College of William and Mary Top Questions

What are the most popular student activities/groups?

Julie

You have a good number of kids that party all the time and you have some that live in the library. There are a large number of Christian organizations on campus. W&M is also huge on community service. Most students participate in service in some form.I play club rugby, and everyone there is super relaxed and accepting. I love my team. There isn't a whole lot to do off campus other than shopping at the outlets and touring around Colonial WIlliamsburg. There are a lot of activities the school puts on though. Greek life definitely rules. Most parties are either with a sports team or fraternity house. If you looked, you can find a party every night. But most students only party some. People do other things on Friday nights too. I hang out with people on my hall in the lounge, watch movies in empty classrooms with people. Lots of random activities happen on the sunken gardens late at night (like pick-uo frisbee or soccer)

Christopher

Because William and Mary caters to such a diverse student body, it is nearly impossible to say which groups are more or less popular than others. However, some notable groups that come to mind include Wren Ten & Cleftos (selective acapella organizations), Model UN, APO (service fraternity), and various athletic teams. Track and field and cross country are the sports in which William and Mary shows the most dominance, both in their conference (Colonial Athletic Association) and nationally, having won multiple national titles in cross country in the last decade alone. Other than that, student attendance and interest in athletic events varies by the success of the team—typically, the student body, aside from perhaps football early in the season, sparsely attends sport games. Since William and Mary places a much greater emphasis on academics than athletics, I found myself wanting to try and find an organization where I could combine my passion for sports and a desire to volunteer and network with alumni. I was able to achieve this through the Tribe Club Ambassadors organization. The club is involved in nearly all fundraising and volunteering aspects of sporting events. Some of the events that the Ambassadors take part in each year include marketing at football games, serving food for alumni at basketball games, and hosting a large black tie fundraising gala each spring. I have gotten the opportunity to meet many former athletes, as well as network with wealthy donors to the school in the hopes of securing future employment. For my freshman year at William and Mary, I elected to live in a smaller dorm on campus, so as to have the chance to interact more closely with my dorm-mates. Today, most of my friends are those from my freshman dorm. Whether one lives in a small or large dorm, it is likely that the closest friends they have throughout their time at the College will be from their freshman hall. Due to the trusting environment that William and Mary’s honor code provides, it isn’t uncommon for people to leave their doors unlocked while attending class, or keep them open while in the room studying. I have really come to appreciate this aspect of college, especially after hearing horror stories from friends at other universities about how prevalent theft is around campus. Freshman year, it was great to have a close group of friends where we all lived close together—as we move beyond our first year at the College, we can all spread out and make new friends through different classes and extracurriculars, but it’s a good feeling to have a strong support system, which is directly attributed to the close-knit nature of a smaller dorm. The dating scene is difficult to pinpoint at William and Mary. Not many people are actively in relationships, or seeking relationships—for the most part, social interaction happens on a one-night basis, and then progresses from there (if one is lucky). That being said, the social scene is very dependent on fraternities and sororities. Approximately 30{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the student population is Greek, but Greek life at W&M is oriented in such a way that makes it inviting for students that never thought they would rush a fraternity or sorority, but end up making their closest friends while “going Greek.” There are fraternities or sororities that fit everyone’s lifestyle and personality, and its definitely beneficial for everyone to check out the Greek fair at least once—you never know if a special connection will be immediately made if you don’t try! Partying is not a large part of life at William and Mary for most students. Those in Greek organizations will typically go out at night more frequently, but most of the student body will restrict their outings to weekends. This is largely due to the personal emphasis that all at the College place on academics and studying. Because I fall into the category of a TWAMP (see “Stereotype” question), I would likely be up studying at 2AM on a Tuesday night, or preparing to go to bed. I can’t speak for all students, but this answer would likely be the majority response if a selection were polled from the student body.

Samuel

It boggles my mind, but acapella groups are by far the most popular student groups on campus. The annual acapella showcase draws more students than any basketball or football game. If you like singing, then this is great, but if you are interested in an awesome sports scene, then not so much.

Samuel

It boggles my mind, but acapella groups are by far the most popular student groups on campus. The annual acapella showcase draws more students than any basketball or football game. If you like singing, then this is great, but if you are interested in an awesome sports scene, then not so much.

Megan

The largest organizations on campus are our Greeks (about a third), Alpha Phi Omega (the service fraternity) and the International Relations Club. I am on the service committee for the IR Club (service is a big thing here). We raise money and awareness for a different NGO every year, with this year's being charity: water. I am a service coordinator for Catholic Campus Ministries, and I sing in the choir. I am the President of our music sorority, Nu Kappa Epsilon. I am the Director of Olympic Sports and Athlete Outreach for The Tribal Fever, our school's student pep club, which runs a website on our varsity team, a TV show, bus trips to away games, and cheers at home games. I am also in the pep band. Did I mention that our students like to get overly involved? :) It's a matter of diverse interests and the drive to want more.

George

As is the case with about a third of campus, I'm involved in Greek Life. For me, it's a great outlet to have a solid base of friends who I know are always a reliable group to hang out with as well as go to with problems, etc. For those not involved in fraternities and sororities, there are club sports that are popular as well as other student groups like Intervarsity, the Christian fellowship group whose members, for example, are pretty closely knit from what I can tell. One of the unique aspects of W&M is that many friendships and friend groups revolve around Freshman halls. During orientation freshman year, a great emphasis is placed on developing relationships with the people around you in your dorm, and that often becomes the basis for many close friendships. It is not uncommon to see a group of students that lived on the same freshman hall at dinner or playing on the same intramural sports team four years later. Fraternities as well as non-Greek organizations host parties that students attend throughout the week and weekend, but those are not the only options. One of the more popular student groups is Alma Mater Productions or AMP which is the student entertainment group. They bring comedians, musicians, and other entertainers to campus and provide alternative activities for students on the weekend who choose not to drink. They also put on a couple of concerts every year that involve big names that are widely anticipated by the student body.

Marissa

Kathryn

I wouldn't say there's one more popular than another honestly. Everyone is very diverse and very active in whatever they are passionate about.

Mikheil

Sports and exercising are very popular at W&M. Many students go to the gym, run and play different sports. There are a number of student publications and blogs where interested students express themselves. A great number of subject-specific clubs like the marketing, finance, consulting, entrepreneurship and other clubs offer opportunities for students to learn more about those disciplines as well as network. There are a number of subject-specific competitions both within and outside school where students can participate individually or in teams. W&M has a great alumni who are willing to talk to students and help them. In fact, most of our students get jobs through the connections and networking with the college alumni. Besides sports W&M students like outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, kayaking, etc.

Ziggy

Fraternities and sororities are the most popular student groups. Athletic events aren't the best, theater is pretty good, we have some good speakers come in. I don't really have close friends here; don't really "click" with the TWAMPs (Typical William and Mary People). At 2am on Tuesdays I'm walking home from Swem library or sitting in my room reading/watching a movie. People party every weekend. Some people don't party at all. Frats/sororities are VERY popular. Off campus there is nothing to do because you can't have a car and the nearest cities are an hour away.

Jasmine

Greek life is bigger than I expected, but people get very involved in clubs and organizations, especially the sports teams (both varsity and club). Most dorms are really open, halls bond in the larger dorms, and in smaller dorms, people almost become a family. Parties are usually at the Units, but off-campus stuff generally goes on as well (if you have older friends to connect you). Some people party Wednesday-Saturday, while others don't at all. Off-campus (sober) activities lack because the bus system isn't too great, so if you don't have a car (which no freshman are officially allowed to, some do illegally) it's hard to find things to do. Colonial Williamsburg is quaint for day time trips. As for dating, some people seem to meet their soul-mate the first week, while others only hook-up drunkenly on weekends.

will

As far as social life goes, for me, campus isn't the place to be. Student-rented houses near campus offer a more attractive, "college-like" scene. Most parties, and this may be only an expression of my arguably limited knowledge, consist of 12-30 people drinking, talking, and as the night wears on, dancing or sleeping. Most of this takes place between Thursday and Saturday. We've got a handful (read: three) bars, though they all close at 2. Still, it's not impossible to make your own fun.

Alexis

I'm in a sorority and I love it. There are so many different organizations, you'll definitely find one you fit into. Almost all the students leave their doors open on Freshman halls, and I met my closest friends on my hall.

Irène

If I'm awake at 2am on a Tuesday, I'm either studying, having a life-changing conversation with a hallmate, or making an infamous Wawa run (a trip to the nearby convenience store that is open 24/7 and famous for attracting students in need of a 4am espresso shot or Saturday night drunkards stumbling from the frats in search of junk food). William & Mary students are very involved, particularly with public service. Other popular activities include cultural organizations and a cappella groups. Students also amuse themselves with quintessential campus activities, such as frisbee golf, rancing, or the infamous William & Mary Triathalon. Because William & Mary is so old, there are a host of other campus traditions (and plenty of folklore), such as Yule Log, our winter holiday event, Convocation, the ceremony that opens each school year, and King & Queen's Ball, a campus-wide formal in the spring. There are always parties to be found on the weekends, though they're scarce Sun.-Wed. nights, as the majority of students spend those nights rushing from extracurricular to extracurricular or in the library. Fraternities and sororities are an important - but not exclusive - aspect of our social life; about 1/3 of the campus is Greek. One of the most popular is the co-ed service fraternity, Alpha Pi Omega. But there are always a ton of parties and events held by non-Greek organizations, especially fundraisers for the ever-popular service groups. Off-campus parties are fairly frequent as well, and many of these are private house/apartment parties or are thrown by sports teams. The extracurricular to which I am the most committed is Student Organization for Medical Outreach and Sustainability (SOMOS), with which I travel to the Dominican Republic each January during winter break to operate a free clinic and conduct public health research in the hope of finding a solution to some of the community's most daunting health problems. SOMOS is a year-round commitment, and I plan to return this summer to do more research. One of the great things about such groups is the closeness of team members; I really do feel like my fellow SOMOS members and I form a very tight-knit family on which I can rely for anything and with whom I can always have a good time - from traveling the Dominican Republic after our clinic together to attending campus dances as a group. Aside from SOMOS, I made my other close friends primarily from other organizations with which I am involved or as a result of living on the same hall.

Molly

There is almost always some type of event or activity goin gon somewhere on campus but if that isn't something you're interested in there are lots of other options. Sports, clubs, or even just hanging out. Greek life is pretty visible but you definitely don't need to be involved in one to meet people and be social.

Matt

Greek life is big, but its not the only thing to do. Sports are also pretty big, and most people participate on some kind of Varsity, Club, or IM team. If you want clubs, you have literally hundreds of choices. From service clubs to dance groups, everyone is involved in something.

Allison

The most popular groups on campus are mostly service organizations. We have CKI, which is essentially the college version of Key Club. They do a lot of various kinds of community service. Another huge group is Alpha Phi Omega (APO), the coed service fraternity. It's enormous, and they boast community service hours in the hundred thousands. SEAC (Student Environmental Action Coalition) is big as well, and they get things done. Our former president just signed the PCC (President's Climate Commitment), which was an agreement with several points about how our school was going to improve its carbon emissions.

Robby

Social life can be weak at times. The frats and the delis offer fun for relatively small crowds, the latter having more to offer everyone. The delis are 2 and a half "restaurants", which are really bars at night, right next to the football stadium. Awake on a Tuesday at 2am, sleep-walking home from Swem library. Off campus dining and shopping is pretty awesome. There's just about every chain restaurant in the East in town, and the outlets are the best I've ever seen.

Wesley

Doors are almost always open in dorms, at least for freshmen dorms. Athletic events are fairly popular, although it's certainly not the center of attention. Although people complain about the attractiveness of the people here, people DO end up dating, so clearly they can't be THAT bad. I met my closest friends during freshmen orientation. Traditions/events that occur are convocation, primal scream, and the winter holiday story telling.

Ian

Social life at William and Mary is often felt to be hindered by an active police force. William and Mary is, however, a very safe campus because of that police force. I consider myself biased on this issue and will not comment further.

Harper

White people love being outside, but often during the week they don’t have time for marathons or ten mile bike rides. The answer is to play co-ed sports. This provides white people with a valuable opportunity to make friends with other white people and maybe even find a few dates. Many white people play in their first co-ed league in college. It is considered good form to talk about how you played in one of these leagues where the best player on your team was a girl. This will make everyone feel better and remind them of the benefits of supporting women’s athletics. As white people move into careers, the co-ed leagues become important tools for bonding with co-workers and making valuable career connections. Popular co-ed sports include kickball, softball, flag football and soccer. Although kickball used to be kind of cool, it’s sort of played out. So unless it’s a work league, it’s not really worth joining a league anymore. On the surface, these events seem like friendly contests with everyone having a laugh. But these events are lurking with danger, and within them exists the possibility to ruin your reputation and hard earned status with white people. If you are a poor athlete, rest easy. Co-ed sports were made for you! But if you are reasonably skilled in sports, you have to be extremely careful how you approach your co-ed matches. If you try TOO hard (bowling over a female catcher, throwing a kickball EXTRA hard at someone) you come off as an aggressive, crazy maniac. On the other hand, if you don’t try at all you come off as a jerk who thinks they are above the game. The only solution is to approach the game like a point-shaving basketball player - play hard enough to be convincing, but not hard enough to win. If you follow these rules, you will find yourself invited to the mandatory post-game drinks at a local bar where you will be photographed many times.

Mel

Make connections. Then there will be stuff to do.

Jenny

If you aren't close with your freshmen hallmates, it is super hard to find friends. Everyone is friends with their freshmen hall and meets people through their freshmen hallmates. Besides the girls in my sorority, all of my friends are people I lived with freshmen year, or people who were friends with my freshmen hallmates freshmen year. I eat with these people, work out with them, and party with them. If you don't like the frats, and after freshmen year when dance parties lose their appeal the frats are no fun, then you will spend a weekend night drinking in one of your freshmen hallmate's rooms. Some people get bored with hanging out with the same people all the time, but that's pretty much the social scene here, drinking in someone's room. If you're 21 you can go out to the delis, which are our bars here in Williamsburg. But that will also be done with your freshmen hallmates. And because socializing is so insular, it is super hard to date. Unless one of your friends falls in love with you and confesses their love, you pretty much won't date. In my time here, nobody has asked me to go out on a date with them. This is probably due to the extremely high level of social awkwardness. If you just want to hook up with someone, you can usually find a willing person. Though be wary of who you choose, because most of the students here haven't even kissed someone, and only 50{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} have sex.

Joe

The Delis, while limited are pretty cool. Especially Paul's Deli. Fuck the Green Leafe

Tate

Never been to a frat, only been to one football game. This weekend I'm going to a pro choice potluck, last weekend I went to a house show/party, a radio station dance party. Every so often a weekend comes around where not a lot is going on, but overall its not too bad.

Alyssa

What is there to say about the social life? It's pretty rough for the under 21 crowd. There's always the dance parties at the frats, but they play the same ten or twelve songs at every single one unless there's a retro theme or something. Greek life is pretty important too. They tell you on tours that it's a third of the student body, but it's got to be more than that. It's sort of ironic that there are still so many sorority and fraternity stereotypes. Theatre is actually surprisingly popular on campus, which is lucky for me because that's my thing. But sports are equally popular. If there's a basketball game, tons of people go. If I'm awake on a Tuesday at 2am its because I'm walking back from WaWa. Either that or I'm coming back from rehearsal. People party Thursday through Saturday, though I've seen a couple people who were wasted on a Wednesday. Usually, I go to New Town or some party or other. Last weekend I had performances for Shakespeare in the Dark though. Off campus I eat or go see a movie or shop. I guess Busch Gardens is pretty close too. The delis are there too, but you have to be 21 which sucks for the underclassmen. In terms of dating, don't expect to be hooking up with tens. There are definitely attractive people here. I think in general the girls are more attractive than the guys which is really unfortunate for single people. I'm lucky that I started dating my boyfriend in September. Seriously, you kind of have to snag the good ones up early, because a lot of the ones who aren't in relationships are either not terribly attractive or your stereotypical frat guy. If you're looking for random hookups then that's okay, but if you're looking for an actual relationship, I recommend joining clubs or talking to people in class.

Maya

The most active groups on camps are SEAC, an environmental coalition, VOX, a women's right's group, the Flat Hat, the school newspaper, and UCAB, the activities' board. Our varsity sports are getting better. We have tons of club sports and a busy Rec Center because everyone tries to stay fit. The dorms are pretty safe and people tend to be friends so doors can be left open. Athletic events aren't too popular but guest speakers draw crowds. There's nothing to do in the middle of the night except go to WaWa. There are tons of things to do at night on campus that don't involve drinking. 33{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of campus is in a fraternity or sorority, but they don't fit the typical definition of Greek life.

Toby

Their are too many groups to name but i would say frats/ sorors are pretty popular, football, basketball teams, and service groups are most popular. I'm president of AAMC or African American Male Coalition. We set out to dispel harmful stereotypes about African American males in the community whether it be on campus or in Williamsburg through community service, social gatherings, and other programs. They are increasingly popular but really it depends on the winning the team does. It all depends on who is coming to the school. Tim Gunn was huge while others fizzled. There is no dating scene... there is a hooking up scene but i believe that to be true about all colleges especially those who dont have direct access to date like places next to the campus. I met my closest friends on my freshmen hall. Playing videos games, hanging with my gf or just chillen with friends messing around. The triathlon, blow out( last day of classes- some people go to classes drunk), and other events that happen annually. People party every weekend probably starting on thirst thursdays. They are really important on campus but people know whether or not you are in one.... so it isn't while it is noticed. Going to a dance party or hanigng with friends without drinking do... the same stuff you do if you were drinking. Go out to restaurants, movies, shopping, get groceries, drink (21), and party.

Jeff

I joined the Debate team, and have never met a group of people more intelligent and eloquent in my life. The upperclassmen in the circuit routinely defeat their Ivy League rivals and the witty and knowledgeable nature of the debate really does translate into all their social activities. W&M isn't know for athletics but we do have a lot of spirit. People are very open to talk to, even random strangers. I connect very well with the people here, and yes, people leave their doors open. We have an active theater program, and the college is regularly visited by guest speakers of renown, bands with national recognition, and entertaining comedians. In 2007, the Queen of England visited but day to day important people come. For example, this week we have a Nobel Laureate at the physics department. W&M is a school of many traditions, and I have many friends who belove them deeply. I can't say I participate in that many of them. Like any college, if you want alcohol, you can find it and someone to share it with. I'm not a partier, I don't drink and I am pretty concerned with academics. But groups on campus have fun with and without drinking.

Andy

It seems like everybody is a member of APO, the service fraternity. Only 30{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of students are in social fraternities or sororities. I'm on UCAB, one of the largest organizations on campus - UCAB is the University Center Activities Board, and we're the event programming board on campus. We bring concerts, speakers, comedians, etc. I'm on the Contemporary & Cultural Issues committee this year, and have really enjoyed my time on the board. Anybody who is interested in programming or having a behind-the-scenes look at some of the biggest events on campus should definitely apply. Many students do have their doors open, especially in freshman dorms and in special interest dorms, such as the language houses. Athletic events are well-attended, especially basketball and football games. Guest speakers are also very well-attended, as are theater performances, especially the Sinfonicron performances. Dating - what's that? Most students here either drunkenly make out or hook-up at parties or are in a serious relationship. There isn't much in-between, in part because students don't seem to have time. I met my closest friends through study abroad/German, my freshman hall, and through the Daily Grind, the coffee shop that I work at. If I'm awake at 2am on a Tuesday, I'm working on a paper that's due the next day. There are a ton of traditions - the W&M Triathalon (streaking, jumping, and swimming - students learn alllll about it once they get here), King & Queen's ball, singing to the president, and Primal Scream during exams. People usually party on Thursday, Friday, and/or Saturday. Most people only party one or two nights out of the three, but some partake in all three. During finals, people party whenever they don't have an exam the next morning. This past weekend, I went to an international dessert party held for the language houses on Friday night, and did homework all day both Saturday and Sunday - I had two big presentations on Monday and Tuesday, so I needed to buckle down. I'll usually go out on Saturday night or go to Mug Night on Sunday night if my homework load is lighter.

Alex

Alpha Phi Omega, the community service fraternity is the largest organization on campus, and fraternities and sororities are also very popular. People tend to go out and see acapella concerts, theater productions. Sports events are that popular. it varies with guest speakers, some are far more popular than others. I met my closest friends through my freshman hall and through the organizations I am a part of. I have also made some good friends through my freshman seminar as well. I am never awake at 2 am, but when I am up late, I am either doing homework, or hanging out with friends talking watching a movie or something like that. We have a lot of traditions: Convocation, Yule Log, Blowout, King and Queen Ball, Homecoming. It's really amazing to have such a long history. Dating is pretty common, generally you become friends and then date. There aren't many places to go around here for dating, but you can go to the movies, or out to eat, and if your creative you can do other things as well. There are parties every weekend. Some people go all out every weekend, some never go out at all. If you want to party, there's always something going on at the frats. Fraternities and sororites do have a large role on campus. about 30{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of people go greek.Frats host a lot of parties, but greek life is a great way to meet people as well. While active, the greek community isn't divided from everybody else. This past weekend, I had revelation for my sorority on Friday. Afterwards went out for dinner and ice cream. Watched a musician at Aroma's a local coffeeshop. Relaxed in the morning on saturday, ultimate frisbee philanthropy tournament in the afternoon. Did homework and watched a movie. Sunday morning homework, date party in the afternoon, and then a french film and dinner in the evening

Robyn

Greek life is incredibly popular--which I am a part of--but it is not for everyone nor does it divide the campus. I am really involved with my sorority but still do tons of things and have tons of friends outside of it. For example, I am a member of the Spotswood Society: a volunteer student organization that gives tours of the Sir Christopher Wren Building (the oldest academic building in the country still in use). Students definitely leave their doors open--especially as freshmen--on my hall most of us even left our doors onlocked pretty much the whole year. We were the first university to have an honor code and though we like to joke about certain things that might be against the honor code W&M has the most honorable collection of people I've ever met. I find the party scene just right--there aren't drunks walking around 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the time but if you want a party you can usually find one if you know who to call--or else you can make one happen! Partying does not always mean drinking--I have an equal amount of friends who drink regularly/heavily versus those who don't. I really feel like if you are do what you really want to do and aren't a sucker for social situations there is no "pressure" to drink--you won't be ostracized. There is always something going on on this campus--that's one of my favorite things about W&M--that the student body is so motivated and involved that if you want something to happen on campus either you can recruit people to make it happen ore else it's already on the schedule. I just got back from the wildly popular Vagina Monologues in which a lot of my friends were actually performing. A few weeks ago I went to a FASA (Filipino-American Student Association) Culture Show. We have a "Wren 10" tradition--every Wednesday at 10pm an A Cappela group on campus performs on the Wren Portico. Every friday in the spring and fall we have "friday's at five" with live music outside. I tutor at a local elementary school in walking distance from campus. We have a brand new shopping center called New Town with a movie theater and tons of restaurants and shopping--and the public transportation is great so that it's easy to get to and from campus if you don't know somebody with a car.

Samantha

Freshman year we left our dorm open and you are definitely a community and bond with your freshman hall because of orientation week. I would leave my door open now, but the doors automatically close. I don't know as people really get asked out on dates a whole lot- more hang out in groups. I've met my closest friends from my freshman dorm and going out on the weekends to the frats. 30{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} is greek and most of my friends are but I'm not and don't feel like my social life is hindered in any way. Everyone is still welcome to come out. There are a ton of activities put on my UCAB (our student activities board) which include comedians, speakers, hypnotists, bands (ying yang twins and gym class heroes this semester!) See previous answer for description on New Town.

Cody

APO is super popular. Swing club seems pretty popular too. Choir/chorus/acapella groups are up there. A few girls on my freshman hall did, but I haven't seen any since then. I don't know much about the dating scene. I met my boyfriend off campus. He goes to a different school. I met my closest friends through my freshman hall, my church, and my major (education more than english). THe only reason i would be awake at 2 am on a Tuesday is if I have work to do, but I hear it's a good time to go streaking too. Annual traditions/events - Kings and Queens, Yule Log, Blowout, Grand Illumination I feel like people party a fair amount on the weekends. Frats and sororities are pretty important, but you can have an outside life when you're in them, and you can have a fine college experience if you're not.

Torry

The William and Mary chapter of APO, a service fraternity, is the largest chapter of the fraternity in the nation. Over 400 students currently are members of APO, which is a large reason why our campus is service oriented. The Bone Marrow drive also has many members and others working hard to register students as potential bone marrow donators. Students often leave their doors open when inside their dorm rooms, especially in freshman halls. There is large interest in a variety of activities here, so while turnout to each type of event, play, game, music or dance recital, may be small it only shows the diversity of interests at the school. I met my closest friends through my sorority, freshman hall, and other events on campus. If I am awake at 2 am on a Tuesday I am either just getting back from "pint night" at The Green Leafe or I've been up reading/working on classwork. Yule log, singing to the President for freshman on the first night on campus, Grand Illumination, as well as commencement get large turnouts by students. People will party anywhere from only 1 night a week or less to 5 nights or more, it really depends on what you personally want to do. Last weekend I went to a play, then to a friends apartment for a party on Friday and on Saturday I went to a different friends apartment, then to two separate friends houses for parties. Saturday night can find me at a concert or play, UCAB often has activities planned, or there are many parties that are dry or have non-alcoholic options; no one wants a friend to be out of control or to drive drunk so choosing not to drink is not an issue. I often go with friends off campus to eat, visit the delis, or to go to a party for friends in apartments or houses.

Matt

Many groups on campus, not a lot to do off campus.

Brandon

BORING athletics suck everyone drinks more poepl take uppers to help with studying than for recreation

Harper

Social life = heavy drinking.

Harper

Social life is pathetic, even the greene leafe went corporate and is starting to become lame. If you want to do something that doesn't involve drinking, you can probably go to the UC on any given night and ballroom dance to 80's music with like 15 people, much like a middle school dance. Athletic events are laughable as we pour money into our (mostly) failing teams. Hanging out off campus seems to be the most fun one can have, though even that is tough as the city wants to push students back onto campus.

Matt

I wasn't involved much in clubs, organizations, groups, or teams. I was a member of Sigma Fly Hair salon before we got dismantled by the school. Students on campus don't tend to leave their doors open except on freshman dorms. Football is popular, everything else not so much, although there was some fervor over basketball this past week. Guest speakers are popular only in the fields they represent, with the exception of people like John Stewart. The dating scene is dominated by sweaty people on fraternity dance floors, but it gets better after freshman year. If I am awake at 2am on a Tuesday, I probably couldn't make it to Pint Night, or I didn't drink enough. Traditions include the triathlon. Yearly events are convocation, commencement. Some people party all the time, other don't at all. I like to think that W&M students work hard and play hard. Frats and Sororities aren't that important but they are fun sometimes. I met all of my closest friends through my fraternity. Last weekend I worked because I am not in school and I work everyday. Saturday night, not drinking? I guess you could study or go to a movie or make out with your roommate. Off campus I live, work, eat, and drink.

Toby

I drank too much at William and Mary, because I felt like that was the only way to deal with Williamsburg and the social scene. This isn't everybody's reaction, but it is common. You can find many things to do with dilligence and patience, and in fact I really enjoyed much of my time at William and Mary. But, I still rank williamsburg a 4 (1 being chernobyl, 10 being Montreal) in terms of places to have fun. I rank W+M a 4 (1 being liberty college, 10 being some really fun college) in terms of schools to have fun at.

Ben

There are no popular groups on campus. Students generally leave their doors open. Athletic events are not popular at all and receive almost zero attendance. Theatre and guest speakers receive far more attention than athletics. If I am awake on Tuesday at 2 in the morning I am probably heavily binge drinking. People do almost no real "partying" if they go to a party it is generally dancing at a fraternity where there is zero alcohol. The frats and sororities are absolutely pathetic because the administration allows them to do NOTHING in the ways of fun. I do not remember what I did last weekend because I was blackout drunk. I do everything offcampus because I cant stand being on campus for more than a few hours

James

We have groups for everything. Make one if you like. Doors are always open. Athletics are not as important. Great guest speakers. Theater is always good. More girls than guys, they're both getting hotter. My closest friends I met through campus organizations. 2am on a Tuesday I am watching movies of gaming with friends. We have more traditions than anyone. Partying is what you make of it. We tend to drink out of necessity. Greek life is kind of a joke compared to other universities. They're pretty cool though. Not most peoples' cup of tea. There isn't much off campus but we all travel.

Rob

Williamsburg nightlife is an oxymoron. Enough said. I would have transferred years ago if it weren't for my great friendships within my fraternity. I cannot imagine being a social person and not joining the greek system.

Dylan

OK, William and Mary's student body sucks. I just don't know how else to put it. Freshmen come here and are faced immediately with the question of what kind of social group they'll fall into and stick to for the rest of their time here. This causes a bit of polarization on campus between the Greek and the non-Greeks. There is nothing wrong with either group, but that both feel antipathy toward each other reflects the anti-social behavior of this campus. Additionally, students here aren't open-minded and they tend to have a particularly poor sense of humor. On top of all that, two-thirds of the students are from the same state. The parties are all forced on the frats, because most people on campus are afraid of getting into trouble and its too far of a walk off campus. Unfortunately, frat parties suffer because of the overly paranoid police. Frat parties are the same thing everytime, too--there's just a different theme.

Philip

You like to party? So do most of us. You don't have to join a frat to do that, but if it's your thing, go for it. We don't go to sporting events much, but some people do, and they love it! Honestly, anything you want is here.

Sara

If I'm awake at 2 am on a Tuesday, I'm in the library working on a paper OR in the library goofing off with friends when I should be working on a paper. In general, students work really hard during the week and on Sunday nights. The weekend consists of Thursday night through Saturday night, although there isn't much by way of nightlife. People either go to frat parties or to off campus house/apartment parties. The lack of decent student off campus housing has also forced people to just drink and "party" in their dorm rooms...which honestly sucks. William and Mary is a campus of traditions and our Yule Log ceremony is looked forward to every year. The President of the college reads out a Christmas story, dressed up as Santa Claus, and then the student body takes a sprig of holly (to symbolize your final exam worries) and throws it on the burning log in the Wren building with cider and cookies after. Fraternities and sororities are important to freshman partying, after than, unless you're in one, you generally don't go. Our fraternities don't live in old plantation homes or mansions like most other southern universities, but in student housing called "the Units" and looks like the projects. Since they are on-campus buildings, all parties (that is, the kind that involve dancing or really loud music) have to be registered with campus police and therefore must end at 2 a.m. This also means that alcohol is not supposed to be on the premises if the fraternity can't verify that all students are over 21 so the cops can break up a party if there is alcohol floating around...but usually they don't. I think 30{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of William and Mary students are in fraternities or sororities and they receive mixed feelings from the rest of campus. Most of the people are nice, but people seem to change a lot once they're in Greek life. Generally, people from the outside might say "oh you know, so and so! isn't she awesome? yeah, she's really nice and fun despite the fact that she's in X sorority" -- the greek system can get a little too self-involved sometimes.

Cameron

Greek life, including APO is popular. so are religious groups and service groups. I just pledged NKE and i love it! The girls are supersweet, and it's a good way to meet more people. Doors are often open in the dorm, and kids hang out in the middle of the hall. If i'm awake at 2 am on a Tuesday, i'm studying. or else talking and procrastinating with the other kids who are up studying. we have traditional events each year- the yule log, king and queens ball, singing to the president in the first week, blowout, etc. they're fun. individual clubs also have annual events. it's common to party on friday and saturday, but not everybody does. you can always find either drunk people to party with or sober people to hang out with, depending on what you want. some kids go out other nights of the week, but this is less common. Some people are very into Greek life, others don't care at all.

Chrissy

W & M is really big on service, and the co-ed service fraternity on campus is one of the leading organizations. Being involved in the Greek community has been something that has been a huge part of my college experience, but it is not for everyone. I have loved being involved in the Student Assembly, which allows me to be involved in many of the major events on campus. Athletic events are very popular, even though our teams are not very good. There are people party on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, some who go out for only 1 or 2 nights, and some who choose not to go out at all. There are a lot of events that occur on campus, such as guest speakers, formals, and other things, so there are a lot of non-drinking related activities that occur throughout the week and on the weekends.

KJ

model un, apo, ucab no one leaves their doors open i dont go to athletic events the theatre sucks at our school i met my closest friends at parties and my freshman hall drinking most people party a maximum of one night a week, i party usually 6