How to Survive an Internship in Washington D.C. on a Budget

Washington D.C.'s summer interns can have plenty of fun even if they're on a tight budget.

Interning in Washington D.C. is essential for future American leader hopefuls. From opening constituent mail and answering phones on Capitol Hill to learning about public policy at nonprofit organizations and think tanks, D.C. is a rich source of internships for aspiring students. Washington is an expensive city with extremely high rents, but it's also an intern's paradise with plenty of free or low-cost social events.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Get a part time job to supplement your income. Many D.C. internships may require only 20 hours a week of your time. Even if you're internship is paid, having a little extra cash in your wallet can help you pay the rent or buy a new outfit for the next Capitol Hill fundraiser. D.C. neighborhoods are filled with new restaurants and shops, and many readily employ students and young interns.

2. Many organizations such as think tanks and nonprofits host networking events that provide free food and drink. Because D.C. has so many students and interns living, working and studying in the area, many events are also free or at a reduced cost for interns. Lectures and other events are also a great way to meet D.C. power players.

3. Share the rent. Plenty of group houses exist for interns to split the rent and utility costs. Don't break your budget on having your own place, even if it is just for the summer.

4. Experience culture, entertainment and American history for free. All the Smithsonian museums are subsidized by the tax payers, which means that you, the college intern can spend a lazy Saturday afternoon at any of the museums or art galleries for free. As long as you avoid the pricey meals at the museum cafes, you can enjoy cheap cultural experiences in the nation's capitol.

   Summer in D.C. is also the time for free weekly events such as jazz performances in the National Gallery of Art's Sculpture Garden every Friday night. The performances are free to attend and you can even bring your own picnic dinner. You may buy beer and wine there as well. The Smithsonian also hosts "Screen on the Green" where you may watch movies shown on Jumbotrons on the National Mall with the monuments and Capitol building for a backdrop. Read the "Washington Post" or any other local paper to stay up-to-date on free cultural events in the city.

5. Get exercise. D.C. has great neighborhoods that are incredibly walkable. It's a small city -- only 10 square miles -- so you can save money on public transportation by walking to your internship or walking to meet friends for dinner and drinks. Just wear comfortable shoes and be safe. Walk with a group of friends if it's late at night.

6. Be on the lookout for half-priced happy hour and dinner deals. D.C. bar and restaurant owners know their city is filled with young people excited to meet others and socialize, so they offer tons of meal and drink deals for the after work crowd. Bars and restaurants on Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle, Columbia Heights and Adams Morgan, as well as neighborhoods in Arlington and Alexandria, Virginia are great places to look for deals.

Tips & Warnings

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• Don't just attend free events for the food. Try to gain something out of it by learning about a new subject or finding an event about a subject that you're interested in studying.

References

• The Washington Post: Surviving an Unpaid Internship