Finding your Fit

Adjusting to college is hard and it might get even harder for transfer students as we are the “small number” in a bigger college campus. Have you ever wondered whether William & Mary would be your fit? No worries, you are not alone. I had the same concern before I attended W&M. Is this university the right fit for me? Is the community welcoming? Will people judge me by the fact that I am a transfer student? What I can assure you is, W&M is by far the most welcoming campus I have ever seen!

I felt as an integrated part of this community the very first day on campus. I was warmly welcomed by the enthusiastic orientation aides and went through a program that was specially designed for transfer students. Besides the regular transfer orientation, as an international transfer student, there was even an international program to make sure I was ready for the diverse culture here in the United States. The Office of First Year Experience and the Reves Center for International Studies functioned as a joint force to make sure my transition here was as smooth as possible. So far I have enjoyed my life here at W&M and I share the same Tribe Pride with all students. If I can fit in this community well as an international, you guys can definitely manage to do it as well!

Besides the beautiful W&M campus, you will also call the bigger Williamsburg community home. W&M has enjoyed a strong relationship with the city of Williamsburg for a long time and the university provides numerous opportunities for you to engage with this lovely little town. The school helped me get connected with a local resident and we together attend monthly events held by W&M. I have gained a better understanding of this community via my local friend and this valuable friendship remains one of my best experience in my life here in Williamsburg so far.

W&M has a niche for everyone. Do not miss out on the activities fair which happens at the beginning of each semester. With more than 450 student organizations and clubs, sometimes it is not even necessary for you to “fit in” since there will always be a place for you.

Best of luck with all your applications and hope you can all find your fit on campus this coming semester!

-Alfred Ouyang ’18