Category Archives: New Students

Transportation In and Out of Williamsburg 

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First and second year students typically don’t have access to cars on campus, however, Williamsburg has an excellent transportation system that can help students get wherever they need to be. 

Getting around Williamsburg

Zipcar

WATA Bus System 

Bikes

Going out of town

Airport Shuttle Service 

Amtrak 

  • The Amtrak station is located close to campus and offers transportation to various stops between Williamsburg, Richmond, Washington DC, and New York. More Information: https://www.amtrak.com/home

Getting Involved: Volunteer and Student Leadership Opportunities at W&M

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Civic Leadership Program 

Alternative Breaks 

Williamsburg Engagement 

  • Williamsburg Engagement offers the opportunity to volunteer weekly in a community organization during a semester. They connect students with a nonprofit organization, where students can participate in weekly community engagement projects and reflect on their experience through conversation. Learn more here: https://www.wm.edu/offices/oce/programs/we/index.php

Service Saturdays 

Education and Youth Development Programs 

  • The Education and Youth Development Programs offer students the opportunity to support the healthy development of pre K-12 youth through academic and social-emotional programming. Students in the program provide a semester to a year of weekly mentoring, tutoring, enrichment programs and more. Learn more here: https://www.wm.edu/offices/oce/programs/education-programs/index.php

Volunteer with Virginia Institute Of Marine Science (VIMS)

Volunteer with University Advancement 

Preparing For a New Semester 

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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. 

  1. 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. 

  1. 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. 

  1. 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. 

  1. 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. 

  1. 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!

The Five Best Uses Of Dining Dollars

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Dining dollars are allotted to every student on a meal plan at William & Mary. Budgeting them wisely and knowing the best uses of them can help you get the most value for your money. 

Here’s a list of the best uses of dining dollars (in my opinion):

  1. Bake Shop

The Bake Shop is where many of my dining dollars ended up last semester. The Bake Shop offers many delicious fresh pastries, bagels, and beverages. Make sure to get in line early if you’re looking for a sweet treat as they sell out fast! 

  1. Cafes 

In-between classes or as a study treat, the cafes in Swem Library and Sadler ground floor are convenient and a tasty way to spend some dining dollars. 

  1. Chick-fil-A 

Chick-fil-A is a fan favorite use for dining dollars. Located on the outskirts of campus, Chick-fil-A offers a way to spend dining dollars while also switching things up from dining hall meals. 

  1. Farmers market 

This semester with the introduction of a new dining provider, dining dollars will be an extra currency of the Farmers market! This exciting new update should be implemented this upcoming semester! 

  1. Sushi from business cafe 

This one is a bit specific, however, if you’re looking for a change of flavor from the usual dining hall meals, try spending a little dining dollars on packaged sushi from the business cafe. 

Building A Home Away From Home

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This past January I left my home in search of new experiences at William & Mary as a spring transfer student. Just a couple hours away felt like infinite space from my family, friends, and most importantly, my pets. I felt ready to venture out into college life, yet the bittersweet moments leading up to moving out made me question my readiness.

Would I be behind on making friends coming in halfway through the academic year? 

Would classes be harder than I could handle? 

Would I feel homesick? 

There were so many unknowns leaving home and adapting to a new environment. My orientation group was made up of around six people, each of us spring transfers of different graduation years. Within a couple hours I had already made a couple friends which would become some of my best friends later in the semester. 

There are some things that I didn’t quite recognize until after beginning my first semester. Everyone is going through the same process. No one comes into college knowing exactly who they’ll be friends with, how classes will go, or what their future holds. It doesn’t matter if you begin as a freshman in the fall, or a transfer in the spring, building a home away from home is about finding people and places that make you feel comfortable. Sounds like a daunting task, but in the moment you won’t know you’re building brick by brick until you take a step back and realize that all of the fun experiences and friendships made along the way have built four walls and a roof. This is what makes William & Mary so special. The saying “Those who come here belong here” is taken to heart. I’ve only spent a short amount of time here, but the welcoming nature of W&M has constructed a foundation on which I’ve built my home away from home. 

Everything You Need To Know About Move-In

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Move-in can be a whirlwind of families, decor, and emotions. Knowing what to expect and how to prepare will make the process of building a new home away from home much easier. In this blog post you’ll find a list of what to and what not to bring curated from the official list by Residence Life, finding your residence hall, and the move-in process. 

What to bring

  • Bed
    • bed sheets and pillowcase
    • mattress topper
    • blankets and comforter 
    • pillows
    • storage items 
  • Bathroom
    • bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths
    • toothbrush 
    • brush/comb
    • hair styling products / appliances 
    • personal toiletries 
    • bath caddy 
    • shower shoes 
  • Cleaning
    • laundry basket
    • bathroom cleaner
    • disinfectant wipes 
    • dusting cloth 
    • sponges 
    • broom/dustpan 
    • paper towels 
  • Kitchen
    • microwave safe plates / bowls
    • cups, mugs, glasses
    • thermostatically controlled coffee maker or tea kettle 
    • a few utensils 
  • Tools
    • flashlight 
    • batteries 
    • basic tools
    • bike / bike lock 
    • important personal documents (drivers license, passport, insurance documents)
  • Electronics
    • lamps
    • headphones 
    • small refrigerator
    • microwave
    • small vacuum 
    • small fan 
    • surge protectors 

What not to bring 

  • Candles
  • Extension cords
  • Curtains that are not fire rated 
  • Halogen lamps 
  • Incense 
  • Any items that require open flames 
  • Scented plug ins

Permitted items in common kitchen or apartment kitchens 

  • Bread machines 
  • Crockpots
  • Rice cookers
  • Hot plates
  • George Foreman Grill
  • Electric Skillet 

Move-in process 

New students will make their way on campus to move-in on August 24th from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. You’ll schedule an appointment for during this time frame to check-in before arriving on campus. You’ll need your check-in QR code and health clearance to check-in on campus. The check-in line will begin on Compton Drive. You’ll have a designated color-coded route based on your assigned residential hall. Only one vehicle per family is permitted and must be unloaded within one hour of arrival at the unloading zone. 

Avoiding Stress & Sorrow

Some things to consider when moving-in are what you are moving and the heat. Remember that everything you move into the dorm must be removed at the end of the year. Also make sure to bring lots of water to stay hydrated as it will most likely be a hot day during move-in. 

The hardest part besides moving heavy boxes up stairs in the heat is saying see you later to your family. Remember that you can always call your family and friends and return home during the many breaks. Best of luck new students and welcome to William & Mary!

For more information check out the new student move in site: https://www.wm.edu/offices/step/new-students/orientation/movein/index.php

Embracing New Horizons: My Journey as an International Student at William & Mary

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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. 

What’s The Scoop? Best Ice Cream Spots Around Williamsburg

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Looking for a sweet treat at the end of a long study session? Here’s a few of the many ice cream spots to check out with information on location, price, featured items, and hours listed in order of distance from campus. 

**This is not a list of every ice cream spot in Williamsburg**

Chick-Fil-A 

  • Location: Right outside old campus is Chick-Fil-A.
    • Tribe Square, 249 Richmond Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185
  • Price: $
  • Featured items: While not dedicated to ice cream, Chick-Fil-A offers ice cream, milkshakes, frosted lemonade, frosted coffee, and more sweet treats. 
  • Hours: Monday through Saturday 11-8pm 

Retro’s Good Eats 

  • Location: Retros is within walking distance to campus, right by the Campus Shop on Prince George St.
    • 435 Prince George St, Williamsburg, VA 23185
  • Price: $$
  • Featured items: While also not dedicated to ice cream, Retro’s offers milkshakes and floats. 
  • Hours: Open Monday through Saturday 11am – 7am

Kilwins

  • Location: Down the street from Retro’s, is Kilwins.
    • 421 Prince George St, Williamsburg, VA 23185
  • Price: $$
  • Featured items: Kilwins has an assortment of hard ice cream and other sweets
  • Hours: Sunday through Thursday 10am – 10pm, Friday & Saturday 10am – 11pm

Baskin Robbins 

  • Location: Across the street from Kilwins is Baskin Robbins.
    • 416 Prince George St, Williamsburg, VA 23185
  • Price: $
  • Featured items: Baskin Robbins offers 31 flavors of ice cream with sundae options and ice cream cakes.
  • Hours: Open everyday from 10am to 10pm 

Secret Garden 

  • Location: Secret Garden is located in Colonial Williamsburg, right next to Mellow Mushroom.
    • 110 S Henry St, Williamsburg, VA 23185
  • Price: $$
  • Featured items: Secret Garden offers various ice cream, affogato, and more sweet treats. 
  • Hours:
    • Sunday: 11am – 7pm
    • Monday: Closed
    • Tuesday: 11am – 7pm
    • Wednesday: 11am – 7pm
    • Thursday: 11am – 7pm
    • Friday: 11am – 8pm
    • Saturday: 11am – 8pm

Meadows Original Frozen Custard 

  • Location: Meadows Original Frozen Custard is farther away from campus on Richmond Road, around Food Lion.
    • 1222 Richmond Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185
  • Price: $
  • Featured items: Meadows has a monthly calendar with two new custard flavors every day. 
  • Hours: Sunday through Thursday 12-9pm, Friday & Saturday 12-10 pm

Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard 

  • Location: Rita’s is located around Midtown.
    • 220D Monticello Ave, Williamsburg, VA 23185
  • Price: $
  • Featured items: Rita’s offers italian ice, custard, and gelatis.
  • Hours: Open everyday 12-10pm 

Sno-To-Go

  • Location: Also further down on Richmond Road is Sno-To-Go
    • 2229 Richmond Rd #2, Williamsburg, VA 23185
  • Price: $
  • Featured Items: Sno-To-Go offers various flavors of ice cream, shaved ice, and more!
  • Hours: Monday through Thursday 12-10pm, Friday and Saturday 12-11pm 

Bubba’s Ice Cream Shack

  • Location: Bubba’s is a bit farther from campus, but is accessible with a car.
    • 1656 Richmond Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185
  • Price: $$
  • Featured items: Bubba’s offers hard ice cream, shakes, and sundaes. 
  • Hours: Open everyday 12 – 11pm 

Planning Using PACE Goals

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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. 

Example of a PACE goal

P: read 10 pages

A: study for my upcoming chemistry test

C: Bake cookies

E: 30 minutes of movement 

Tips On Getting Involved In Research

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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. 

  1. 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. 

  1. 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. 

  1. 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.