Seductive Spring: How to Keep Up with Homework in Perfect Weather

We can all sense it, creeping towards W&M, the first warm blasts of its sweet breath giving us hope. Yes, Spring is indeed coming to campus, and students sure as heck know it. Already the campus has experienced a few beautiful days, with students taking full advantage of the mild weather by having leisurely lunches outside, sunbathing on the Sunken Gardens, or playing impromptu games of frisbee with friends. However, such lovely weather and sunny days has a slightly dangerous side too. “Dangerous?” you may ask. “How could perfect weather be dangerous?” See, I used to ask that question too, but as a junior at the College now, I’ve learned my lesson. As wonderful as nice weather is, it also brings the tempting option of abandoning my studies and giving in to the warm breezes, blossoming flowers, and green Sunken Garden. With exams in just a few months and lots of homework for me to do, Spring definitely should be considered dangerous for me (or at least, for my grades!). So what is a poor student like me to do?

Fortunately for students, Williamsburg and particularly William and Mary are well suited to allowing us to both enjoy the weather and actually get our homework done! First of all, the College is a completely wireless campus, meaning a student can sit down anywhere on the grounds, pop open a laptop, and actually be able to study wherever he or she is! In other words, I can read an article sitting next to the Crim Dell, write a paper by Lake Matoaka, or research for a class by the Wren Building. Add to that the fact that downtown Colonial Williamsburg also has a free  wireless network, and we’re totally in business. Even if I were to get sick of W&M’s campus (which is impossible, I promise!), I could just stroll down Duke of Gloucester Street and study with Colonial re-enactors just a few feet away. My recommendation for students and visitors is the Palace Green, where you can enjoy gorgeous views of the Governor’s Palace, a fresh mug of apple cider, and the occasional fife and drum parade, all while finishing that book for class. And don’t forget about Jamestown Beach, too! Even though it doesn’t have wireless internet, this lovely little beach still is a great location for both sunbathing and reading through a chapter or two of your textbook, and you can even stop at Sno-to-Go (an ice cream/italian ice shop that students love!) on the way back!

But what about classes themselves, you may ask? Indeed, I certainly acknowledge how tempting it is on that warm, sunny day to skip class and go get some ice cream or a cold frappe and hang out with friends on the Sadler Center terrace. Luckily for students (and again, for our grades!), our professors happen to enjoy the weather here as much as we do, so expect to see lots of classes being taught outside in the balmy weather. I certainly think that having a professor tell you that he or she will be holding class outside may be one of the best surprises you as a student can get on a nice day!

A Williamsburg spring is not something to be missed, and luckily for students like myself, even when I have a paper to write or a problem set to finish, I don’t have to. I can enjoy the very best that nature can throw my way and still get my work done too. So thanks, William and Mary, for letting me enjoy spring and keep my GPA respectable to boot. Now go enjoy the weather, and I’ll see you all outside!!!

Kristen Pantazes, Class of 2010