This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at WM chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.
- Bring water and drinkwater. Trust me on this one.
- Easy on the make-up. Everyone wants to make a good impression, but you need to take a couple of things into consideration.  August can be pretty hot in Williamsburg so if you pack on too much make-up you’ll end up looking like nothing short of a sad clown.
- Skip the heels. You will be doing a lot of walking across cobblestone, bricks, and other rugged train. Do yourself a favor and just skip the heels.
- Don’t be afraid to go “lone wolf” sometimes. Being in a new place and trying new things can be very intimidating.  However, don’t let yourself miss out on an event or interest meeting just because you have no one to go with. Everyone feels just as anxious, and everyone hopes to make new friends, so you will definitely meet someone there.  Don’t be afraid to smile and approach people. Trust me, you will be fine.
- Try new things, but don’t get overwhelmed! At the activities fair, you’ll find yourself signing up for the most ridiculous things.  Keep a list of the things you are sure you want to do because soon enough your email will be filled with tons of meeting reminders, and you don’t want to miss out on the stuff you really want to do because it got buried underneath everything else.
- Make friends with upperclassmen. Whether it’s your OA, RA, or someone you bumped into at the Caf, definitely get to know some upperclassmen. They’ll be a great resource when you’ll be tackling the age-old questions of 1) why banner isn’t cooperating, 2) where on earth Millington 150 is, and of course, 3) what to do on a Friday night.
- Don’t forget these [oftentimes overlooked] lifesavers.  A) Your statement piece: Are you really into a particular band or show? Wear a shirt with its logo. It’s a great conversation starter and an easy way to draw people with interests similar to yours. B) Umbrella and Rain boots: Williamsburg is also notorious for its rain. Check the weather each morning before heading out to make sure you and your outfit is appropriate. C) A note card of your schedule: You won’t always have the time throughout the day to check banner to see where you’re supposed to be. Keep a note card in your bag [or text yourself on your phone] that summarizes all your classes, classrooms, and class times.
- Keep your mind (and door) open! Some people love orientation, some people… not so much. Keep an open mind! If anything, orientation means you will meet tons of new people every day—people that could very well become your best friends for years to come. Keep your dorm room open while you’re getting settled—it’s a great way to get to know the people in your hall.
Remember, we all go through orientation, and we all come out alive. Â You got this!