AROUND CAMPUS
Our student body is comprised of some of our nation’s brightest scholars, those with a profound curiosity and commitment to service, science, and the greater good. We work hard to foster a supportive environment where students flourish both academically and socially. A pervasive spirit of camaraderie and teamwork distinguishes USU from other universities. Whether it’s playing on an intramural sports team, studying with friends in the library, or just hanging out with classmates in the Student Union, there are many social outlets at USU. Student groups, volunteer opportunities, mentorship programs, special guest lecturers, and so much more bring our diverse student body together in new and exciting ways every day. Other student benefits, such as academic counselors, study groups, and student government organizations help to enrich the USU experience and provide students with the tools and resources needed to succeed.
Hear from VADM Forrest Faison (Ret.), former Navy Surgeon General, as he remembers how he got there and his favorite times as a student at USU.
Lt. Commander Juan Guerra, former flight surgeon for the Blue Angels, discusses his career in the Navy and what he remembers from his time as a student.
“I have made stronger relationships with my instructors, advisors, and peers at USU than my previous universities. The only thing that would make me feel more at home is if they would let me bring my puppies to class, but I hear the President is open to suggestions.”
LOCATION
Just outside of the nation's capital on Naval Support Activity Base in Bethesda, Maryland, our central location makes it easy for students to take advantage of the cultural offerings of a thriving metropolis. Home to some of the nation's top attractions — including national monuments, premiere museums, and top-rated restaurants — Washington DC is a city brimming with activity. With the Potomac River and Rock Creek Park close by, and the Shenandoah National Park a short drive away, our location appeals to nature lovers and city dwellers alike.
Bus and metro rail transportation are easily accessible and provide routes throughout the city and beyond, with a metro stop located a short walk from the campus. This same transportation provides access to a wide variety of restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues located in downtown Bethesda. Art and music festivals attract students and other visitors as well as annual events such as The Taste of Bethesda and Strut Your Mutt. Various health organizations and federal complexes also call Bethesda home. The National Institutes of Health is across the street from the University and the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center is next door.
SATELLITE LOCATIONS
USU SOUTHERN REGION
USU-South, based in San Antonio, Texas, is home to two of the university's four schools, the Post Graduate Dental College (PDC) and the College of Allied Health Sciences (CAHS), along with the University’s Tri-Service Center for Oral Health Studies.
USU WESTERN REGION
Based in San Diego, California, USU-West provides support to the university’s schools, students, faculty, and research programs at institutions and activities west of Colorado.
NATIONAL CAPITAL CONSORTIUM
USU is the home of the National Capital Consortium (NCC). The NCC is the sponsoring institution for all military GME in the National Capital Region and is the largest sponsor of Graduate Medical Education for the Military Health System. The NCC is educating physicians, dentists, and other healthcare professionals who care for soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines of all ages, and their families.
Military Life
Students Benefit from Learning in a multiservice environment. Although the differences between the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Public Health Services are distinct, a sense of shared purpose distinguishes the students here and fosters a pervasive and inimitable spirit of teamwork.
Active duty students must comply with the standards and regulations of their branch, to include completion of all training requirements, semi-annual physical fitness tests, annual performance evaluations, and ensuring that they are always readily deployable.
Learn More About the Branches >
FAMILIES
USU supports students is by maintaining an inclusive environment. Spouses and children are a part of the social fabric and workforce. Spouses work in many university departments and help carry out the USU mission in diverse ways. Many husbands and wives also choose to join the University-sponsored Spouse's Club. The Spouse's Club is a great way to make new friends and serve the community through various outreach projects. The Child Development Center, located on base about a five-minute walk from the University, offers full-day care at a fraction of the cost of other local facilities for authorized personnel.
CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER
Naval Support Activity Bethesda’s Child Development Center, located on base about a five-minute walk from the University, is a great resource for students with children. The center offers full-day care at a fraction of the cost of other local facilities for authorized personnel.
STUDENT INTEREST GROUPS
Whether joining the Fighting Docs ice hockey team on their tear across local ice skating rinks, singing a cappella with The Dermatones, or diving in on your medical subject of interest, there's something for everyone at USU. With more than 40 student-led groups, these organizations take the campus experience beyond the classroom to places where friendships are forged and memories are created that will last a lifetime.
TRANSPORTATION
PARKING AT USU
Students generally do not receive individual parking passes due to limited availability. Carpool passes are available, but new applications are only accepted in the late spring and at least two individuals must ride in together. Accepting a carpool pass makes you ineligible to accept Metro benefits through HJF or the DOD.
PUBLIC TRANSIT
Most students take public transportation to the Medical Center Metro stop where a shuttle to USU is available. A SmarTrip metro pass that can be used for both rail and bus transportation can be purchased from the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. Fares, bus and rail maps, and trip planners can be found at wmata.com. Service members can be reimbursed for Metro costs up to $255 month (approximate), based on individual commuter costs.
Housing
Parking on campus is limited. Therefore, it is advisable that students find an apartment along a bus route or the Metro red line. Most apartment leases in the area start around late summer, so moving in the winter or spring may make the housing search more difficult. Be sure to check commute times to approximate how long it will take to reach the Medical Center Metro Station (red line stop for USU and NIH) from any listings you view.
Military housing is also available to military students at some of the military installations in the area. On-base living puts you in a safe community close to frequently used military services (exchanges, commissaries, hospitals, daycare, etc.) and with other military families. Students who successfully obtain on-base housing won't receive a Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) because rent and utilities would be covered.