With the pace of the semester and the number of responsibilities students juggle, it’s easy to focus only on immediate academic or extracurricular priorities. However, William & Mary offers a wide range of campus resources that can make a meaningful difference in both your student experience and your long-term goals. Whether you’re a first-year still finding your rhythm or a senior juggling research, internships, and grad school applications, W&M offers a wide range of resources- from academic support to career guidance to global engagement opportunities- designed to support you at every stage of your journey. Here are a few resources that students often overlook, but are well worth your time:
Cohen Career Center
The Office of Career Development & Professional Engagement (better known as the Cohen Career Center) is one of the strongest and most accessible resources on campus. Its mission is to empower students and alumni to explore professional possibilities and navigate lifelong career development.
The Cohen Career Center supports students from all majors and years- undergraduates, graduate students, and alumni alike. If you’re figuring out what career paths might align with your interests or preparing for specific opportunities, they offer one-on-one advising, resume and cover letter reviews, mock interviews, career fairs, and workshops. They also offer free professional headshots, which is where I had mine taken for my Peer Advising executive board picture!
Beyond individual preparation, Cohen connects students with alumni, employers, and professional networks through events and partnerships across the W&M community. Their vision is to prepare students to adapt and thrive throughout their entire careers, exactly why it is a resource that is well worth your time.
Global Education Office (GEO)
William & Mary consistently ranks among the top public universities for undergraduate study abroad participation. About 55% of undergraduates study abroad during their time here, making global engagement a hallmark of the W&M experience. And I’m part of the 55%! I studied abroad in Cambridge, England last summer and found it to be an incredible experience that I will carry with me well beyond college.
W&M offers a wide variety of programs that fit different schedules and academic goals. You can study abroad for a full semester, over the summer (like I did), or even during winter break. One of the best parts about going through a W&M-sponsored program is that your credits seamlessly transfer to your transcript. Even if you choose to study through a third-party program, the GEO will work with you to ensure you can receive credit and stay on track academically.
The GEO supports students through every step of the process, from choosing a program to applying for visas and preparing for cross-cultural experiences. They also offer extensive programming for incoming international exchange students and organize cultural activities in Williamsburg, especially during the summer. Crucially, the office administers over half a million dollars in scholarships annually to help reduce financial barriers to studying abroad. If you’re hoping to do a short-term summer program or a semester abroad, the GEO is a great starting point.
TutorZone
TutorZone is one of the most approachable and easily accessible academic support services on campus. It offers individual tutoring sessions for a wide range of courses, and the environment is intentionally welcoming and low-pressure, specifically because you’re getting tutored by your own peers. You don’t need to be struggling in a class to benefit; it’s a great space to reinforce material or prepare for exams with someone who’s been through the course themselves. You can also apply to become a tutor yourself, which is a great way to review material, gain leadership experience, and give back to the W&M community.
Center for Student Diversity (CSD)
The Center for Student Diversity fosters inclusion, dialogue, and belonging across campus. Through programming, mentorship, and community-building, the CSD supports students from underrepresented backgrounds while also encouraging collaboration and education for the entire student body. The office organizes a wide variety of events including heritage month celebrations, workshops, speakers, and community dialogues that create space for learning and connection across identities.
The CSD also supports identity-based student organizations and offers mentorship programs like the WMSURE Peer Mentorship and the PLUS program, which help students build meaningful relationships with peers and faculty alike. If you’re looking for a cultural organization to join, a mentor to guide your journey, or a space that centers identity and intersectionality, the CSD is here to help you feel seen and supported. The CSD is a space where you are wholeheartedly welcomed and appreciated.
Advising Center (formerly Office of Undergraduate Academic Affairs)
As a centralized hub for academic advising, the Advising Center is a key resource for navigating the academic side of W&M. If you’re choosing a major, considering a leave of absence, exploring pre-professional pathways, or facing academic challenges, the team there provides personalized, student-centered support. They’re deeply knowledgeable about university policies, and their goal is to help you make decisions that are both informed and aligned with your goals.
The office also coordinates signature programs like the pre-major advising system and Peer Advising, which I’ve had the privilege of participating in myself. Being a Peer Advisor gave me the chance to share what I’ve learned with incoming students and support them as they adjust to life at W&M. The Advising Center is more than just an administrative resource; it is a space that empowers students to take ownership of their academic journey with confidence and clarity.
In all, these offices are here to help you succeed, not only during your time at W&M but well beyond. If you’re exploring careers, preparing to study abroad, improving your academic skills, or seeking community, taking advantage of these resources can enrich your experience and open doors.
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