GW’s Mount Vernon Campus is becoming more popular, as incoming freshmen requests to live at the campus are “up substantially,” Mount Vernon Executive Dean Grae Baxter said.

Baxter said she expects about 250 freshmen and 200 continuing students to live on the campus next year. She said there were roughly 250 freshmen living at Mount Vernon this year.

“I think (Mount Vernon) is an attractive option for continuing students,” Baxter said.

Improvements to Mount Vernon this year include the addition to Somers Hall, becoming co-ed, construction of new tennis courts and a soccer field, addition of a Provisions market, a new pub and more student activities and entertainment. The Mount Vernon campus has also experienced increased attention from SA president Roger Kapoor.

Mount Vernon will host two new living and learning communities next year. Students in the GWUSA program will have an opportunity to study in an American city of their choice for one semester to study its political, cultural and social aspects, Baxter said. Student in the Leaders in Public Service program will make a year-long commitment to community service, including an “alternate spring break” service project. Both communities will receive stipends for travel expenses.

Most students interviewed said they have enjoyed living at MVC this year.

“I love living at Mount Vernon,” freshman Sam Rowe said. “The reason I came to GW is because of the Mount Vernon Campus.”

Freshman Charlotte Kilpatrick, a Mount Vernon resident, said she plans to live on Foggy Bottom next year but she “wouldn’t mind living here next year.”

“I like the peace and quiet a lot, and you still get a good college experience,” Kilpatrick said. “And it’s not like there’s nothing to do – you make your own fun.”

Living at Mount Vernon is also generally cheaper for upperclassman than Foggy Bottom. The Community Living and Learning Center’s Web site lists 2001-2002 Mount Vernon rates for a Somers double as $6,195, about $1,000 less than most Foggy Bottom apartment-style doubles. A Somers single costs $6,805, and a Pelham single goes for $6,745. Most Foggy Bottom singles cost more than $1,000 more.

Baxter said GW is looking to increase Mount Vernon’s appeal to students. Some tentative ideas for next year include extending the shuttle’s hours to 24 hours a day and extending dining hours.