Planning A Budget
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The cost of living in D.C. can be very different from what it is where you live. There are several things to consider as you plan for your time in D.C.
- Cost of food/meals – TWC does not have a dining facility. You’ll need to arrange for your own meals. Think about how much money you will need for groceries, packed lunches, and the occasional restaurant meal.
- Transportation – getting around the city involves using public transportation. To get an idea of the costs of Metro travel, check out www.wmata.com [2]. Experiment with the site and plan a few sample trips around the city to get a sense of how much you will need for travel expenses. Always plan for an unexpected cab ride as well.
- Entertainment – while D.C. is a great city with a tremendous number of free things to do, you may want to do some things that aren’t free. You’ll need to include the cost of movies, weekend travel, gallery openings, sporting events, etc., to your budget for your time in D.C.
- Professional Attire – D.C. is a professional city and many internships require business attire for the office setting. Plan your wardrobe accordingly.
- Miscellaneous – set aside some extra money for emergencies and unexpected expenses that may pop up. It’s a good idea to have a little “slush fund” to ensure you have enough money to last throughout your stay in D.C.
Each intern maintains a different lifestyle while living in D.C. For some, budgeting $150-200 per week is enough to cover all expenses, while others need a larger budget.
Budgeting Worksheet
This sheet is designed to assist you with planning a personal budget while you are interning in D.C. This does not include costs associated with TWC Program and Housing Fees. This will help you fully enjoy your experience here.
