As I’m studying for my Political Theory exam, and by studying, I mean religiously checking my email, reading blogs, scrolling through Twitter, and Facebook stalking myself, my thoughts keep drifting to the approaching semester. Most of my favorite college memories occurred during spring semester last year. For the freshmen and other students who have never experienced spring semester at William & Mary, here a few things to look forward to as you spend this stressful week pouring all your energy into your final exams:
1, Reuniting with your friends: After spending literally everyday with friends at school, a whole month separated seems unimaginable to most. I knew I couldn’t last in my rural hometown for the whole time, so I made several trips to visit a few of my close friends. As for the ones I didn’t get to see, reuniting with them made up for leaving the comforts of home. The bond I felt reconnecting with them made me realize how close we had all gotten over a few short months as freshmen. A first dinner back at the Caf or late night dorm movie/chatting night is a definite must about everyone’s return.
2. Philanthropy events: Although these happen year round, I would have to say that spring semester definitely wins over fall in having the best philanthropy events on campus. Even if this is your first year at William & Mary, I’m sure you’ve heard of Kappa Delta’s Campus Golf. Spending a whole day romping around campus in crazy outfits and hitting tennis balls everywhere with most of your fellow students? One of the highlights of a W&M spring. Sigma Chi also hosts Derby Days, a week full of sorority competitions, ending in a lip-sync/dance competition. I wouldn’t say the dance competition was my favorite (dancing in front of a few hundred people isn’t my definition of an ideal situation), but overall a great week of bonding and raising money for a great cause.
3. Syllabus Week, again: First week of classes? Such a nice change from finals. As you might have experienced first semester, your classes are probably going to consist of reading over the syllabus and filling out a note-card or two with your name, grade, and perspective major. With all this free time, you’ll be able to see all the friends you missed, watch movies, drink hot chocolate, and get ahead on all your work!!! Or I’m sure you can find other social things to do at night…
4. You know a lot more people: One of my favorite aspects of William & Mary is the size. You can walk anywhere around campus and bump into a friend, or someone you know from a class. Second semester you become more aware of this fact, or at least I did. I was so much more confident on the first day of spring classes than in the fall. The stress about not knowing anyone in my classes had greatly decreased, as did the typical freshman terror of having no one to eat meals with.
5. Expand your social circle: Second semester is almost like a brand new school year. New classes, new schedule, and new opportunities to involve yourself in the social aspects that William & Mary has to offer. One of my New Year’s resolutions last year was to expand my social life. With more confidence as a second-semester freshman, I eagerly went to new places I hadn’t hung out at before, and was able to meet so many new people I didn’t get the chance to encounter during the previous semester.
6. Weather: Once you suffer through the cold of January, February, and some of March, you’ll get to experience the beauty that is Williamsburg in the springtime. Drives down colonial parkway, excursions to Jamestown Beach, walks through CW, attempting to start a tan on the Sunken Gardens, there are endless ways to take in the enjoyable temperatures and bask in the warm sun of the William & Mary campus.
7. Blowout: Last, but certainly not least. Spring blowout is completely different from fall blowout. This is campus wide. The gorgeous spring weather, paired with the freedom of no more class, combines to form many students’ favorite day of the year. Free food and games overtake the Sunken Gardens, parties form everywhere, and William & Mary almost transforms into a real college!
So don’t stress. Finish up these last few exams, take advantage of the month long break, and start looking forward to next semester! I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed!