Category Archives: New 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!

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! 

How to Make the Most of Your First Semester in College

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By: Meghann Mullarkey

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.