Burnout is something most students experience and can stem from over-studying or an unbalanced schedule. It’s important to take care of our well-being to have a successful semester since it is multidimensional and requires physical, mental, and emotional care. Here are some quick tips to help you prevent and recover from academic burnout:
Leave one day for minimal to no work: setting time aside for self care, personal activities, and a break from schoolwork might sound daunting at first. However, dedicating this time to yourself can be more beneficial than trying to work non stop everyday. Take the time to replenish your sleep, check in with your health, and do something you’ve been looking forward to!
Have 3-5 attainable goals a day: too many tasks can be overwhelming and unrealistic. Try limiting yourself to the tasks of highest priority each day.
Break tasks into smaller tasks: sometimes making tasks into smaller ones can give the impression of getting more done when checking off tasks. This can help you maintain motivation to get work done.
Listen to your emotions: if you feel extremely overwhelmed, it’s time to take a break. Take time to rest and recharge so you can return ready.
Set boundaries: learn to say no to things you don’t have time for / don’t want to do.
Reflect on what caused previous burnouts: how were previous burnouts sparked? What did you do to recover? How can you realistically avoid the causes in the future?
Wellness Center – If your favorite spot on campus is the Wellness Center, you probably enjoy reading self improvement books like Atomic Habits by James Clear. Atomic Habits is a personal development book that provides tips on making the most of each day.
James Blair Hall – If your favorite spot on campus is James Blair Hall, you’ve got an eye for design. Blair Hall’s dark academia atmosphere makes it the perfect place to pretend you’re in The Secret History by Donna Tartt. The Secret History follows a group of students at a prestigious college who are investigating a murder of a close friend.
Boswell Hall – If your favorite spot on campus is Boswell, you might enjoy haunted houses. Due to your attraction to all things scary, Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney, a fast-paced thriller, might be an intriguing book for you. Rock Paper Scissors follows a couple on a trip away for their anniversary with various perspectives and plot twists making a quick read.
Sunken Garden – If your favorite spot on campus is the Sunken Garden, you might appreciate the descriptions of nature in World of Wonders by Aimee Nezhukumatathil. This collection of short essays and poems about nature explores the innate beauty of the natural world.
Tucker Hall – If your favorite spot on campus is Tucker Hall, you enjoy figuring out puzzles and the intriguing maze of stairs just like Piranesi by Susanna Clarke. In this short fantasy book, Piranesi explores his unending labyrinth in which he calls home.
Swem Library – If your favorite spot on campus is the Swem Library, a book based in a library might appeal to you. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig explores a world where each book in a library provides a chance to experience another possible life you could’ve lived.
Wren Building – If your favorite spot on campus is the Wren Building, you might enjoy the historical aspect of the university. The Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson is a historical fiction that examines the past in a search for connecting with one’s identity and family.
Swem Cafe – If your favorite spot on campus is the Swem Cafe, you might find yourself in search for a book based in a cafe setting like Before The Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi. In this short fantasy book, visitors of a small cafe in Japan have the opportunity to travel back in time, but must return before their coffee gets cold.
William & Mary participates in many traditions throughout the school year. Convocation marks the official beginning of the academic year. Having begun in 1993, the tradition of welcoming new students and celebrating the beginning of a new academic year is shared amongst all students, faculty, and staff. The president of the university leads new students through the Wren Building where they are greeted by cheers and high fives of current students, faculty, and staff.
A little farther into the school year is Homecoming & Reunion Weekend. During this weekend in October, William & Mary Alumni and friends travel to campus to reunite within parties and receptions, attend department open houses, tailgate and watch a football game, and attend the Sunset Ceremony to honor alumni who have passed away in the previous year. Current students can utilize this time to network with alumni and enjoy the school spirit celebrations.
Right before winter break, students gather in the Wren Courtyard to witness the Yule Log celebration. Full of festive live music, singing, readings, sugar cookies, cider, and a holiday reading from the university president, the Yule Log celebration is a time to reflect on the semester and prepare for the upcoming holidays. Students toss ceremonial sprigs of holly into the Yule log fire in the Wren Great Hall Fireplace for good luck and decorate trees with paper doves containing messages of gratitude.
After the beginning of the spring semester on February 8th is Charter Day; the annual celebration of the granting of William & Mary’s Royal Charter in 1693 (the beginning of the university!) During Charter Day celebrations there are speakers, a concert, and distribution of honors and awards to students, faculty, and alumni.
After spring break is One Tribe One Day (OTOD). This day is all about showing support for the William & Mary community by donating to university departments. OTOD celebrations include challenges, a variety of events, and a carnival in the Sunken Garden. For alumni, family, and friends not on campus, there are regional celebrations across the country to participate in this tradition.
At the end of each school year, the Royal Ball is held under the stars in the Sunken Garden. Enjoy food, live music from student bands, and dancing to celebrate the end of the academic year.
The Last Day of Classes (LDOC) is a highly anticipated day for students. A variety of celebrations are included such as the Sunken Garden party filled with free food, games, and live music. Enjoy fun activities like friendship bracelet making, massages, games, and more across campus to celebrate the end of the spring semester. Seniors have the opportunity to ring the ceremonial Wren Bell after finishing their last class at William & Mary.
In preparation for commencement, seniors gather in the Wren Courtyard the night before graduation for the candlelight ceremony. During this ceremony a faculty member, administrator, and student elected by the class speak while light from a Wren Candle is passed from student to student.
Sources:
“William & Mary Traditions.” William & Mary, www.wm.edu/about/history/traditions/index.php. Accessed 28 June 2023.
“Homecoming & Reunion Weekend oct. 19-22, 2023.” Homecoming & Reunion Weekend – William & Mary, homecoming.wm.edu/. Accessed 28 June 2023.
“Yule Log Celebration.” William & Mary, www.wm.edu/sites/yulelog/. Accessed 28 June 2023.
“Charter Day.” William & Mary, www.wm.edu/sites/charterday/. Accessed 28 June 2023.
“About Charter Day.” William & Mary, www.wm.edu/sites/charterday/about/index.php. Accessed 28 June 2023.
“Events.” One Tribe One Day, otod.wm.edu/events/. Accessed 28 June 2023.
“The Royal Ball.” TribeLink, tribelink.wm.edu/event/9044687. Accessed 28 June 2023.
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.
Figure out how to pronounce Botetourt
Find the old Lake Matoaka Amphitheatre
Listen to an a capella group perform at Wren 10
Take a class in a subject you’ve never learned about before
Make an account on Tribe Careers
Leave campus by figuring out the WATA bus system
Stop by your professors’ office hours to get to know them
Check out a book from Swem
Photograph your favorite spot on campus during all four seasons
Learn a new campus fun fact when you walk by a tour group
Connect with Alumni over Homecoming weekend
Attend an event for a cultural organization that you’re not a member of
Attend a group fitness class at the Rec or Wellness center
Swim in the Rec Center or Adair Hall pool
Try to play it cool after being startled by one of the many campus squirrels
Get some flowers at the weekly Farmers’ Market
Figure out your go-to Wawa order
Submit a call-in order at the Cheese Shop to skip the lines and feel like a local
Take a late night walk through CW
Narrowly miss stepping in horse poop on DOG Street
Travel Europe for the day by going to Busch Gardens
Get your free student pass from Colonial Williamsburg
Compare the fudge at Wythe and Kilwin’s and pick a favorite
Take advantage of living in the city with the most pancake houses per capita
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.
William & Mary’s mascot is a griffin, half lion and half eagle. However, the university has seen quite a few mascot changes in the past 150 years. Back in 1927, the mascot was a 17 foot alligator named Cal by the head cheerleader of the football team. In the late 1930s the mascot then changed to a pony named Wampo, short for William and Mary Pony. A campus contest to name the pony was won by Beverley Boone in 1937. Wampo was stolen in 1938 and eventually sold in 1944 during a war bond auction during World War II. Throughout 1950, the mascot was a man or woman dressed in a Native American costume. This evolved into WAMI, a Native American caricature which was discarded in the late 1970’s due to its racist and demeaning tones. A new green mascot with a tri cornered hat in 1992 only lasted a week. In 2001, a new unofficial green mascot emerged with the name Colonel Ebirt (tribe spelled backwards). After the many changes in mascots, the William & Mary mascot committee continued the search from 2001-2009. Mascot ideas were reviewed by alumni, students, faculty, and staff, and a pug, griffin, king & queen, and wren were the finalists for the position. Ultimately, in 2010 the Griffin was chosen to become William & Mary’s official mascot. In 2018 the griffin claimed the name Reveley in honor of William & Mary’s 27th President; W. Taylor Reveley III.
Sources:
“History of W&M Mascots and Nicknames.” William & Mary, www.wm.edu/about/mascot/history/index.php. Accessed 25 June 2023.
“A Mascot for the Tribe.” William & Mary, www.wm.edu/about/mascot/index.php. Accessed 25 June 2023.
“Mascot.” Special Collections Knowledgebase, scrc-kb.libraries.wm.edu/mascot. Accessed 25 June 2023.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
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.
