Advice from Alumni to Our Newest Class
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to incoming students?
September 9, 2025
By
Mary Lee Clark
On the first day of classes, hundreds of new students gathered in the Wren Yard for Opening Convocation. As the ceremony concluded, the other side of the Wren buzzed with returning students packed into the Sunken Garden, cheering and shouting “let them through!” as the newest members of the student body walked through the Wren building.
We reached out to our Young Guarde (alumni from the classes of 2016-2025), asking “What’s one piece of advice you’d give to incoming students?”
Here are the top pieces of advice our alumni shared for the Class of 2029.
1 – Congratulate yourself on getting this far
“Be proud of who you are and what you stand for and everything that got you to this point- but be open to changing and growing and deepening your understanding of the world. My peers and professors at William & Mary unlocked doors that I never even knew existed.”
2 – Make new friends
“Lean into the chance to meet folks from all different backgrounds, whether from your freshman hall or a new club you join – half of what I learned at W&M was from brilliant, diverse perspectives of new friends and acquaintances.”
“Never stop meeting new people at W&M! There are so many connections to be made with surprising and inspiring classmates — keep going, even after you've made your first close friends.”
3 – Try something new
“Say yes to intriguing opportunities, even if they intimidate you! Make friends with people smarter than you. Find a professor you really admire and consistently go to their office hours.”
“Try something new each week — a new club, a new place to eat, a new conversation! There are so many opportunities at W&M that it can seem overwhelming. Don't let that scare you off from finding something that can fuel your excitement while you're at W&M!”
4 – Explore other academic interests
“Take classes outside of your field of study! I have had some of the best experiences in classes that I took because I was interested in the topic rather than taking it because I needed it for my majors or the COLL curriculum.”
“Take the time to discern your interests early on, and do not be afraid to branch out of your comfort zone and explore areas or fields that you would not have considered previously. Also, check out the career center early for any pointers and advice on resumes, professional development, or just some helpful guidance in one’s career journey.”
5 – Say “yes!”
“Do everything!”
“Always say yes to a W&M adventure, whether it's running a simple errand with a hallmate or traveling the world for thesis research. The people you meet, the places you go, will help you grow and will change your life!”
“Take risks. Work hard. Grab hold of every opportunity you can and follow it as far as you can. Remember that you deserve to be here. Don’t lose sight of what it’s all for. Find out what you’re made of. Have as much fun as possible. These will be the years that you want to remember.”
“Say YES often, but be intentional. Some of your best memories will come from unexpected opportunities, but don’t be afraid to slow down and focus on what truly matters to you.”
6 – Make time for rest
“Be intentional about how you manage your stress. You will forget the grades, but you will never forget your friends and the memories. Breathe and have fun!”
“Have patience with yourself. I know it's hard sometimes, but this is a new environment and a new type of challenge, so allow yourself some grace. Trust that you belong here and that you can do all of the hard things💚💛”
“Make time to build and develop your emotional intelligence. That needs as much time and attention as any subject in school.”
7 – Welcome the unexpected
“Your career, like life, is not linear. It’s filled with many peaks and valleys, successes and challenges. Embrace the uncertain, as resiliency will be crucial in achieving your dreams.”
“Don't be afraid to change. W&M will challenge you, grow you, and accept you no matter what, so be your truest self! And if you don't know who that is yet, this is a great place to find out.”
8 – Keep it real
“Be yourself, treat your peers with kindness, and build the friendships your future self will be grateful for.”
“Be yourself. You will find your people.”
“Don't build someone else's dream; build your own.”
9 – Don’t forget the basics
“Go to office hours! Your professors are there to help you succeed, and forming a relationship with them outside of the classroom will not only help you learn but will also lead to lifelong mentorships and friendships.”
“Get a mattress topper!”
“Get fresh baked chocolate chip cookies from Wawa.”
“CHECK YOUR EMAILS regularly. Student Happenings is your friend.”
10 – Enjoy the ride
“Enjoy every minute of the best four years. Take the time to really learn in class and cherish the time with your classmates. There is nothing like the W&M campus.”
“Enjoy every moment.”
“Discover how beautiful the nature of campus is!”