Category Archives: Current Students

Into The (West) Woods: Exploring the Brand New Dorms!

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This past Friday I had the privilege to explore the brand new dorms with Danny for the first ever vlog x blog crossover! To say I was completely stunned by how gorgeous these new dorms are would be an understatement. Having started my W&M journey in the botetourt complex, It’s so strange to see how much that side of campus has changed! 

First up we have Oak. This hall is directly off of the sky bridge connecting West Woods to Sadler and right across from the dining hall opening soon! Oak features a grand hall fit for studying, people watching, or just hanging out. It also has two large conference type rooms on the main floor. Oak hall has 150 upperclassmen residents with a communal lounge, study room, and single-use hall bathrooms on each floor. All of the West Woods Halls are air conditioned, have laundry within the building, and are central to campus!

Next up is Pine! Pine is the largest hall in West Woods housing 500 freshman and upperclassmen residents. First-year students occupy the first two levels while upperclassmen occupy the third and fourth levels. Pine’s fourth floor is also home to the Global Village; a living-learning community for language houses! Like Oak, Pine also has lounges and study rooms on each floor. There are many special amenities to Pine including the two outdoor terraces and being directly connected to the brand new dining hall (opening soon)!

Next up we have both Poplar and Maple. Poplar houses 120 residents in both single and double rooms. Maple houses 150 residents and is home to the Lavender house; a special-interest, co-curricular, co-residential community for students who identify as LGBTQ+ or are allies of the community. Like all other West Woods halls, Poplar and Maple have study rooms and communal lounges on each floor!

Next we have Cedar Hall! Cedar completes the Jamestown Triangle along with Lemon and Hardy! It’s aesthetic is very similar to that of West Woods with communal lounges, study rooms, and the cutest little booths! There’s even skylights in the fourth floor lounge!

One thing that struck both of us is how much nature is implemented into the designs with tons of outdoor seating, forest-inspired coloring, and lots of natural light. Each hall has its own color, lining the halls and carpeting the study room floors. I cannot wait to see the transformation of campus with all of these new dorms and dining hall!

The Bittersweet Timeline: Knowing College Is Ending but Life’s Just Starting

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There’s a strange feeling knowing that we’re past halfway through my final semester in college. It feels somewhere between nostalgia and anticipation. I’m surrounded by everything I once dreamed about: the friends who became family, the campus that became a second home, and the routines that I planned in my head for years. It’s bittersweet to come to terms that this chapter is ending. I’ve worked so hard to get to where I currently am, but it’s already time to say goodbye. 

College has been a timeline of milestones: first classes, first jobs, first apartments, spontaneous adventures to Ireland and beyond, and now the timeline stretches forward into the unknown. I think the scariest part of this is how the next milestones aren’t marked on a syllabus or anywhere in my planner. Instead they’re written in real life. A job offer, moving to a new city, new friends. In realizing this, it’s easy to feel like everything is ending. But it’s not truly ending. 

Because the truth is, life after college is full of firsts too. There is so much to experience beyond the bubble of class schedules and late nights in the library. I know I’ll miss the familiarity of campus life, but I’m excited to find the freedom in building something new from scratch. 

I know this transition won’t always be smooth. There will be moments of uncertainty, loneliness, and longing for what used to be. But there will also be moments of joy, growth, and gratitude when I realize that every version of myself along the way has been preparing myself for this.

With these last few weeks, I understand I’m not losing my college years. Instead, I’m carrying them forward, turning lessons into confidence, memories into motivation, and endings into beginnings. 

So here’s to the next chapter. One I get to write entirely on my own. 

How to Read Academic Papers Without Losing Focus

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This semester, I’m taking a Stress & Immunity class for my advanced biology seminar, and we read a new academic paper for almost every class. At first, I thought it would be pretty straightforward: open the paper, read, take notes. But academic papers have a way of making even the most focused reader drift off halfway through the methods section. With so many different acronyms and scientific jargon, it can be easy to get lost and have to read everything again. After a few weeks, I’ve figured out a system that actually helps me stay focused and understand what I’m reading: 

1. Start with the Big Picture

Don’t dive straight into the dense parts. Read the abstract first to get the main question and key findings. Then skip ahead to briefly review the discussion or conclusion to see how it all fits together. Once you know the why and what, the rest of the paper should make a lot more sense when you go back to the details.

2. Have a Purpose Before You Start

Ask yourself what you need from the paper. Are you looking for background info, understanding an experiment, or finding something to cite? Knowing your goal keeps you focused on the relevant sections instead of trying to absorb everything.

3. Highlight Intentionally

I know I’ve been guilty of highlighting entire pages with different colors and then looking back and realized that it just made it harder to determine what’s really important.Try to highlight only what’s essential (ex. the hypothesis, main results, or key terms). 

4. Summarize Each Section in a Sentence

Another great tip for making sure you understand everything is summarizing. After finishing each section, pause and summarize it in your own words. 

5. Read in Small Chunks

Most academic papers are dense enough that you can lose focus after even a couple pages. Breaking your reading into smaller chunks is a great way to try to maintain energy. 

7. End with a Quick Recap

Similar to summarizing by section, writing a short summary of the entire paper can help pull together the intro, methods, and conclusions all in one place.

What’s in a W&M Student’s School Bag 

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I always love seeing what’s in my bag posts, so here’s my take on what actually ends up in a W&M student’s school bag! (based on mine and STEP’s followers’ bags!)

  • Laptop + charger: Obviously a laptop is a must in college, and mine comes with me everywhere! It’s always a good idea to bring a charger just in-case too.
  • Folder: I only use one folder to carry any handouts I get from class or assignments I’m turning in. Since I don’t get that many paper assignments I just use one folder for all of my classes. 
  • Legal pads: Ever since a legal pad was the only form of notebook I could find in Ireland, I’ve been hooked on using them to take notes in class. I have two: one for scratch and un-pretty notes and another for nice and clean one-pagers! Like the folder, I use one for all my classes and just label the bottom left corner to know which class the notes are from.  
  • Water Bottle: Hydration is key, especially when it’s over 80 degrees still in October! 
  • Hand Sanitizer: Virology has made me a bit of a germaphobe, so I carry hand sanitizer with me everywhere. 
  • Lipbalm: Really can’t go anywhere without lipbalm. 
  • Headphones: My airpods are also a necessity for listening to music between classes and noise cancelation while studying. 
  • Snack: Sometimes there’s just not enough time to go grab a formal meal, so I always have a snack or two in my bag! My favorites are honey roasted chickpeas or some sort of protein bar. 
  • Tissues: I always find my nose running after walking into a freezing ISC lecture hall coming from a humid exterior. 
  • Bandaid: Just one of those essentials that’s always useful to have on hand! 
  • Hairties / claw clip: When my hair starts to bother me or it gets a little warmer than expected outside, I have something to put it up! 
  • Lots & Lots of books: A clear marker of a typical W&M student!
  • Planner: W&M students are known to be organized, so having a planner is a must!

A Week in My Life at W&M

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College weeks can be unpredictable with one day feeling super motivated and productive with another day struggling to get everything done. Here’s a peek into what a real week looks for me through the balance and chaos of classes, work, and training for a half marathon.

  • Monday: School starts up again each Monday starting with virology and biostatistics classes. I’ll learn more about viral entry mechanisms and then do some reading and soak up the sun after class. I have a huge gap between my two classes on Monday, so I use the time to study, get some content done, and work. By this time, Biostat feels pretty late in the day, so I refuel with a strawberry acai lemonade from the ISC cafe. Monday is one of my favorite days for running because of the DoG Street Pub Running Club at 6pm! Given that I’ve finished all of my tasks for the day, I’ll wind down with some reading, crochet, or tv. 
  • Tuesday: Tuesday is my busiest day starting with a long run at 5am, but after 8 miles, I moved my long run to Saturday. I have two back to back classes: stress & immunity and spatial analysis & social justice, so I spend my first hours of the day in ISC. I’ll then get some work done in Swem while waiting for my lab meeting with my research advisor where we’ll discuss next steps on my project (now in the publication phase!). I usually stop at Everbowl for a snack after this long day and then head to the gym for strength training before grabbing dinner at Caf and watching Dancing With The Stars. 
  • Wednesday: Wednesday is pretty similar to Monday schedule-wise, but I have some more meetings and my biostatistics lab before class! Wednesday is also another running and strength day.  
  • Thursday: Thursday is a rest and social day. I usually will grab lunch or dinner with a friend and catch up on any work I need to complete. 
  • Friday: Friday is always fun. I like to clean on Fridays to prepare for the weekend. After my shakeout run, you’ll find me in bed early on Friday to prepare for Saturday!
  • Weekend: Saturday is my long run day ranging from 6-11miles in preparation for the Jamestown Half! I love getting Kung Fu Tea and then studying for a couple hours at Barnes & Nobles. I also like to use the weekend to plan and get ahead on next week’s tasks! 

Designing Your Ideal College Routine

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The absolute best thing about college is the freedom to build your own schedule. Whether you
thrive on 8am classes or prefer to stroll down to ISC around 12, the beauty of college is that you
can design a routine that fits to you.


Some things to consider:
● When do you focus best? Do you have the energy and determination to wake up for
early classes? Or do you enjoy studying late at night and sleeping in?
● How much leeway do you have with your classes? Unfortunately sometimes there’s only
one section of a class so you won’t have the option to shift it, but try focusing on what
you can control within your schedule
● Balance matters!! College isn’t just being productive 24/7. Sometimes having time for
social connection, relaxation, and fun is just as valuable as studying another hour in
Swem
● Anchor points in your day. Try adding a few things to your schedule that are concrete
weekly/daily activities. For instance, meals, workouts, bedtimes

  • Keep in mind that you can always change it! If something in your schedule is just not
    working, you can change it! Also, what’s considered your “ideal routine” will most likely
    change semester by semester as you get a new set of classes and adapt around them

Building a Career Portfolio in College

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As I’m on the glimpse of graduation and entering the workforce full-time creeps up around the
corner, I’ve been thinking more and more about the professional and academic experiences I’ve
gained at William & Mary and how to compile it into a portfolio for my resume and future job
search. One thing I’ve realized is that even the little things and skills you collect throughout your
time in college can be used. Experiences, projects, new knowledge, and skills can become
important tools for applying to jobs, internships, or grad school.


Class Projects
Let’s take class projects for example. Maybe you did a group presentation, research paper, or
case study? You can save your best work for example in a creative portfolio or reflect on the
skills you developed. Use these experiences and consider how it demonstrates critical thinking,
problem solving, and communication skills.


Clubs and Organizations
Probably one of the more common things students think of when they hear “experience” for a
resume. Get involved in clubs and organizations for opportunities to plan events, gain
experience, and network! These experiences can highlight initiative, collaboration, and
creativity!

Jobs and Internships
Obviously gaining work experience is a plus for a resume and career portfolio. These can help
you develop transferable skills, even if your job is not exactly in your intended career! Gaining
experience in different industries can help you shift perspective and learn skills and knowledge
different from the ones you learn in the classroom.


Documenting
If this summer’s business program taught me anything, it’s to start compiling your experiences,
building your resumes, and connecting on LinkedIn as soon as possible. That way you don’t
have to scramble to remember all the wonderful things you’ve done!


Your college journey is more than just classes. It’s a collection of experiences that prove what
you can do. If you start treating your daily activities as portfolio pieces, you’ll graduate not just
with a degree, but with a professional story you’re ready to tell!

Finding Off-Campus Housing

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Searching for off-campus housing doesn’t have to be stressful! There are many helpful
resources to begin your search. Firstly, first and second year students are required to live on campus. You may choose to remain on campus for the remaining two years, but some students
prefer to move off campus after fulfilling the two year requirement. Talking to your friends and
classmates might help you determine whether you’d like to move off campus, and if so, where.


If you aren’t familiar with the area or are interested in learning more about rental opportunities,
this resource can help introduce you to the current rental listings that are a close walk, bus ride,
or drive to campus. Here is the link to the off-campus housing website:
https://www.wmoffcampus.com/
In this website you can filter and sort the number of bedrooms, building type, move-in options,
lease type, transportation, and more to help find what you’re looking for. This resource focuses
on new lease apartments, but if you’re looking for semester long lease options, roommates, or
sublets, Facebook groups are a helpful tool to check.

STEP also has a helpful guide to navigating off-campus housing! Here you’ll find resources to begin your search, core considerations, tips on staying engaged with campus, and a guide to your rights as a tenant. Here’s the link: https://www.wm.edu/offices/step/current-students/form/off-campus/


Oftentimes when people study abroad, you’ll find semester-long sublets, especially in the
spring. Similarly, if you’re looking for summer housing, lots of students will sublet while they’re
away in the summer. The Facebook group, “College of William & Mary (W&M) Housing, Sublets,
& Roommates” is a helpful tool for finding more affordable and flexible off-campus housing. In
this group many students post their sublets and housing opportunities as well as roommate
requests. Here you’ll find a mix of both apartments and houses. The Facebook group, “College
of William and Mary (W&M) Apartments and Housing (NO SPAM)” is also a good group to find
sublets and roommates.

New housing on the way – introduction to the new dorms 

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With housing selection around the corner, the chaos and anticipation surrounding which hall to choose for the next academic year ensues. But this upcoming selection is bringing in more new options than ever for both incoming new students and returning undergraduates! Here is an overview of the 5 new residence halls opening this upcoming fall! 

Cedar Hall

Cedar Hall is part of the Jamestown Triangle with Hardy and Lemon Halls. This hall will be home to 270 new first-time-in-college residents, including Sharpe Community Scholars. It has singles, doubles, suites, and stand-alone arrangements along with learning commons, study rooms, and lounges over 4 floors. Cedar Hall is the perfect spot right in the middle of campus! Only a short walk to both new campus and old campus, and it’s right across from the Integrated Science Center. 

Maple Hall

Maple Hall is part of the brand new West Woods 1 neighborhood! Maple hall will be home to 150 returning undergraduate residents on four floors. This hall has both single and double rooms along with lounges and study rooms. Maple Hall will also be home to the new Lavender House, a special interest community for LGBTQ+ identifying students. A bridge will connect the West Woods to Sadler! 

Oak Hall

Oak Hall is part of the West Woods 1 neighborhood! It will be home to 150 returning undergraduate residents in both single and double rooms. This hall also includes centralized lounges, communal hall kitchens, and study rooms at the end of each wing. THe first floor of Oak Hall will include a great room for meetings. If you take a tour of in future years, you’ll be sure to see the model room within this hall too!

Pine Hall

Pine Hall is the largest of the West Woods 1 neighborhood. This hall houses 500 first year and returning undergraduate residents in both single and double rooms. The four floors of this hall include centralized lounges and kitchens, study rooms, and two outside terraces on the second floor. The fourth floor of Pine Hall will be home to the brand-new Global Village, a living-learning community for various languages! 

Poplar Hall

Poplar Hall is also part of the West Woods 1 neighborhood! This hall will be home to 120 first-year residents in both single and double rooms. This hall has centralized lounges, study rooms and will be connected to Sadler via the pedestrian bridge!

How to navigate the WATA bus system

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Did you know that the WATA bus transport system is free for William & Mary students? Show your William & Mary ID to the driver while boarding to ride any of the routes for free! There are 12 routes around the Williamsburg area. 

Route 1 – Lee Hall

Notable stops: Lee Hall and Transportation center

Route 2 – Richmond Rd

Notable stops: Walmart, One Tribe Place, Outlets 

Route 3 – Merrimac Trail

Notable stops: CW visitor center, Colonial pines, Merrimac trail CVS, Target

Route 4 – Longhill Rd

Notable stops: New town, Harris Teeter

Route 5 – Monticello

Notable stops: Ritas, Trader joes, Food lion

Route 6 – Jamestown 

Notable stops: Lemon Hall, CVS, Food lion, Merchant Square 

Route 7 – Mooretown Road

Notable stops: Kingsgate shops, Great Wolf Lodge, Walmart

Route 8 – William & Mary

Notable stops: Law school, Lemon Hall Jones Hall, Kaplan, School of Education, Caf, Parking Deck

**This route is dedicated to transport around the Willim & Mary campus. It operates in a loop beginning at the Law School with a round trip of 30 minutes. 

Route  9 – Toano 

Notable stops: Walmart, JCC Library

Route 11 – Lackey

Notable stops: Riverside hospital


Route 12 – Ironbound

Notable stops: Ritas, New Town, Target

Route 15 – Colonial

Notable stops: CW Visitor Center, Palace, Capitol, Merchant Square

How to find the route for you: Transit App!

The Transit App compares local transportation route options to easily find the best option for you. To easily navigate your trip follow these steps: 

  1. Search for your destination
  2. A list of options will appear
  3. Press GO on the option you’d like to use
  4. See a step-by-step outline of your journey 

Learn more about the routes here: https://gowata.org/148/Routes-Schedules