Just a short shuttle ride (or walk!) away from campus, Tenleytown is the closest thing AU students have to a true college town. With so many dining and retail options, it can be tricky to navigate at first, but don't worry, you'll soon become a master of all things Tenley. In the meantime, here's a list of dos and don'ts to help make this little corner of northwest D.C. feel like home a bit faster.

DO: Go to Cava

Often. Go to Cava often. One of the many places that accepts EagleBucks, this Mediterranean oasis is arguably one of the best dining destinations in Tenley. A lot of clubs, athletic teams and Greek organizations host fundraisers here during the semester, so you will find yourself here a lot.

DON'T: Do all your grocery shopping at Whole Foods

While Whole Foods is a great place to get fresh produce and desserts, it's expensive and will leave you with an empty wallet and a longing for processed foods. Instead, consider shopping at Safeway or Giant for your grocery store staples.

DO: Take time to learn the bus system

Taking the metro is great -- except when the Red line is single tracking (which happens more often than not). Luckily there are tons of bus routes that start or pass through Tenley that can take you practically anywhere in the city! The 96 will take you to Woodley Park, Adams Morgan and U Street, the H3 and H4 will take you to Columbia Heights, and the Ns and 30s will take you Downtown!

DON'T: Go to Tenley between 2:30 and 5 p.m. during the week

Among everything else that Tenley has, it is also home to a middle/high school. Students get out of school around 2:30 and our safe haven is temporarily infested with youths. Lines at Starbucks, Robeks and Dominos are out the door and chaos ensues. Avoid at all costs.

DO: Get a D.C. Public Library Card

Not only is the Tenley library a great study spot, you'll be able to check out books that AU has on course reserves for longer than four hours. The library is really a hidden gem of Tenley -- not enough students take advantage of it.

DON'T: Feel the need to shop at the Container Store

Yes it's hip and trendy and they have containers for literally everything, but you can do better. While it's great in a pinch, most things are overpriced. You can find the same quality of items for half the price at TJMaxx in Friendship Heights or at Target/Bed Bath and Beyond in Columbia Heights.

DO: Take advantage of Blue Crew discounts

Even if you never plan on attending an AU athletic event ever again, take time to pick up a Blue Crew membership card during Welcome Week. This little piece of plastic will give you discounts at Robeks, Domino's and several other Tenley locations.

DON'T: Eat at Mayflower

Unless you want to be sitting on the toilet for the rest of the night, just don't do it. If you're in the mood for Chinese, walk a couple blocks to Satay Club. The food is delicious and your body will thank you!

DO: Get a Panera Rewards Card

One of the healthier dining options in Tenley, you'll probably be going here a lot. Signing up for the rewards program will get you a free item from time to time (and save you money)! Now that Panera officially takes EagleBucks, there's no reason not to!

DON'T: Try to run after the shuttle

You're just going to look desperate and nine times out of 10, it's not going to stop for you. Walk across the street and take the Law School shuttle or wait 10 minutes and there'll be another one. Or consider walking back to campus, the 15-minute walk won't kill you.

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