Category Archives: Academics

27 Things To Do Your First Year At W&M

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Welcome new students! Joining a college environment introduces you to a plethora of new experiences and opportunities. If you’re looking for something to do when bored or checking off must-have activities, try using this bucket list of 27 things you should do your first year at William & Mary.  

  1. Figure out how to pronounce Botetourt 
  2. Find the old Lake Matoaka Amphitheatre 
  3. Listen to an a capella group perform at Wren 10
  4. Take a class in a subject you’ve never learned about before
  5. Make an account on Tribe Careers
  6. Leave campus by figuring out the WATA bus system 
  7. Stop by your professors’ office hours to get to know them 
  8. Check out a book from Swem
  9. Photograph your favorite spot on campus during all four seasons 
  10. Learn a new campus fun fact when you walk by  a tour group
  11. Connect with Alumni over Homecoming weekend 
  12. Attend an event for a cultural organization that you’re not a member of
  13. Attend a group fitness class at the Rec or Wellness center
  14. Swim in the Rec Center or Adair Hall pool
  15. Try to play it cool after being startled by one of the many campus squirrels
  16. Get some flowers at the weekly Farmers’ Market
  17. Figure out your go-to Wawa order
  18. Submit a call-in order at the Cheese Shop to skip the lines and feel like a local
  19. Take a late night walk through CW
  20. Narrowly miss stepping in horse poop on DOG Street
  21. Travel Europe for the day by going to Busch Gardens
  22. Get your free student pass from Colonial Williamsburg
  23. Compare the fudge at Wythe and Kilwin’s and pick a favorite
  24. Take advantage of living in the city with the most pancake houses per capita
  25. Spend a day at the beach in Yorktown or Jamestown
  26. Collect as many free W&M t-shirts as you can
  27. Put together an IM sports team

Here’s a printout to keep track!

First-year-bucket-list.pdfDownload

COLL Classes Explained

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COLL classes were one of the things that confused me the most when entering William & Mary. Before registration, you take the College Studies course that gives you a background on academic expectations. During this course you are introduced to the concept of the university curriculum. Here are some of the main points that will help you better understand what exactly COLL classes are and why we take them:

COLL classes were created to allow you to branch out of your intended major and explore new topics that might interest you. COLL 100 and COLL 150 classes are taken in your first year at William and Mary. COLL 100 classes are designed to explore new concepts through creative presentation and COLL 150 classes consist of readings, writings, and group discussions. 

You are required to take three COLL 200 classes, with one in each knowledge domain; NQR, CSI, and ALV. During COLL 200 classes you explore the commonalities between academic domains and how they connect. 

After your second year, your COLL classes become a little more specific to your area(s) of interest(s). COLL 300 classes connect your major with global context. During your third year, you will have the opportunity to fulfill your COLL 300 requirement. You can complete this requirement on campus, study abroad, or take courses through the DC program. 

COLL 350 courses explore difference, equity, and justice. You’ll make connections between course material and contemporary life and social identities in America. 

COLL 400 courses are reserved for capstone projects. You will complete a project in your final semesters that incorporates knowledge from previous COLL courses and your major. To complete this requirement, you will attend seminars, complete honors projects, or participate in independent research. 

Here is a quick breakdown of the COL requirements:

COLL 100

COLL 150

COLL 200 ALV

COLL 200 CSI

COLL 200 NQR

COLL 300

COLL 350

COLL 400

This might seem overwhelming at the moment, but COLL requirements are spread out throughout your time at William & Mary. To find out which COLL courses are being offered the upcoming semester, input your intended COLL in the attribute area on the open course list. 

Where to find more information: https://www.wm.edu/as/undergraduate/coll/

Things You’ve Never Tried Around Campus

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Whether you’re an incoming freshman or a returning senior, there are still some things around campus that you might have never tried. Here’s a list of some hidden gems in and around campus. 

  • Watch a play at Playhouse theater 

Did you know that Colonial Williamsburg (CW) has a theater? Right next to the Governor’s Palace is the Playhouse theater. This open air theater has been around since the 1700s! The Jug Broke Theater Company performs shows daily.

Learn more here: https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/learn/living-history/spirit-18th-century-theater/

  • Get a pastry from Raleigh Tavern Bakery  

Also located in CW is a somewhat hidden bakery. Tucked away off the Duke of Gloucester Street, the Raleigh Tavern Bakery contains a variety of sweet treats, baked goods, and drinks.  

Learn more here: https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/locations/raleigh-tavern-bakery/

  • Kayaking on Lake Matoaka 

Not only is Lake Matoaka a beautiful view, it can also be utilized for fun adventures! The Tribe Adventure Program rents out kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes so students can take a paddle down the lake. 

Learn more here: https://www.wm.edu/offices/wellness/campusrec/programs/outdoorrec/index.php

  • Get a massage at the Wellness Center

The McLeod Tyler Wellness Center is known for its beautiful glass windows and waterfall, but did you know that the Wellness Center also offers massages? Students can register for a 60 minute massage at the Wellness Center for only $50! 

Learn more here: https://www.wm.edu/offices/wellness/campusrec/programs/fitwell/massage/about/prices/index.php

  • Take a class on a unique topic

William & Mary’s COLL program allows students to branch out of their comfort zones and explore new topics you might otherwise overlook. There’s a multitude of  interesting classes to explore such as Rave Music (MUSC 100 02), Age of Dinosaurs (GEOL 203 01), The Mafia (FMST 330 02), and German Fairy Tales (GRMN 221 01).

  • Swim in the Rec Center pool

The ground floor of the Bee McLeod Recreation Center is home to a 25 yard, 8 lane pool open to all students. Try going for a quick swim next time you visit the rec center!

Returning To Campus As A Not-So-New Student

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This fall I’ll be returning to William & Mary as a sophomore. Since I was a spring transfer whose first semester was last spring (2023), I still feel relatively new to the W&M community. It’s been difficult finding a place in campus in such a short period of time, yet now I’m almost halfway through college. There’s pressure to make friends, maintain high grades on every assignment, network and get involved, and find jobs in such little time. 

Summer has been a time for reflection about the change coming as each class moves up a year. There’s unspoken feelings about unbecoming the youngest class on campus. Sophomores and juniors can feel unimportant as they lack the ‘bookend’ status that freshman and seniors possess. The focus is on freshmen as they need the help transitioning to the new environment and seniors as they prepare for their last year before graduation. This leaves two remaining classes. What is it that sophomores and juniors have to look forward to? 

Moving up the class ladder has its benefits and disadvantages. As you move up a year in college, classes become more challenging, the academic load increases, free time decreases, and the time before graduation ticks away. However, the more time spent working on your academics provides you with more opportunities, experience, and knowledge that will help you in your future career. You’ll strengthen the bonds between friends and create lifelong connections. You’ll network with professors and alumni who can advance your professional career. You’ll move into an air-conditioned dorm if you remain on-campus. You’ll explore a new level of independence in your home away from home. And most importantly, you’ll serve as role models to those new to William & Mary. 

It’s crucial to remember that college is a multiple year experience. There is plenty of time to work towards all of your goals and also have fun in the process. While you’re not the youngest of the school anymore, you can take your new status as an opportunity to help those who are. 

Where To Study Based On Your Preference

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By: Meghann Mullarkey

If you’re looking for silence:

The best spot for complete silence would be the third floor of Swem (our library). This floor is reserved for no talking, which makes it the best if you’re looking for complete silence. 

If you’re looking for quiet: 

The second floor of Swem and upper floors of Integrated Science Center (ISC) are great quiet study spots. Additionally, the Slice in the Sadler center can be a good spot for some quiet work. Also, after all classes are done for the day, most classrooms are open for use. 

If you’re looking for a group study spot:

Renting out a group study room in Swem is a great option for group studying. If you’re looking to study outside with your group, try the Sunken Garden or even the Merchant Square tables in Colonial Williamsburg (CW).

If you’re looking for a cafe atmosphere:

On campus, the ground floor of Sadler and in the cafe in Swem are the best cafe atmospheres. There’s also Illy cafe within Merchant Square which has indoor and outdoor seating. While a little further and not within walking distance, the Starbucks in Barnes and Nobles is also a great cafe study spot located in New Town. 

If you’re looking for a spot off campus: 

A quiet spot not too far from campus is the Williamsburg Regional Library. The quiet atmosphere and many tables with outlets makes it a perfect area for long study sessions. 

If you’re looking to study outside: 

The tables right outside and around Swem are wonderful spots to study between classes. Merchants Square, the Sunken Garden, and Sadler Terrace are also good for enjoying the outdoors.  

No matter what you’re looking for in a study spot, there’s bound to be a place that works for you! 

How to Make the Most of Your First Semester in College

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By: Meghann Mullarkey

Leaving home to study and live by yourself can seem daunting, but here are some tips that will make the transition easier! From current William & Mary students to you, here is some advice that will help you make the most of your first semester in college. 

  • Prioritize your work: This one might seem obvious, but sometimes life outside academics will try to take over. While it might seem like everyone else is having fun while you stay in to study, prioritizing your work will help you be successful in the long run. 
  • Making friends takes time: It might take some time to find good, reliable friends. Branching out, joining clubs, and talking to peers in your classes can help you meet new people and make new friends! 
  • Read the syllabus: Reading the syllabus will give you an overview of due dates and exams. These are crucial for figuring out your study schedules and making an overview of important dates on your calendar. 
  • Sleep is more important than you think: pulling all-nighters might work for one day, but a consistent sleep schedule is key to maintaining energy and a good mood. Try getting the recommended 7-8 hours of sleep each night to wake feeling prepared to take on the day!
  • Create habits before you arrive: having a foundation of living independently will help you transition easier. For instance, if you create a habit of exercising regularly before you enter college, you’re more likely to be consistent in exercising once you arrive.  
  • Study spaces: the library might not always be the best study area! It can get very crowded, especially during exam weeks. Finding an alternative spot either around or just outside campus can be a less distracting place to study!
  • Freebies: William & Mary clubs are constantly giving away free things whether it be fitness classes, food, t-shirts or more. Make sure to take advantage of these free things! 
  • Eating alone is normal: Friends have very different schedules during college. In fact lots of college students eat alone! It’s okay to not have a dining buddy for every meal! 
  • Textbooks: Sometimes you don’t necessarily need the textbooks listed on the bookstore website. I recommend waiting a week before deciding to purchase the textbook. Refer to the syllabus for guidance on what books are required and if necessary, try renting an online textbook to save money.