 Week)Summer Session C (5 Week) 2027
  62. Sum Session C: 5 Week
  63. Summer Session C (5 Week)
  64. Summer 7 Week Session II 2027
  65. Sum 7 Week Sess IISummer 2027 7 Week Session II
  66. Sum Sess F: 5 Week (Online)Summer 2027 Session F (5 Week Online)Summer Session F: 5 Week (Online)
  67. Fall 2027 7.5 Week Session I
  68. Fall 7.5 Week Session I 2027
  69. Fall 2027 8 Week Session IFall 8 Week Session IFall 8 Week Session I 2027
  70. Fall 2027 16 Week Session (S4)
  71. Fall 15-Week SessionFall 7.5 Week Session I
  72. Fall 2027 7.5 Week Session IIFall 7.5 Week Session IIFall 7.5 Week Session II 2027
  73. Fall 8 Week Session II
  74. Fall 2027 8 Week Session IIFall 8 Week Session II 2027
  75. Spring 2028 8 Week Session ISpring 8 Week Session I
  76. Spring 16 Week Session (S4)
  77. Spring 7.5 Week Session I 2028
  78. Spring 2028 7.5 Week Session I
  79. Spring 7.5 Week Session I
  80. Spring 15 Week Session
  81. Spring 7.5 Week Session II
  82. Spring 2028 7.5 Week Session II
  83. Spring 7.5 Week Session II 2028
  84. Spring 2028 8 Week Session IISpring 8 Week Session II
  85. Sum 7 Week Sess ISummer 2028 7 Week Session ISummer Session I: 7 Week
  86. Sum 8 Week Sess ISummer 2028 8 Week Session I
  87. Summer 2028 14 Week Session (S4)
  88. Sum 14 Week Session (S4)Summer 2028 14 Week Session (S4)
  89. Summer 14 Week Session (S4)Summer 14 Week Session (S4) 2028
  90. Summer Session A (5 Week) 2028
  91. Summer Session A (5 Week)
  92. Sum Session A: 5 WeekSummer 2028 Session A (5 Week)
  93. Summer Session E (7.5 Week)Summer Session E (7.5 Week) 2028
  94. Sum Session E: 7.5 WeekSummer 2028 Session E (7.5 Week)
  95. Summer Session D (10 Week) 2028
  96. Sum Session D: 10 WeekSummer Session D: 10 Week
  97. Summer 2028 Session D (10 Week)
  98. Summer 2028 Full Summer Session
  99. Summer 12 Week SessionSummer 2028 12 Week Session
  100. Summer 12 Week Session 2028
  101. Summer Session A (5 Week)Summer Session E (7.5 Week)
  102. Summer Session B (8 Week) 2028
  103. Summer 2028 Session B (8 Week)
  104. Sum Session B: 8 WeekSummer Session B: 8 Week
  105. Sum 8 Week Sess IISummer 2028 8 Week Session II
  106. Summer 2028 Session C (5 Week)
  107. Summer Session C (5 Week)Summer Session C (5 Week) 2028
  108. Sum Session C: 5 Week
  109. Summer Session C (5 Week)
  110. Summer 7 Week Session II 2028
  111. Sum 7 Week Sess IISummer 2028 7 Week Session II
  112. Sum Sess F: 5 Week (Online)Summer 2028 Session F (5 Week Online)Summer 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?
Fall 2026 First Half runs Aug 24, 2026 – Oct 11, 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.

Get to know your university

Assisted

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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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.

DormWay is still mapping student communities at this campus.

We only show recommendations once we have enough public sources for George Mason University.

These are things we discovered. We are constantly looking for more.

Tell us what we missed

Recommendations are based on public campus sources. We do not endorse student organizations.

Recent George Mason University Syllabus Analyses

Browse syllabus breakdowns from George Mason University courses

101

Untitled Course

Spring 2026

View Full Analysis

ACCT 303

Accounting for Decision Making

Fall 2026

View Full Analysis

ARTH 101

Introduction to the Arts

Fall 2026

View Full Analysis

ASTR 103

Astronomy

Fall 2026

View Full Analysis

AVT 104-008

2D Design & Color

Fall 2026

View Full Analysis

BIOL 213

Cell Structure and Function

Spring 2026

View Full Analysis
Browse all George Mason University courses

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George Mason University on DormWay

Current DormWay activity for this campus

49

Active Students

63

Syllabi Analyzed

51

Courses on DormWay

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Popular Courses

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AstronomyBIS-300-DL3BUS-200-002Business Analytics ICHEM 211HEALTH EQUITY & JUSTICEIntroduction to Business Information SystemsIntroduction to Composition

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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

37,000

City Transportation

Walkability

70

Bikeability

65

Public Transit

Fairfax Connector bus system, Metrobus, Washington Metro (nearby Vienna/Fairfax-GMU station)

Nearest Airports

Washington Dulles International Airport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

Climate Averages

Climate

Humid subtropical

Avg Annual Temp

55°F

Avg Snowfall

22 in

Campus Operations Snapshot

Parking and Transit

Mason Pond Parking Deck

garage • Limited (Levels 3-5 closed)

No visitor parking available during Fall 2026 renovations.

Lot K & Lot L

surface_lot • Best for general permits after 10 AM

Often the last lots to fill on the Fairfax campus.

Shenandoah Parking Deck

garage • Visitor parking available

Primary visitor parking option during Mason Pond renovations.

Campus News

Latest updates from George Mason University

Students examine the global impact of the 9/11 attacks in George Mason course

As the nation marks the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, history professor Meredith Lair leads a course examining the event through public memory and media literacy.

Sep 10, 2026

Read More

GCI Catalyst Project aims to tackle human rights issues with help of AI

Professor Cher Weixia Chen leads a Grand Challenge Initiative team building an AI-driven virtual human rights classroom for global educators.

Sep 10, 2026

Read More

Patriot Pride in action: Men's volleyball gives back to Special Olympics Virginia

The George Mason men's volleyball team partnered with the Special Olympics Virginia Area 26 team for a collaborative training and community engagement event.

Sep 10, 2026

Read More

Designing deeper data center defense

Researchers Kai Zeng and Liling Huang received funding to develop new security approaches to protect AI data centers from cyberattacks and internal threats.

Sep 3, 2026

Read More

No Mason Alerts within the last 24 hours as of September 13, 2026.

No Mason Alerts within the last 24 hours as of September 13, 2026.

Read More

Upcoming Events

What's happening at George Mason University

GAMEmason 2026

September 18, 2026

Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts

George Mason University's flagship gaming convention featuring live music, food trucks, arcade and PC games, a cosplay contest, and indie games.

Music From The Sole

September 26, 2026

Center for the Arts, Fairfax Campus

A performance by the tap dance and live music company that celebrates tap's Afro-diasporic roots, part of the Great Performances at Mason series.

Space Day 2026

September 26, 2026

George Mason University Fairfax Campus

An afternoon of engaging lectures, hands-on STEM activities, planetarium shows, and tours of the observatory hosted by the College of Science.

Grand Piano Celebration 2026

September 27, 2026

Center for the Arts, Fairfax Campus

The Dewberry School of Music presents a showcase of piano faculty and students in a collaborative concert.

Pints and Patriots: Oktoberfest Edition

September 28, 2026

Settle Down Easy Brewing Co., Oakton, VA

An alumni and community networking event featuring a guided Oktoberfest beer tasting and food.

Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel

October 11, 2026

Center for the Arts, Fairfax Campus

Jeffrey Siegel performs 'Glorious Musical Jewels,' featuring works by Beethoven and Schubert with historical commentary.

Dorms & On-Campus Housing at George Mason University

Various dorm and housing options are available for students.

45 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: suite

Beacon Hall

Capacity: 200

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

Blue Ridge

Capacity: 400

Room types: single, double, triple

Blue Ridge and Sandbridge

Capacity: 400

Room types: suite

Brunswick

Carroll

Commonwealth Hall

Capacity: 240

Room types: suite

Dickenson

Dominion Hall

Capacity: 240

Room types: suite

Eastern Shore

Capacity: 200

Room types: suite

Essex

Franklin

Graduate Residence Halls

Room types: apartment

Grayson

Hampton Roads Hall

Capacity: 450

Room types: suite

Harrison

Jackson

Jefferson

Kennedy

Liberty Square

Capacity: 500

Room types: apartment

Lincoln

Madison

Show the remaining 21 housing options

Mason Townhouses

Room types: apartment units

Monroe

Northern Neck

Capacity: 300

Room types: apartment

Piedmont and Tidewater

Capacity: 350

Room types: suite

Piedmont Hall

Capacity: 350

Room types: single, double, triple

Potomac Heights

Capacity: 500

Room types: apartment

Presidents Park

Capacity: 1,000

Room types: single, double, triple, quad

Rogers Hall

Capacity: 300

Room types: apartment

Roosevelt

Sandbridge Hall

Capacity: 400

Room types: single, double, triple

Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation

Room types: apartment

Taylor Hall

Capacity: 300

Room types: double

The Commons

Capacity: 500

Room types: single, double

The Townhouses

Capacity: 100

Room types: apartment

Tidewater Hall

Capacity: 350

Room types: single, double, triple

Townhouses

Capacity: 150

Room types: townhouse units

Truman

Upper-Level Residence Halls

Room types: suite, apartment

Washington

Whitetop

Capacity: 300

Room types: suite

Wilson

Campus Details

Academic System

Semester

Control

Public

Email Domain

@gmu.edu

Official Website

Visit Website →

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