Shopping, packing, moving in, Orientation and beyond: all of these things can add extra stress to the already-nerve-wracking start of college. But one thing that should never be worrisome to incoming freshmen? What to wear.
Your first few weeks at W&M are a whirlwind, as you go from Orientation mixers to Convocation to your first football game. And, sadly, most dorm closets are far from spacious. However, you don’t need an extensive wardrobe to take you to all of these events- you just need to know what to wear when.
Dressing for the busy first days of Orientation is probably one of the last things on a new student’s mind. The weather in Williamsburg at this time of year is especially hot, sticky, and just plain gross. But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice being both cute and comfortable while your OA’s teach you the Alma Mater and how to make “Tribe choices.” The most important thing is wearing easy, comfortable clothes. Since a lot of the activities require sitting on the ground, shorts are definitely the best option. Pick a pair in any style from short to Bermuda-length, and a material in anything from denim to cotton chino. Lightweight shirts are also the best way to go on top. Plain tanks and tees are always classic, but if you’re more trendy you can go for a ruffled top or something with a fun print. And keep in mind to wear comfy shoes!
Convocation, when new students walk through Wren to be greeted by the upperclassmen and welcomed into the Tribe, is a much more glamorous event than the typical Orientation activities. This is when you can pull your favorite sundress out of your closet, throw on some jewelry and a pair of pretty sandals, and start snapping pics with your hallmates. The brick runway- I mean walkway- leading out of Wren will be lined with people wielding cameras, so keep in mind your style may even be documented on the school website (but don’t let this scare you- confidence is the most stylish thing you can wear)!
Once the new student duties are over, there are still plenty of opportunities to dress up (or down) for events on campus. Go all-out in green and gold for the first home football game of the season as you cheer on the Tribe. Doll yourself up in a pretty dress if you decide to participate in sorority rush. And dare to (tastefully) break your high school’s dress code on the first day of class (after wearing a uniform since 1st grade I know how amazing this feels)! And don’t worry- there will be plenty more opportunities to show off your style as the year goes on!