Office hours are an opportunity to discuss course content, academic goals, research opportunities, and more. Each professor states or lists their office hours in the course syllabus and are usually a couple hours per week.
How to prepare
Make sure you are prepared before attending by identifying specific questions and/or problems ahead of time. Avoid waiting until exam season to attend as it can become very busy and stressful for both the professor and you.
When should you attend office hours?
There are a variety of reasons to attend office hours. If you’re struggling with the material, it might be helpful to ask your professor or TA for help understanding. If you’re in need of accommodations, talking to your professor during office hours is a good way to make sure they’re aware of your situation. Research opportunities can become available through attending office hours. If you’re looking for a research project, office hours can be the first step in building a connection with your professor. Similarly, professors can offer professional advice on your field of study or prospective career. With this being said, it’s best to attend office hours when you are in need of clarifications or genuine questions.
Why you should attend
Office hours can be valuable time to make connections with your professors and gain a better understanding of the material you’re learning in class. You can use this time to ask questions about what you’re learning in class, get ideas on how you should study the material, or review past assessments, which will all help create a professional relationship between you and your professor. Even if you’re just asking for help on a homework question, professors will appreciate you putting in the effort to succeed in class.
Failure is something that everyone comes in contact with at least once in their life. The word failure is primarily associated with negative connotations, though put in a new perspective, failure can be seen as an opportunity to grow. During college, failure is inevitable, but using it to reflect and re-evaluate can ultimately lead to success. There are a few things that can help shift perspective around failure:
Detaching self worth from success
It’s easy to become overly self-critical, especially as college students strive for high grades and extracurricular accomplishments. Working towards detaching your self worth from success can set you up for more growth towards your goals. Once you realize that the outcome of an event isn’t correlated with the image of yourself, it can become easier to accept failure and use it as building blocks to more progress. One mistake doesn’t define who you are as a person, even if it seems that way in the moment. If you feel failure taking over your self worth, remember all of the amazing accomplishments you have already achieved.
Focusing on what you CAN control
Separate between what you can and can’t control. What you can’t control is out of your power, so focus on what you CAN control. You can’t influence outside factors, but what’s in your control can be changed for the better.
Finding the cause of failure and own your mistakes
The first step in transitioning from failure to growth is identifying the cause of failure. The best way to learn from failure is to own your mistakes. If you can accept what went wrong and analyze it, there’s a better chance that you can grow from a mistake instead of denying that something went wrong.
Using failure as an opportunity to grow
Instead of viewing failure as defeat, use it as an opportunity to reflect on what you could change in order to try again. After detaching your self worth, focusing on what you can control, and owning your mistakes, you can separate failure from its negative connotations. Failure can teach us what doesn’t work, and sometimes how you can fix a situation.
College is a time for exploration and discovery filled with various successes and failures. It’s important to remember that it’s OK to fail!
What’s the absolute worst that could happen? And how could you handle that situation if you do fail? Most times, when putting the absolute worst into perspective, you can realize that the outcome of failure is reasonable, but heightened by anxiety.
It’s easier said than done, but overcoming a fear of failure and taking full advantage of each outcome of opportunities can set a strong foundation for future growth!
Not studying in the library can be a hot take, but there are a couple reasons that make the library not the best option for every study session. The environment you study in can greatly impact your concentration and productivity. Because the library is the default study spot for most students, it can get crowded and loud, especially during exam weeks. It can be easy to get distracted while studying at the library with tour groups filtering in and out, friends popping up, and loud study groups even on the upper floors. Similarly, finding a seat in the library is time consuming during peak hours and exam seasons. Whether you’re looking for a fresh space or secret spots, there are a variety of options of where to study instead.
When the weather is nice, William & Mary’s campus has many outdoor areas that are favorable to studying. Swem patio tables (with umbrellas!), the Sunken Garden chairs, Sadler Terrace, and the various benches, tables, and chairs around campus are perfect spots to enjoy the outdoors while getting work done!
Another great idea for a study spot are the meeting rooms in ISC. Similar to the study rooms in Swem, there are a number of small meeting rooms in ISC that have whiteboard walls and comfy chairs that are perfect for small groups or a quiet concentration spot.
The Wellness Center is a serene spot to study if you’re looking for nature views and a quiet, air-conditioned environment. They even have comfy chairs and couches surrounded by walls of glass outlooking the trails.
After classes conclude in the academic buildings, classrooms are open for studying. If you have a favorite classroom, consider making it your next study area!
If you have the ability to travel off campus, there are many coffee shops and restaurants where you can study. Aromas is within walking distance from campus, and is a great study spot for those who work well in cafe environments. Restaurants like Panera and Starbucks are farther, but also serve as good places to work!
There are so many interesting classes to choose from at William & Mary. To get a sense of how many awesome subjects there are to learn about here, I asked a couple William & Mary students what their favorite classes have been:
Alena Jones ‘26
Mermaid Tales with Professor Francessca Sawaya and Capitalism and Revolution with Professor Elliot Warren
“I would say Mermaid Tales was a really good class while transitioning into W&M because it’s the type of class that similar types of people enroll in. Professor Sawaya also does an incredible job of helping us make personal connections with other class members with collaborative assignments that help us build off each other’s ideas. Capitalism and Revolution helped me confirm my decision to want to major in history at William & Mary and made me completely rethink the importance of European history in the broader global context.”
Emma Dunlop ‘26
Social Psychology with Dr. Moloney
“Her lessons were engaging and always connected to relevant, present-day topics. Also, the assignments were fun and thought-provoking. It was a great way to spend my mornings!”
Audrey Rasmussen ‘26
Emerging Diseases with Dr. Sher
“We talked about major diseases in history and public health response to these diseases, as well as current outbreaks around the world. The scientific journal articles we read were super interesting, and I enjoyed my research for our final paper. My writing and presentation skills improved because of this class and Dr. Sher’s excellent feedback!”
Mia Honda ‘26
Books and Biases with Professor Conradi Smith
“We got to do some cool research about children’s books that we all most likely read as kids!”
Arleigh Wagoner ‘26
History of Western Music with Professor La Barre
“I enjoyed listening to and learning about music and how its changed over time. Plus, as someone who reads/plays music, I learned a lot about the history of notation, the development of instruments, and how the broad term ‘classical music’ is divided into categories I’d never known before! The professor was fantastic and I loved the required concert assignments and listening maps!”
Aneesa Parish ‘24
Evolution of Organisms with Professor Murphy
When it comes to the course, I believe that was the best evolution class I’ve ever taken, and I am not a theory-based biology student. I was nervous at first, but the way she structured her lectures, she gives breaks where you can ask her to repeat something even if you’re a tad bit confused. Coming from that 300 level course, I knew everything so much more in depth. The environment is great and Professor Murphy really cares for her students as far as understanding as well as mentally, especially when you’re taking orgo and physics together along with her class (most of us were in Junior fall semester). For reference, I was really struggling mentally with everything going on towards the end of the semester and broke down in her office over a quiz I didn’t think I’d have time to take. She laughed, offered tissues, and just said, ‘take an extra day or don’t take it.’ She has her class structured for students like me with extra assignments just in case you aren’t able to get to one later in the semester.”
Sarah Callahan ‘26
American Medical History 1750-1950 with Professor Brennan
“I’m not even a STEM major, I just took it for fun and she made it very accessible by explaining how the US perception of the body changed over time. We also took a field trip to the exhibit in Williamsburg where the public hospital used to be, which was essentially a mental asylum that sanctioned questionable treatment methods using 18th and 19th century medical knowledge.”
Chiara Leupke ‘25
History of Christianity with Professor Angelov
“It was a fascinating, thought-provoking class that left me talking and thinking about the topics outside of class. The course focuses on how Christian theology developed and spans from ancient Greco-Roman society to the current state of religion post-Reformation. As an economics major, this class gave me the liberal arts experience that W&M is known for.
Josep Ocampo ‘25
Nation, Race, & Gender in South Asia with Professor Zutshi
“Last year, I took a class about a region I had little to no knowledge of. The course was Nation, Race, & Gender in South Asia taught by Professor Zutshi. Learning about how the interplay between race and gender shaped the nation and its evolution from the Mughal period up to the present was truly fascinating. Prior to this class, I hadn’t envisioned studying gender to be as insightful as it was. It changed the way that I viewed society and made me notice the similarities and differences in what a nation means/meant across different geopolitical regions. I gained a new way to look at the world and I expect I’ll take many more eye-opening classes during my time here.”
College is not only a time for discovery in extracurricular activities, but also a time to find what study techniques are the best fit for you. To assist you in finding your best fit study method, here are 8 active recall study methods and techniques to try during this upcoming semester.
Listen to recordings
How: Create recordings of yourself or someone else explaining the topic you want to remember and listen to throughout the day. You can also record lectures if permissible by the professor to listen to while studying.
Why: This is convenient for studying on the go! It also leads your brain to listening subconsciously and better retention of information.
Teach someone else
How: Pretend to teach someone else the information you are trying to study
Why: Teaching someone else forces you to think of ways to have someone else remember the information you are teaching. In doing so, you can memorize the information better.
Condense chapter / lesson into key sentences
How: Write key sentence overviews or bullet points of what you have learned / read.
Why: Condensing information forces your brain to alter the information to fit it into a smaller scale. This can make your memory on the topic stronger, and it provides a good one sentence to remember during test time!
Memory palace
What: Convert your memories into visual images around a mental memory palace.
How: Visualize a memorable location (ie. your dorm or classroom) and place what you want to remember in certain areas of that location. To remember, you can mentally walk through the palace to remember where you stored each piece of information.
Why: Associating information with a visual palace you’re familiar with connects something you already know with something you want to remember. This helps your brain create an imprint with what you want to remember and is a fun way to memorize!
Study group discussions
How: Get together with a group of friends and discuss what you are working on in class.
Why: Sometimes talking with friends can create a lasting impact on your memory of the topic. If someone says something funny or interesting you’re more likely to remember it! Also if working on projects, assignments, or studying for the class, study groups can provide other perspectives.
Design a test on the topic
How: This method is great for transferring notes into flashcards after a lecture. Create a collection of short answer questions in your own words with bullet points of the main points you should have in your answer. Study this test by either speaking the answers or writing them down.
Why: Designing a short-answer test in your own words not only creates a connection in your brain, it also will lead to new answers each time you study! Using bullet points in the initial answers will help you remember the key information to remember while also forcing your brain to come up with a unique answer each time you study the test.
Blurting
How: Blurting is an active recall technique where you brain dump all the information you can remember. Write down everything you know about a topic, then go back and check to see if you missed anything. If you did, find the information and fill it in. Repeat until you remember everything! Blurting is good to do after reading textbooks or a lecture!
Why: Blurting drives your brain to actively recall information and shows you which information is not adequately retained!
Make connections between your life and the lesson
How: Making connections between your life and what you’re learning helps personalize and make the information seem more important. Try to find a connection in your own life with what you learn in class. OR, research into a celebrity or historical figure that might be connected to what you’re learning.
Ex. If you are learning anatomy and can connect it to when you were injured.
Why: When your life and the lesson are connected, you’re more likely to be interested in learning about it. The information is no longer just a paragraph in your textbook, but a real life scenario that you can either relate to or remember more easily!
As we near the last month of summer, consider taking the time to prepare yourself for the upcoming semester. Everyone has their unique way of greeting a new academic semester. Here are a few ideas of how to prepare yourself for a new set of courses, exams, and a new schedule.
Set up a planner or calendar
Setting up a planner or calendar with important due dates for assignments, exam dates, social commitments, work tasks, and more will give you an overview of what your schedule looks like and help you keep track of deadlines.
Take a walk around campus
If it’s your first semester on campus, consider taking a walk around, go inside buildings, find roughly where your classes are to familiarize yourself with where everything is so you don’t lose time on the first day.
Begin creating a steady sleep schedule
During summer it can be easy to lose track of a steady sleep schedule, so a couple weeks before arriving on campus consider setting up a schedule as you would for school.
Familiarize yourself with available resources
There are so many great resources around William & Mary’s campus that are there to aid your academic and well-being needs. Similar to taking a walk around campus, familiarize yourself with the campus resources like the Wellness Center, Recreation Center, Dining Halls, Writing Center, etc.
Ask Questions
Beginning a new semester can be a confusing time especially if beginning your very first year at university. Taking the time to ask questions whether it be to professors, faculty, or other students, can help you gain a better understanding of what to expect in the upcoming semester!
Embarking on the adventure of studying abroad as an international student brings a mix of excitement and challenges. Having left behind the comfort of home and family, my transition to William & Mary has been a transformative experience. In this blog post, I will share the joys and obstacles I’ve encountered, the support I’ve received, and how William & Mary has become a second home.
1. Embracing the Unknown:
Stepping onto the campus of William & Mary for the first time, I was greeted with a myriad of new experiences. The academic culture, weather (especially during the winter), and even the cuisine presented challenges that required adaptation. However, the support I received from the university community helped ease my transition and made me feel welcome from day one.
2. Choosing William & Mary:
I selected William & Mary for its outstanding higher education program, small class sizes, and the opportunity to connect with knowledgeable professors. After completing my first semester, I can confidently say that the university has surpassed my expectations. The campus is not only visually stunning but also populated with faculty and staff who genuinely care about student success. Prior to my arrival, staff at the School of Education and the Reves Center for International Studies provided invaluable assistance in expediting my visa process, setting a positive tone for my journey ahead.
3. A Sense of Community:
One of the most fulfilling aspects of my time at William & Mary has been the sense of belonging I’ve found. The Reves Center facilitated connections with other African students, enabling me to seamlessly integrate into campus life. Furthermore, the Global Friends program offered me the opportunity to engage with a local senior member, fostering cultural exchange and deepening my understanding of American history and traditions.
4. A Rewarding Journey:
My first semester at William & Mary has been nothing short of rewarding. Engaging with knowledgeable professors and participating in a diverse and rigorous academic environment has set me on a path to becoming an educational leader. Beyond academics, I have formed friendships and established professional networks that I anticipate will last a lifetime.
5. Advice for International Students:
To my fellow international students, I encourage you to embrace curiosity and never hesitate to ask questions. Rest assured that there will always be someone ready to support you and provide the resources you need. Seize the opportunities available to you, challenge yourself, and be open to exploring new frontiers. Regardless of your background, I hope that both Williamsburg and William & Mary will come to feel at home, just as they have for me.
As an international student, my journey at William & Mary has been a transformative experience. The challenges I faced have been outweighed by the support I received from the university community. William & Mary has not only provided me with an exceptional education but has also nurtured a sense of belonging and a deep appreciation for diverse perspectives. I am grateful for the opportunities I have found here and encourage others to embark on their own adventures, knowing that William & Mary will be there to guide them every step of the way.
William & Mary has so much to offer in academics, wellness, career development and more. Trying to fit all aspects of the college experience into a daily schedule can be difficult, but consider trying the PACE goal guide when planning out your day. I created PACE goals during online learning as a way to maintain balance in my schedule throughout the day. PACE goals work by separating different tasks or goals into four main categories: personal, academic, creative, and exercise. I chose these four categories from figuring out what makes my day feel the most productive and complete. PACE goals are helpful because they allow for you to prioritize, organize, and create an overview of your balanced day.
Prioritizing tasks and goals by choosing the most important helps separate the essential tasks for each day.
P – Personal
Personal tasks and goals are those that are dedicated for you.
Some examples of personal tasks could be journaling, reading, meditating, etc.
The Wellness Center is a great resource for dedicating time towards personal tasks.
A – Academic
Academic tasks and goals are those that are dedicated for school.
Some examples of academic tasks could be completing a homework assignment, studying for an exam, etc.
The Writing Resource Center is a great resource for strengthening writing and communication skills.
C – Creative / Career
Creative tasks and goals are those that dedicate time towards making something. These tasks are designed to minimize screen time and create anything from a small doodle to baking a cake.
C could also stand for career. Career tasks and goals are those that dedicate time towards developing your career. Consider checking out the Cohen Career Center for assistance towards applying for jobs and professional development.
Some examples of creative tasks could be drawing, painting, baking, crochet, etc.
Some examples of career tasks could be creating a resume, taking professional headshots, applying for jobs, etc.
The Makerspace in Swem Library is a great resource for a variety of creative projects.
E – Exercise
Exercise tasks and goals are those that dedicate time for movement.
Some examples of exercise tasks could be specific workouts, minutes of movement, rest days etc.
The Campus Recreation Center is a great resource for exercise tasks.
Research is a core part of William & Mary. Getting involved in research with professors can seem intimidating at first, but here are a few tips on pursuing opportunities at William & Mary.
Timing is key
The first step in solidifying a spot on a research project is figuring out when you would like to participate. Are you looking for a single semester project? Maybe a lab group to stick with for a longer time period? Asking these questions can help you and the professor you reach out to better understand what type of research position you’re seeking.
Make sure research aligns with your aspirations
Participating in research related to your major or area of interest will not only contribute to your resume, but also provide you with useful knowledge and skills towards a future career. An email with more personal connections to the research can stand out to a professor.
Reaching out to professors
There are a few things to include in your email to professors when asking about research positions. Make sure to research about the research the professor you are reaching out to has done / is currently working on. It can be helpful to include reasons why you are interested in working specifically with them and how you can contribute to the lab group / research. A brief description of your career goals and how they align with the research also is helpful to include. Setting up a time to talk in person can help the professor get to know you better and discuss what projects might be of interest.
Burnout is something most students experience and can stem from over-studying or an unbalanced schedule. It’s important to take care of our well-being to have a successful semester since it is multidimensional and requires physical, mental, and emotional care. Here are some quick tips to help you prevent and recover from academic burnout:
Leave one day for minimal to no work: setting time aside for self care, personal activities, and a break from schoolwork might sound daunting at first. However, dedicating this time to yourself can be more beneficial than trying to work non stop everyday. Take the time to replenish your sleep, check in with your health, and do something you’ve been looking forward to!
Have 3-5 attainable goals a day: too many tasks can be overwhelming and unrealistic. Try limiting yourself to the tasks of highest priority each day.
Break tasks into smaller tasks: sometimes making tasks into smaller ones can give the impression of getting more done when checking off tasks. This can help you maintain motivation to get work done.
Listen to your emotions: if you feel extremely overwhelmed, it’s time to take a break. Take time to rest and recharge so you can return ready.
Set boundaries: learn to say no to things you don’t have time for / don’t want to do.
Reflect on what caused previous burnouts: how were previous burnouts sparked? What did you do to recover? How can you realistically avoid the causes in the future?
