Category Archives: On Campus

Reflections on Becoming a Senior

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It’s so insanely hard to believe that I’m already a senior. It honestly feels like I just got here (andI kind of did!) I came in as a spring transfer, and 5 semesters later I’m a semester away fromgraduating early this December. In the quest to discover if I was doing everything right, I nowstand near the finish line of my undergraduate journey realizing college wasn’t just aboutclasses and credits. It’s been a place of growth, resilience, and discovery.

● Growth comes from saying yes (and sometimes no)

Some of my most meaningful experiences have come from opportunities I almost turned down.Whether I tried to tell myself I was too tired, too scared, or too busy, skipping these might’ve ledme down a drastically different path. For instance, I had the opportunity to dance each spring atBusch Gardens. With this being a full-time job requiring me to work 7-10 hours each night inrehearsals and show days, leaving right after class (or sometimes doing virtual lectures), I wasable to gain real work experience early on in my undergraduate career. I also had theopportunity to study abroad in Dublin for 3 months. Changing from what was familiar, spendingeach summer in Williamsburg, was daunting but too exciting to pass up. Ultimately, thatexperience will be one of my favorites from my entire time at William & Mary. However, theredoes come a point where too much is enough. At the same time, I learned that saying no can bejust as powerful when it protects your energy and priorities

  • Relationships matter more than you think
    One of the things I remember best about my tour of the campus as a prospective student was
    how much the people here were referenced as kind, studious, and friendly. I can most definitely
    say that this is true. My professors, peers, bosses, and friends have shaped my college
    experience just as much as any textbook or lecture. Investing in people, through study groups,
    office hours, or just plain old friendships, creates memories and support systems that last
    beyond graduation.
    ● It’s okay to not have it all figured out
    I’m sorry to say to freshman me that I still do not have a 30 step plan for the rest of my life.
    Senior me now understands how plans can shift and interests can change in such short periods
    of time, and that’s just a part of the journey.
    If I could go back and tell my freshman self one thing, it would be this: (ironically) don’t rush the
    journey. Although my academic path will conclude in only 6 semesters, College has been more
    than a checklist of classes and experiences. It’s been a journey of exploration and knowledge.
    Even in the most mundane days, I learned something from a lecture, myself, or even just a little
    fact about Williamsburg. As I look ahead to what comes next, I carry these lessons with me,
    grateful for how college has shaped not just my future, but the person I’ve become along the
    way

Designing Your Ideal College Routine

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The absolute best thing about college is the freedom to build your own schedule. Whether you
thrive on 8am classes or prefer to stroll down to ISC around 12, the beauty of college is that you
can design a routine that fits to you.


Some things to consider:
● When do you focus best? Do you have the energy and determination to wake up for
early classes? Or do you enjoy studying late at night and sleeping in?
● How much leeway do you have with your classes? Unfortunately sometimes there’s only
one section of a class so you won’t have the option to shift it, but try focusing on what
you can control within your schedule
● Balance matters!! College isn’t just being productive 24/7. Sometimes having time for
social connection, relaxation, and fun is just as valuable as studying another hour in
Swem
● Anchor points in your day. Try adding a few things to your schedule that are concrete
weekly/daily activities. For instance, meals, workouts, bedtimes

  • Keep in mind that you can always change it! If something in your schedule is just not
    working, you can change it! Also, what’s considered your “ideal routine” will most likely
    change semester by semester as you get a new set of classes and adapt around them

Building a Career Portfolio in College

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As I’m on the glimpse of graduation and entering the workforce full-time creeps up around the
corner, I’ve been thinking more and more about the professional and academic experiences I’ve
gained at William & Mary and how to compile it into a portfolio for my resume and future job
search. One thing I’ve realized is that even the little things and skills you collect throughout your
time in college can be used. Experiences, projects, new knowledge, and skills can become
important tools for applying to jobs, internships, or grad school.


Class Projects
Let’s take class projects for example. Maybe you did a group presentation, research paper, or
case study? You can save your best work for example in a creative portfolio or reflect on the
skills you developed. Use these experiences and consider how it demonstrates critical thinking,
problem solving, and communication skills.


Clubs and Organizations
Probably one of the more common things students think of when they hear “experience” for a
resume. Get involved in clubs and organizations for opportunities to plan events, gain
experience, and network! These experiences can highlight initiative, collaboration, and
creativity!

Jobs and Internships
Obviously gaining work experience is a plus for a resume and career portfolio. These can help
you develop transferable skills, even if your job is not exactly in your intended career! Gaining
experience in different industries can help you shift perspective and learn skills and knowledge
different from the ones you learn in the classroom.


Documenting
If this summer’s business program taught me anything, it’s to start compiling your experiences,
building your resumes, and connecting on LinkedIn as soon as possible. That way you don’t
have to scramble to remember all the wonderful things you’ve done!


Your college journey is more than just classes. It’s a collection of experiences that prove what
you can do. If you start treating your daily activities as portfolio pieces, you’ll graduate not just
with a degree, but with a professional story you’re ready to tell!

New housing on the way – introduction to the new dorms 

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With housing selection around the corner, the chaos and anticipation surrounding which hall to choose for the next academic year ensues. But this upcoming selection is bringing in more new options than ever for both incoming new students and returning undergraduates! Here is an overview of the 5 new residence halls opening this upcoming fall! 

Cedar Hall

Cedar Hall is part of the Jamestown Triangle with Hardy and Lemon Halls. This hall will be home to 270 new first-time-in-college residents, including Sharpe Community Scholars. It has singles, doubles, suites, and stand-alone arrangements along with learning commons, study rooms, and lounges over 4 floors. Cedar Hall is the perfect spot right in the middle of campus! Only a short walk to both new campus and old campus, and it’s right across from the Integrated Science Center. 

Maple Hall

Maple Hall is part of the brand new West Woods 1 neighborhood! Maple hall will be home to 150 returning undergraduate residents on four floors. This hall has both single and double rooms along with lounges and study rooms. Maple Hall will also be home to the new Lavender House, a special interest community for LGBTQ+ identifying students. A bridge will connect the West Woods to Sadler! 

Oak Hall

Oak Hall is part of the West Woods 1 neighborhood! It will be home to 150 returning undergraduate residents in both single and double rooms. This hall also includes centralized lounges, communal hall kitchens, and study rooms at the end of each wing. THe first floor of Oak Hall will include a great room for meetings. If you take a tour of in future years, you’ll be sure to see the model room within this hall too!

Pine Hall

Pine Hall is the largest of the West Woods 1 neighborhood. This hall houses 500 first year and returning undergraduate residents in both single and double rooms. The four floors of this hall include centralized lounges and kitchens, study rooms, and two outside terraces on the second floor. The fourth floor of Pine Hall will be home to the brand-new Global Village, a living-learning community for various languages! 

Poplar Hall

Poplar Hall is also part of the West Woods 1 neighborhood! This hall will be home to 120 first-year residents in both single and double rooms. This hall has centralized lounges, study rooms and will be connected to Sadler via the pedestrian bridge!

The Haunted History of W&M

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With a campus as old as William & Mary’s comes a long history of tragedy, famous phantoms, and haunted buildings. With lots of stories of paranormal encounters in academic buildings, unexplained lights in residence halls, and apparitions running through the Sunken Garden, legend has it that spirits from W&M past roam campus, especially when autumn leaves start to fall and shadows grow long at dusk. The Wren Building is the oldest college building in continuous use across the entire country! Originally used as the home for the entire college (and we think our campus is small now!), it was utilized as a hospital for wounded French soldiers during the Revolutionary War. During this time, soldiers were buried around Colonial Williamsburg including underneath the Governor’s Palace. Similarly, during the Civil War the Wren Building was converted into barracks and a hospital for Confederate soldiers, leaving many to die of illness and untreated wounds. Students have reported hearing unexplained footsteps in the Wren Building and even seeing apparitions of soldiers wandering through the halls! Did you know that there are tombs located underneath the Chapel? While they’ve been raided many times between 1729 and now, famous Virginians such as Lord Botetourt and Sir James Randolph were buried here. Another cemetery is located between Tucker and Blow Hall for former college presidents and students who’ve

Sources: 

http://flathatnews.com/2019/11/04/campus-ghost-stories-highlight-tragedies-prevalent-throughout-colleges-history/

https://www.wm.edu/style/old-haunts.php

https://magazine.wm.edu/online-exclusives/halloween-2019.php

https://thetab.com/us/williamandmary/2016/10/29/ghost-stories-william-mary-1012

https://flathatnews.com/2020/10/27/the-college-of-william-and-scary-exploring-williamsburgs-haunted-history-before-halloween/

https://williamsburgmemorialpark.com/our-history/

https://flathatnews.com/2007/03/23/reves-first-be-buried-college-cemetery-1894/

The Ultimate W&M Bucket List – 40 things to do before you graduate 

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The ultimate list of things to do before you graduate to make the most out of your free resources and the beauty of Williamsburg! 

  1. Explore all floors of Swem
  2. Pet a dog at the Williamsburg Farmers Market
  3. Attend a formal dance or event
  4. Pet the Swem Corgis 
  5. Study in the Wren Building 
  6. Attend a club meeting for something you know nothing about
  7. Walk around Second Sunday’s Market 
  8. Attend a Career Center networking event 
  9. Take a nap in the Swem nap pods 
  10. Attend a lecture or workshop outside of your major 
  11. Get a massage at the Wellness Center 
  12. Take a headshot in the Career Center headshot booth
  13. Study in the Alumni House during finals 
  14. Go for a late night snack at Wawa
  15. Try a fitness or wellness class
  16. Volunteer for a local charity
  17. Attend a football or basketball game 
  18. Go kayaking on Lake Matoaka 
  19. Discover your favorite pancake house
  20. Visit Busch Gardens 
  21. Attend an AMP event 
  22. Participate in a research project 
  23. Get a free collegiate pass for Colonial Williamsburg 
  24. Participate in a ghost tour
  25. Visit a professor during office hours 
  26. Have picnic on the Sunken Garden
  27. Take a class in the Wren Building 
  28. Go on a run through Colonial Williamsburg 
  29. Get a library card at the Williamsburg Library
  30. Swim in the pool at the rec 
  31. Make an ice cream sundae at Sadler 
  32. Attend a sunset yoga class
  33. Walk over Crim Dell Bridge with your significant other 
  34. Eat lunch at the Cheese Shop
  35. Listen to an a capella group perform at Wren 10
  36. Make an account on Tribe Careers
  37. Check out a book from Swem
  38. Take a late night walk through Colonial Williamsburg 
  39. Get ice cream or fudge at Kilwins 
  40. Spend the day at Yorktown or Jamestown beach

How to navigate the WATA bus system

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Did you know that the WATA bus transport system is free for William & Mary students? Show your William & Mary ID to the driver while boarding to ride any of the routes for free! There are 12 routes around the Williamsburg area. 

Route 1 – Lee Hall

Notable stops: Lee Hall and Transportation center

Route 2 – Richmond Rd

Notable stops: Walmart, One Tribe Place, Outlets 

Route 3 – Merrimac Trail

Notable stops: CW visitor center, Colonial pines, Merrimac trail CVS, Target

Route 4 – Longhill Rd

Notable stops: New town, Harris Teeter

Route 5 – Monticello

Notable stops: Ritas, Trader joes, Food lion

Route 6 – Jamestown 

Notable stops: Lemon Hall, CVS, Food lion, Merchant Square 

Route 7 – Mooretown Road

Notable stops: Kingsgate shops, Great Wolf Lodge, Walmart

Route 8 – William & Mary

Notable stops: Law school, Lemon Hall Jones Hall, Kaplan, School of Education, Caf, Parking Deck

**This route is dedicated to transport around the Willim & Mary campus. It operates in a loop beginning at the Law School with a round trip of 30 minutes. 

Route  9 – Toano 

Notable stops: Walmart, JCC Library

Route 11 – Lackey

Notable stops: Riverside hospital


Route 12 – Ironbound

Notable stops: Ritas, New Town, Target

Route 15 – Colonial

Notable stops: CW Visitor Center, Palace, Capitol, Merchant Square

How to find the route for you: Transit App!

The Transit App compares local transportation route options to easily find the best option for you. To easily navigate your trip follow these steps: 

  1. Search for your destination
  2. A list of options will appear
  3. Press GO on the option you’d like to use
  4. See a step-by-step outline of your journey 

Learn more about the routes here: https://gowata.org/148/Routes-Schedules

My Transfer Student Experience: Vanessa Broadrup ‘25

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I’m Vanessa Broadrup ‘25, a current International Relations and Japanese Studies double major at William & Mary from just outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I began my time as a transfer student at W&M last year during the Fall 2023 semester. When I decided to transfer out of my former academic institution, I was studying abroad at a university in Osaka, Japan as part of an exchange program. It was there that I realized I enjoyed the experience of being on a bigger campus so much that I wanted to have this opportunity to meet more people from different places once I returned to the United States. I also realized that a larger university with a bigger International Relations department like W&M would give me the opportunity to meet lots of new people who had similar interests to me but different life experiences from myself. 

At first the idea of leaving my old school and transferring all of my credits to a new place was daunting, but once I met with W&M Transfer Admissions Dean Dean Monica Pinier who answered all of my (many) questions, I felt reassured that W&M would welcome me and prepare me to succeed in my final two years of my undergraduate academic experience. My friends who are now W&M alumni themselves also encouraged me to apply, sharing a contagious enthusiasm for the campus and the courses they took here. So, to me, sending my one and only transfer application to W&M was a logical decision, and one I made with excitement and a lot of thought. I knew that if I transferred, the one place I would want to be was at William & Mary. So naturally, I was over the moon when I finally got my acceptance letter in early May (and when I found out so many of my credits transferred)!

When I first came to campus, I was a bit nervous about finding a sense of community and adjusting, but by the end of New Student Orientation, I could find my way around pretty easily. I also attended the Student Activities Fair, which I think really helped me get involved and make friends. Trust me when I say that W&M has just about any organization you could possibly think of, whether it relates to professional development, athletics, or hobbies. If you are a transfer student who feels a little nervous, that’s perfectly normal, but I promise you will find kind people in teammates, classmates, and student organization members who want nothing more than to help you and see you succeed. I have noticed that a lot of clubs here are also super welcoming to new people–including transfers. I attend Swim Club meetings (even though I’ve never been on a swim team!), and I am the proud Vice President of Programming for the William & Mary chapter of the Alexander Hamilton Society, a foreign policy related organization–which you’re more than welcome to join even if you’re not an IR or Government Major! 

If you’re a prospective transfer student like I once was, or you managed to find this blog post because you Googled “William & Mary Transfer,” and have some questions, I implore you to check out this page or email transfer@wm.edu. If you choose to come here as a transfer student, there are a lot of resources meant to set you up to succeed, so don’t hesitate to reach out or attend STEP events! Remember–if you’re a transfer, never sell yourself short. You’ve been in college before and you’ve got this! You are likely looking to learn a lot from your classmates about their cool experiences at W&M, but remember that you are interesting too and also have something unique to offer, even if you didn’t begin your academic journey here. Make connections with classmates, ask professors about opportunities to immerse yourself in fields that interest you, apply to campus jobs and other opportunities, and enjoy yourself here. Remember, you applied for a reason! 

The 5 Best Uses of Dining Dollars

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  1. Chick-Fil-A

By far the best use for dining dollars, Chick-Fil-A is a crowd favorite for quick and tasty meals. Located on Richmond Road, it’s not only a convenient location, but also a pretty cheap alternative to dining hall dinners!

  1. Food Trucks 

Food trucks are a great use for dining dollars because of their variety. Find burritos, smash burgers, seafood, and more which are perfect lunch or dinner options different from what you’ll find in the dining halls. Ben & Jerry’s truck occasionally stops by too for a nice ice cream treat! 

  1. Bake Shop

Bake Shop is another student favorite for fresh pastries, lattes, and bagels. Great choices for brunch and snacks!

  1. Town Center Cold Pressed

It’s hard to find a place that sells smoothie bowls around here, but luckily Town Center Cold Pressed sells both smoothies and smoothie bowls that can be purchased using dining dollars! They also sell oatmeal bowls which are a perfect fall treat. 

  1. Farmers Market

A recent addition to the dining dollars menu are Williamsburg Farmers Market tokens! Each Saturday that the farmers market runs, students can purchase $1 or $5 tokens to use at participating booths in the farmers market! 

COLL Classes Explained

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During your four years at William & Mary, you’ll be required to take a variety of COLL classes. COLL classes are included in the curriculum to explore new concepts/ideas and also deepen your knowledge on topics specific to your major! Each COLL corresponds to a different academic discipline and mode of teaching.

COLL 100 and COL 150– The first set of COLL classes taken by first year students are intended for students to branch out and explore new broad topics they’re interested in learning about. COL 100 classes are focused around creative presentation of big ideas. COL 100 usually consists of projects that go beyond writing essays. COL 150 classes are focused around readings and expanding writing skills on more narrow topics.

EX. COLL 100 from Fall 2024 –  Big Ideas in Applied Science: Renaissance in 3D 

COLL 150 from Fall 2024 – Philosophy of Technology

COLL 200 – Taken in your second year, COL 200 are a bit different from other COLLs since you are required to take a COLL class in each of the three knowledge domains: Arts, Letter, and Values (ALV), Natural World and Quantitative Reasoning (NQR), and Culture, Society, and the Individual (CSI). 

Ex. COLL 200 ALV from Fall 2024: History of Jazz

COLL 200 CSI from Fall 2024: German Fairy Tales

COLL NQR from Fall 2024: Intro to Integrative Conservation

COLL 300 – COLL 300 classes are taken in your third or fourth year. COLL 300 is designed to broaden your knowledge about the world outside of your direct experience and can be taken on campus, domestically, or internationally through study abroad. 

Ex. COLL 300 from Fall 2024: Indian Ocean Soundings

COLL 350 – COLL 350 classes are taken in your third or fourth year. They explore themes of culture and social identity and are centered around meaningful discussions and critical analysis. 

Ex. COLL 350 from Fall 2024: Black Playwrights, Then & Now

COLL 400 – COL 400 classes are taken in your final year. This capstone class helps collect your knowledge from other COLL classes and apply them to your major. COLL 400 classes can be completed through independent research, upper-level seminars, and honors projects usually within your declared major. 

Ex. COLL 400 from Fall 2024: Advanced Seminar in Biology: Bird Song