The Story
Just Stopping By: A New Freshman's To-Do List
You got in, congratulations! Now comes the hard part.
If anyone tells you that all you need to worry about at college is your GPA, they are lying. This is the first step out of the proverbial nest and into the big wide world. Consequently, your first year of college is going to involve more detailed procedures and interactions than you might have guessed. If you happen to be near the campus over summer, take it from me, you will save time by stopping by and getting a few things out of the way.
Since August in Williamsburg can be hellish, you will have to run around to all kinds of buildings during your move-in, and the average College ID is a forced grin on a sweaty face, you should try to pick up this card in advance. Stop by the Campus Center's ID office during a summer visit and we guarantee you that you'll look at least as attractive as you do on your driver's license.
You should also stop by the University Center basement to get your mailbox key, which will save time and confusion. Next, find your dorm. You will be curious anyways, so indulge it! Though during move-in the College has tons of student volunteers to just point and give directions, it's still a good idea to already know where you are going. Though not everything will be open a summer student may even let you take a peek inside. If you are in the Botetourt Complex, Barrett, Monroe, Hunt or Taliaferro, my condolences: you have no AC. Bring a fan.
If you visit the school over the summer, don't bother taking a tour because you and your hallmates will become intimately familiar with the campus during the first week of school through all your orientation events. Little factoids about William and Mary will begin to run together and you may start repeating them in your sleep.
Finally, you're going to receive a big packet of material on school protocol and a mountain of advertisements when you meet your fellow hallmates. Don't be intimidated, most can never read through all of it in one sitting. And if you can review the student handbook before you come to orientation, you are already ahead of the game. See you in the Fall.