WINS students live on American University's Tenley Campus, home to the Washington Semester Program. Conveniently located in a scenic residential area of Northwest Washington, two blocks from the red line on the Metrorail system, students have ready access to their internships and sightseeing throughout Washington, DC. 400-500 students live on this campus during the academic year and about 300 during the summer. The Tenley campus has a common dining hall, a fitness center and a computer lab; kitchens and lounges are located on each floor of the residence halls. American University’s 76-acre main campus is only a four-block walk from the Tenley Campus.

WINS participants are encouraged to take full advantage of AU's close proximity to downtown DC in their free time. Within minutes, students can walk the National Mall, explore the Smithsonian, or view the city from the top of the Washington Monument. The nation's capital is both an extraordinarily cosmopolitan city and a distinct hometown, with a local identity rich in cultural, ethnic, and racial diversity. Not only the seat of the federal government, Washington is also home to a booming high-tech industry, major professional sports teams, and a vibrant arts community.

WINS also makes a special effort to connect students with the American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian community in the Washington, DC area. Information is provided about events hosted by other groups. Attendance is encouraged when students' schedule permits.