Category Archives: Current Students

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. 

Fun Within Walking Distance – Places to Explore Near Campus

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By: Meghann Mullarkey

Whether you’re looking for a way to spend some extra time, a study break, or a night out with friends, Williamsburg has a wide variety of fun within walking distance of campus. 

  • Williamsburg Farmers Market 

The Williamsburg Farmers Market occurs every Saturday starting at the beginning of March through to the end of October. They also have a holiday market in the winter! On Duke of Gloucester (DoG) street every Saturday you’ll find a collection of booths ranging from fresh produce, soaps, flowers, and more. 

  • Martha Wrenn Briggs Amphitheater 

Right behind the business school lies the Martha Wrenn Briggs Amphitheater. Go to relax, do some yoga, or hang out with friends with the beautiful backdrop of Lake Matoaka. 

  • Picnic on Sunken Garden 

Gather some food from the dining hall or a local restaurant, some friends, and a blanket to have a picnic in the Sunken Garden! This is a perfect way to spend some extra time without the hassle of leaving campus! 

  • Second Sundays 

Each second Sunday beginning March through December, the Second Sunday festival occupies 6 blocks of downtown Williamsburg. The festival contains many art booths, food trucks, bands and more!   

  • Go walking through history in CW

One of the most unique things about Williamsburg is its preservation of history. Colonial Williamsburg (CW) is a wonderful place for a walk, people watching, reading a book, and hanging out with friends. Filled with restaurants, nature, and street performers, CW holds a new experience every visit.

  • Ice Skating on DoG street

During the colder months, CW is a great place to go ice skating with friends and family. The Liberty ice rink located on the Duke of Gloucester (DoG) street right behind Merchants Square rents ice skates and sells hot beverages for some wintery fun. 

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!