I think I’m speaking for everyone when I say that the week before Thanksgiving is one the hardest of the entire semester. The air is getting colder, the sun is setting sooner, and final exams begin peeking their heads around the corner. The final trek to break can feel endless, as most students try to cram in exam prep, essays, and final assignments.

But is this week of stress worth the almost-week-long break? For many students, Thanksgiving break translates to Thanksgiving “break from my dorm.” It’s common for students to use their time at home to continue studying for final exams and beginning their final projects. However, there is always time to close the textbook, and what better time than Thanksgiving break? Here are some ways to shake off those academic burdens during your time off.

1. Plan out your study schedule for the weeks following the break.

For me, I start to de-stress once I have a plan. If I know how I’m going to accomplish my end-of-semester goals, I’m more comfortable taking time for myself and fueling my body. And, it helps reassure me that I have enough time to get everything done!

2. Make a study playlist in preparation for finals season.

Music is a great way to spice up your studying. With a peppy playlist in hand, the motivation to study after the break is sure to pick up. Say goodbye to study dread during break!

3. Engage in some activities that take your mind off of your classes.

Wind down with a spa day, eat out with some friends, or start crafting for the holiday season. These are great ways to take your mind off school, while still fueling it for the weeks ahead.

It can be hard to completely step back from academics during such a busy time in the semester, but preparation and planning are on your side. Use these tools to ease your mind and make memories during your days away from due dates.

Emma Dunlop is a sophomore intending to major in Marketing here at William & Mary. A transfer student herself, Emma spent her first semester of college in London and arrived on campus in the Spring of 2023. In addition to starting as a STEP blog guest writer this semester, Emma is also a member of the William & Mary Accidentals, the Student Environmental Action Coalition, and Women in Business. She is so excited to get writing!

Walking around the beautiful fall campus

William & Mary is beautiful throughout all seasons, but fall brings orange and yellow hues to the trees that make for a picture perfect walk around campus!

Williamsburg Farmers Market 

Every Saturday from 8-12, the Williamsburg Farmers Market emerges in Colonial Williamsburg. Pick up some pastries, fall bouquet, fresh fruit and veggies, and more!

Autumn Artisan Market – Outlets

October 8th, the 60 local artists and craftsmen will be vending a fall artisan market at the Williamsburg Premium Outlets. 

Williamsburg Fall Festival – Midtown Row

On November 11th from 1-5pm, Midtown Row is hosting a fall festival with live music, a mechanical bull, petting zoo, games, and various vendors.  

Howl-O-Scream

Busch Gardens Williamsburg is open Thursday through Sunday with Howl-O-Scream  beginning at 6pm. Enjoy 4 shows, 5 scare zones, and 5 haunted houses.

Ghost Tour

On the spookier side of fall, Colonial Williamsburg offers different ghost tours around the town. One includes a ghost tour of campus! 

As the weather gets colder, Williamsburg becomes the perfect place to go for an outdoor adventure. William & Mary offers a variety of outdoor experiences, perfect for a weekend expedition. Tribe Adventure Program holds exciting outdoor activities and trips. Sunset paddle, campfires, a day at the beach, sea kayaking are just some of the things you can register for! Some trips cost a small fee, but the experiences are priceless. TAP also offers leadership positions on TAP trips for those passionate about outdoor recreation! 

Some of the upcoming events include: 

• Belay Clinics 
• Camping at Holliday Lake State Park
• Canoes and Campfires
• Kiptopeke Beach Camping and Sea Kayaking 
• Sunset Paddle 

For new freshmen and sophomores, TAP offers a pre-orientation pathway program before you arrive on campus for the first time! During pathways students have the opportunity to participate in exciting outdoor adventures like backpacking the Appalaician all while meeting new people before arriving on campus! 

Click here to learn more: https://www.wm.edu/offices/wellness/campusrec/programs/outdoorrec/

Click here to register for their programs: https://campusrec.wm.edu/Program/GetProducts?classification=236f37fb-0cbc-4b64-aa1d-41f989b09a51

More info on pathways: https://www.wm.edu/offices/wellness/campusrec/programs/outdoorrec/pathways/

Beginning a new semester, whether it be your first college semester or last, can be a whirlwind of emotions. Finding a healthy mindset while surrounded by a new buzzing environment is a daunting, yery necessary task to setting oneself up for a balanced semester. Setting the baseline for what a healthy mindset feels to you at the beginning of the semester can give you something to refer back to if the semester becomes overwhelming and stressful. Finding and maintaining a healthy, positive mindset allows for growth

Consider adding these few tips to your healthy mindset toolbox:  

Acceptance 

Accepting who you are and where you are in the moment, places your mindset in the present. It can be easy to hold grudges against the past, but the best way to move forward is accepting the past and present. 

Gratitude

Gratitude can be practiced by mentally listing things you’re grateful for, writing in a journal, etc. However you practice gratitude, the positive action can influence a positive outlook.

Get good sleep

Getting good sleep can be a form of self care. Setting aside the recommended 6-9 hours of sleep replenishes energy needed to power through the day. 

Set aside time for yourself

The very environment of college is centered around academics. Setting aside time for yourself to do fun things like participating in a club, taking a walk around Colonial Williamsburg, or meditating can help balance your mindset.  

Reframe negative self-talk

Stress glorification and negative self-talk can creep in, especially during overwhelming times. Words have more power than they seem, so what you say to and about yourself can affect your mindset. Practice being kind to yourself and you’ll be surrounded by positivity. 

Connect with friends and family  

Just like setting aside time for yourself, spending time with those you care about can help replenish balance and positivity in your day. 

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! 

2. 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. 

3. 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. 

4. 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! 

5. 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.