This semester has gone so fast, and being close to halfway through my sophomore year makes me appreciate the past year while also being overwhelmed by the impending future. To think that in under 6 months the class of 2026 will have completed half of college is inconceivable. Being a spring transfer student, last spring was my first semester here, so I still feel relatively new to William & Mary. This semester I’ve prioritized new experiences and opportunities by taking advantage of the plentiful resources William & Mary has to offer. I’ve had the opportunity to explore my interests while also stepping out of my comfort zone through joining clubs, a research lab, and new jobs. 

I sometimes compare myself to where I was a year ago, but with a year of new experiences, opportunities, jobs, and classes it’s important to recognize the growth and development in my interests and career readiness. Consciously pursuing things that will make me step out of my comfort zone has helped me discover the joy in first experiences. 

This semester I’ve had the privilege of joining a research lab group which has not only helped me expand my knowledge of animal behavior and biological conservation, but also the importance of networking and professional development. Our most recent lab meeting focused around a discussion of grad school. From hearing the stories of grad students, I found this discussion to have sparked curiosity and questioning of my own future. It also sparked the question, What does it mean to be a sophomore? Not exactly a new student, but close enough to be considering life beyond graduation. Questions of grad school, gap years, and future careers. How to prepare for life beyond graduation while balancing all realms of being a current college student. In my eyes, being a sophomore is recognizing that now is the time to not just think about the future, but to set yourself up for future success. 

My best advice for sophomores from being one myself is to make the most out of your time here at William & Mary. Continue pursuing the things you enjoy while also stepping out of your comfort zone to consider new perspectives. Now is the time to try something new, explore your interests, make connections, and learn more about yourself, others, and the world around you.

Course registration for the Spring 2024 semester is right around the corner! Starting November 10th, returning students will have a designated day and time to pick their courses for next semester. This process can be stressful, but there are many things you can do ahead of time that will make you more prepared. Here are three tips to a successful and stress-free registration!

1. Know what classes you’re going for

This one is a given, but have your list of classes you want to take. Make sure to check your major requirements as well as the general college requirements. 

2. Have backups in case your classes are full

Since a lot of classes at W&M are smaller, around 30 students, the possibility of a class becoming full is a potential obstacle. Having backups of classes that would fit with your schedule and maybe satisfy the same requirements as your preferred classes can be a good thing to have on hand. 

3. Copy the CRNs to a document

The easiest and fastest way to add classes during registration is through the CRNs. CRNs or Course Registration Numbers, can be found on the open course list or Banner’s course list next to the class number and name. Adding all of your CRNs to a document allows for easy copy and pasting to batch register for all of your classes at one time. 

Good luck! 

Learn more about course registration here: https://www.wm.edu/offices/registrar/studentsandalumni/registration/whentoregister/spring/

We’re mid-way through the semester already and students are studying more now than ever. Caffeine fueled all nighters and flashcards often leave students bored and unmotivated to study. With these unconventional study methods, you’ll find new and inspiring ways to tackle your tasks. The goal of these techniques is to make studying a more enjoyable and engaging experience.

1. Study Games 

Gamifying your study experience can help maintain focus. Try converting your flashcards into a game with rewards. Including that element of fun makes the overall process of studying more enjoyable

2. Mind Mapping 

Changing your note-taking style from linear to diagram can help you visualize the connections between topics in your material, almost like a guide to your thought process!

3. Podcast it

Creating a podcast of you explaining your material forces you to think of the most important information and how to relay it as if others were listening. This method combines the idea of teaching someone else with audio recordings which you can listen to when studying for an exam!

4. Smells 

It’s been scientifically hypothesized that using the same smells when studying and taking an exam can help your memory. 

5. Study roulette 

Not sure what to study? Try writing all of your tasks on a wheel and spinning for an element of unpredictability in your study session.