Vibe at William & Mary

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What is up with the W&M water park references? We have a junior at W&M who has been to one once, which is hardly a college life-defining experience.
To answer the original question, the vibe is good. It can be pretty rigorous, depending on the major but I think there are lots of outlets for the students to balance that out.
There is a lot to do on campus, lots of clubs and events. And while it is more of a tourist city than a college town, there is plenty to do off-campus.
It is in a beautiful part of the state with lots of water access - a lake on campus where kids can kayak, creeks, rivers, and the ocean isn't too far either.
Our student doesn't have a car but is able to bike to lots of places, even a creek (I think) with a beach.
Definitely visit.

The "water access" is just swamps. Yuck.

Spoken like someone who's clearly never visited the area. The water access is two rivers with very nice beaches, and a massive lake on campus with kayaking.

Um... I used to live in Williamsburg. It is very much in the middle of a swampy area.

But those aren't the water bodies people go to, are they Susan?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What is up with the W&M water park references? We have a junior at W&M who has been to one once, which is hardly a college life-defining experience.
To answer the original question, the vibe is good. It can be pretty rigorous, depending on the major but I think there are lots of outlets for the students to balance that out.
There is a lot to do on campus, lots of clubs and events. And while it is more of a tourist city than a college town, there is plenty to do off-campus.
It is in a beautiful part of the state with lots of water access - a lake on campus where kids can kayak, creeks, rivers, and the ocean isn't too far either.
Our student doesn't have a car but is able to bike to lots of places, even a creek (I think) with a beach.
Definitely visit.

The "water access" is just swamps. Yuck.

Spoken like someone who's clearly never visited the area. The water access is two rivers with very nice beaches, and a massive lake on campus with kayaking.

Um... I used to live in Williamsburg. It is very much in the middle of a swampy area.

But those aren't the water bodies people go to, are they Susan?

https://youtu.be/XMHkFSXWC6o?si=JSMTqLdFBDX6A-Xe

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What is up with the W&M water park references? We have a junior at W&M who has been to one once, which is hardly a college life-defining experience.
To answer the original question, the vibe is good. It can be pretty rigorous, depending on the major but I think there are lots of outlets for the students to balance that out.
There is a lot to do on campus, lots of clubs and events. And while it is more of a tourist city than a college town, there is plenty to do off-campus.
It is in a beautiful part of the state with lots of water access - a lake on campus where kids can kayak, creeks, rivers, and the ocean isn't too far either.
Our student doesn't have a car but is able to bike to lots of places, even a creek (I think) with a beach.
Definitely visit.

The "water access" is just swamps. Yuck.

Spoken like someone who's clearly never visited the area. The water access is two rivers with very nice beaches, and a massive lake on campus with kayaking.

Um... I used to live in Williamsburg. It is very much in the middle of a swampy area.

But those aren't the water bodies people go to, are they Susan?

https://youtu.be/XMHkFSXWC6o?si=JSMTqLdFBDX6A-Xe

More like College Creek, Jamestown Beach, Yorktown Beach.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What is up with the W&M water park references? We have a junior at W&M who has been to one once, which is hardly a college life-defining experience.
To answer the original question, the vibe is good. It can be pretty rigorous, depending on the major but I think there are lots of outlets for the students to balance that out.
There is a lot to do on campus, lots of clubs and events. And while it is more of a tourist city than a college town, there is plenty to do off-campus.
It is in a beautiful part of the state with lots of water access - a lake on campus where kids can kayak, creeks, rivers, and the ocean isn't too far either.
Our student doesn't have a car but is able to bike to lots of places, even a creek (I think) with a beach.
Definitely visit.

The "water access" is just swamps. Yuck.

Spoken like someone who's clearly never visited the area. The water access is two rivers with very nice beaches, and a massive lake on campus with kayaking.

Um... I used to live in Williamsburg. It is very much in the middle of a swampy area.

But those aren't the water bodies people go to, are they Susan?

https://youtu.be/XMHkFSXWC6o?si=JSMTqLdFBDX6A-Xe

Exactly.

[Anonymous]

It sounds boring for a college kid. What is the campus life like?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What is up with the W&M water park references? We have a junior at W&M who has been to one once, which is hardly a college life-defining experience.
To answer the original question, the vibe is good. It can be pretty rigorous, depending on the major but I think there are lots of outlets for the students to balance that out.
There is a lot to do on campus, lots of clubs and events. And while it is more of a tourist city than a college town, there is plenty to do off-campus.
It is in a beautiful part of the state with lots of water access - a lake on campus where kids can kayak, creeks, rivers, and the ocean isn't too far either.
Our student doesn't have a car but is able to bike to lots of places, even a creek (I think) with a beach.
Definitely visit.

The "water access" is just swamps. Yuck.

Spoken like someone who's clearly never visited the area. The water access is two rivers with very nice beaches, and a massive lake on campus with kayaking.

Um... I used to live in Williamsburg. It is very much in the middle of a swampy area.

But those aren't the water bodies people go to, are they Susan?

https://youtu.be/XMHkFSXWC6o?si=JSMTqLdFBDX6A-Xe

Exactly.

Hi "CWM"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: It sounds boring for a college kid. What is the campus life like?

Hundreds of clubs. MCOs (multicultural organizations), club sports, IMs, and acapella groups are really popular. 25% of campus participates in Greek life but it's not a big deal if someone doesn't. Lots of people who party but also plenty who don't. A lot of restaurants near campus, and a few bars. Downtown Williamsburg has a weekly farmers market, monthly street festival, and a lot of other events. There's a lake and miles of walking/hiking trails on campus, and a lot of other nature off campus. Beaches like College Creek are really popular. There's also a Lululemon downtown - since apparently that's a big deal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What is up with the W&M water park references? We have a junior at W&M who has been to one once, which is hardly a college life-defining experience.
To answer the original question, the vibe is good. It can be pretty rigorous, depending on the major but I think there are lots of outlets for the students to balance that out.
There is a lot to do on campus, lots of clubs and events. And while it is more of a tourist city than a college town, there is plenty to do off-campus.
It is in a beautiful part of the state with lots of water access - a lake on campus where kids can kayak, creeks, rivers, and the ocean isn't too far either.
Our student doesn't have a car but is able to bike to lots of places, even a creek (I think) with a beach.
Definitely visit.

The "water access" is just swamps. Yuck.

Spoken like someone who's clearly never visited the area. The water access is two rivers with very nice beaches, and a massive lake on campus with kayaking.

Um... I used to live in Williamsburg. It is very much in the middle of a swampy area.

But those aren't the water bodies people go to, are they Susan?

https://youtu.be/XMHkFSXWC6o?si=JSMTqLdFBDX6A-Xe

More like College Creek, Jamestown Beach, Yorktown Beach.

On a beautiful April day how many William Mary students are at each of the three beaches? These posts make it sound like it’s ASU at Lake Havasu.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What is up with the W&M water park references? We have a junior at W&M who has been to one once, which is hardly a college life-defining experience.
To answer the original question, the vibe is good. It can be pretty rigorous, depending on the major but I think there are lots of outlets for the students to balance that out.
There is a lot to do on campus, lots of clubs and events. And while it is more of a tourist city than a college town, there is plenty to do off-campus.
It is in a beautiful part of the state with lots of water access - a lake on campus where kids can kayak, creeks, rivers, and the ocean isn't too far either.
Our student doesn't have a car but is able to bike to lots of places, even a creek (I think) with a beach.
Definitely visit.

The "water access" is just swamps. Yuck.

Spoken like someone who's clearly never visited the area. The water access is two rivers with very nice beaches, and a massive lake on campus with kayaking.

Um... I used to live in Williamsburg. It is very much in the middle of a swampy area.

But those aren't the water bodies people go to, are they Susan?

https://youtu.be/XMHkFSXWC6o?si=JSMTqLdFBDX6A-Xe

More like College Creek, Jamestown Beach, Yorktown Beach.

On a beautiful April day how many William Mary students are at each of the three beaches? These posts make it sound like it’s ASU at Lake Havasu.

Probably no different from the number of UVA students taking advantage of the mountain trails.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: It sounds boring for a college kid. What is the campus life like?

Hundreds of clubs. MCOs (multicultural organizations), club sports, IMs, and acapella groups are really popular. 25% of campus participates in Greek life but it's not a big deal if someone doesn't. Lots of people who party but also plenty who don't. A lot of restaurants near campus, and a few bars. Downtown Williamsburg has a weekly farmers market, monthly street festival, and a lot of other events. There's a lake and miles of walking/hiking trails on campus, and a lot of other nature off campus. Beaches like College Creek are really popular. There's also a Lululemon downtown - since apparently that's a big deal.

NP. My DD saw that Lululemon and decided it was worth considering

[Anonymous]

Same as it was the last time someone asked this

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: It sounds boring for a college kid. What is the campus life like?

Hundreds of clubs. MCOs (multicultural organizations), club sports, IMs, and acapella groups are really popular. 25% of campus participates in Greek life but it's not a big deal if someone doesn't. Lots of people who party but also plenty who don't. A lot of restaurants near campus, and a few bars. Downtown Williamsburg has a weekly farmers market, monthly street festival, and a lot of other events. There's a lake and miles of walking/hiking trails on campus, and a lot of other nature off campus. Beaches like College Creek are really popular. There's also a Lululemon downtown - since apparently that's a big deal.

I have a freshman. The campus life is like a lot of other small to mid sized schools in suburban locations. Is that boring? That describes many, many schools. It’s true that if you are looking for the traditional big state U experience that’s not W&M. As another poster said, there shouldn’t be a need to denigrate one school to recommend another. Some kids want that big school experience and that’s great for them and lucky that in VA we have great options. For my student that was the charm of it - we are paying state school prices for an experience more like a NE SLAC in many ways (although somewhat larger) which was my kid’s preference. There are parties, sports to attend although it’s not a big sports school, a million clubs…I think kids can be as busy or not as they want to be. And, no, my freshman doesn’t have a water park or Busch gardens pass.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: It sounds boring for a college kid. What is the campus life like?

Hundreds of clubs. MCOs (multicultural organizations), club sports, IMs, and acapella groups are really popular. 25% of campus participates in Greek life but it's not a big deal if someone doesn't. Lots of people who party but also plenty who don't. A lot of restaurants near campus, and a few bars. Downtown Williamsburg has a weekly farmers market, monthly street festival, and a lot of other events. There's a lake and miles of walking/hiking trails on campus, and a lot of other nature off campus. Beaches like College Creek are really popular. There's also a Lululemon downtown - since apparently that's a big deal.

I have a freshman. The campus life is like a lot of other small to mid sized schools in suburban locations. Is that boring? That describes many, many schools. It’s true that if you are looking for the traditional big state U experience that’s not W&M. As another poster said, there shouldn’t be a need to denigrate one school to recommend another. Some kids want that big school experience and that’s great for them and lucky that in VA we have great options. For my student that was the charm of it - we are paying state school prices for an experience more like a NE SLAC in many ways (although somewhat larger) which was my kid’s preference. There are parties, sports to attend although it’s not a big sports school, a million clubs…I think kids can be as busy or not as they want to be. And, no, my freshman doesn’t have a water park or Busch gardens pass.

My dd is a sophomore, and this has been her experience. She's rather shy but is in I think about 4 different clubs and likes them very much, and there were others she was interested in but couldn't make the timing work. When I've read about other schools having limited space in extracurriculars I'm glad she's at a school where that isn't an issue. As a sophomore, she already knows all the professors in her department, and they know her by name. Many of the clubs have parties and their own formals, so you aren't locked out of those experiences if you aren't Greek. She likes the free access to the city bus so she can get off campus whenever she wants. If you have a car, VA beach is only an hour away, as is Richmond.

If your child wants an urban campus or a big state school experience, this isn't going to appeal to them. But if you want a mid-sized slac in a suburban environment with strong students, I think it's a great fit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What is up with the W&M water park references? We have a junior at W&M who has been to one once, which is hardly a college life-defining experience.
To answer the original question, the vibe is good. It can be pretty rigorous, depending on the major but I think there are lots of outlets for the students to balance that out.
There is a lot to do on campus, lots of clubs and events. And while it is more of a tourist city than a college town, there is plenty to do off-campus.
It is in a beautiful part of the state with lots of water access - a lake on campus where kids can kayak, creeks, rivers, and the ocean isn't too far either.
Our student doesn't have a car but is able to bike to lots of places, even a creek (I think) with a beach.
Definitely visit.

The "water access" is just swamps. Yuck.

Spoken like someone who's clearly never visited the area. The water access is two rivers with very nice beaches, and a massive lake on campus with kayaking.

Um... I used to live in Williamsburg. It is very much in the middle of a swampy area.

But those aren't the water bodies people go to, are they Susan?

https://youtu.be/XMHkFSXWC6o?si=JSMTqLdFBDX6A-Xe

Exactly.

Hi "CWM"

DP. Sorry to disappoint!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: It sounds boring for a college kid. What is the campus life like?

Hundreds of clubs. MCOs (multicultural organizations), club sports, IMs, and acapella groups are really popular. 25% of campus participates in Greek life but it's not a big deal if someone doesn't. Lots of people who party but also plenty who don't. A lot of restaurants near campus, and a few bars. Downtown Williamsburg has a weekly farmers market, monthly street festival, and a lot of other events. There's a lake and miles of walking/hiking trails on campus, and a lot of other nature off campus. Beaches like College Creek are really popular. There's also a Lululemon downtown - since apparently that's a big deal.

NP. My DD saw that Lululemon and decided it was worth considering