What's it like around the College of William and Mary?

I'm looking into the College of William and Mary, but I'm curious about its exact location. How's the town and what is there to do in the area for students?

The College of William and Mary is located in Williamsburg, Virginia, a small, historic city known for its charm, especially its colonial village recreations. Williamsburg's population is around 15,000, making it a smaller college town where students become an integral part of the community.

In terms of activities, you have more than enough to keep you busy. Students can explore sights like Colonial Williamsburg, a living history museum with structures dating back to the 18th century. You can learn from reenactments and interactive exhibits about what life was like during colonial times, which is something unique to this area. Jamestown and Yorktown, also rich in history, are a short drive away.

Because of its rich history, Williamsburg is also a hub for museums and galleries, such as the Muscarelle Museum of Art on campus or the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum.

There are also festivals throughout the year that celebrate the local culture and history, like the Grand Illumination which marks the start of the holiday season.

For nature lovers, the region offers beautiful landscapes for outdoor activities too. Not far from campus, you can find many walking trails, like the Greensprings Greenway Interpretive Trail. York River State Park also provides opportunities for hiking, biking, and picnicking.

As for shopping, dining, and movies, most students hang out at New Town and Merchants Square which are close to campus. You can find everything from boutiques and movie theaters to coffee shops and different kinds of cuisine here.

Access to the larger cities is also relatively straightforward if you're inclined towards more cosmopolitan experiences. You are just an hour away from Richmond, VA, and about three hours from Washington D.C., which gives you a larger setting for weekend trips, internships, or job opportunities.

So with a well-rounded mix of history, culture, shopping, and natural beauty, the environment around the College of William and Mary places holds a rich set of experiences for its students to engage with.