Both of my kids were interested in remaining in state and only one applied and was accepted. The focus for this review is their oldest building on campus that's is now having a major overhaul. Reconstruction of the Wren Building on the campus of William & Mary began Fall 2025. The Sir Christopher Wren Building at William & Mary is the oldest college building still standing in the United States and the oldest of the restored public buildings in Williamsburg. It was constructed between 1695 and 1700, before Williamsburg was founded, when the capital of the colony of Virginia was still located at Jamestown, and the tract of land between the James and York rivers which was to become Williamsburg was populated by crude timber buildings and known as "Middle Plantation." The Wren Building has been gutted by fire three times -- in 1705, 1859 and 1862. Each time the interior of the structure was rebuilt, and for more than three centuries, it has been "the soul of the College." In the building, generations of William & Mary students have attended classes and lectures, enjoyed meals and attended classes. The most honored tradition however of graduation exercises takes place here. The reconstruction is not expected to be complete until the 2026-2027 school year. read more

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I visited part of the W&M campus in mid-October 2023. It's lovely to walk through the grounds and view the historic buildings. The colonial architecture from England is a prominent theme throughout the campus. The Wren Building (perhaps the oldest college building in the United States) appears similar in design to the Royal Hospital of Chelsea (in London). The Sadler Center is a modern hub for student activities and socializing. It's a great building to visit if students are on campus as it can give you a sense of the campus vibe. The undergraduate students appear to outnumber graduate students (the law school is on a separate campus). I noticed one possible downside. While the campus is lovely, it does appear to be a "bubble" since it is physically isolated from a traditional community of local residents. Being physically next to Colonial Williamsburg - a mecca for tourists and Virginia middle school tour groups - may seem appealing at first. But it could grow old after a year or two. read more

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Great campus and historical university. William & Mary is located in the heart of colonial Williamsburg, Va. It's a great and challenging school academically and the campus surroundings are really nice. I came here on a visit and business recruiting trip. The students were quite bright and everyone seemed so friendly. The university has a diverse mix of undergraduate and graduate degrees and the student to professor ratio is very small which make it an ideal learning environment. Public and guided family tours are offered, but the entire campus is completely walkable. While taking in the sights here, you can't help but noticed all the landmarks and architecture of the original campus buildings. If you are ever in the WIlliamsburg area, William & Mary is worth a visit. Walk the historic grounds of the campus and make sure to take a stroll over to the nearby colonial Williamsburg historic shops and restaurants. Interesting pointless fact, it is the second-oldest institution of higher education in the United States and the ninth-oldest in the English-speaking world! read more

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The school has great marketing but is inhospitable. The Busars office is unresponsive, financial aid and admissions are the same. The administration is disconnected from the current times, very archaic in methodology and diversity. Very disappointing. Choose a different school, NYU, USC or Georgetown. Leave William and Mary in the past, until they get it together. read more

Doing a college visit is a lot like sitting for a timeshare presentation. It's a glorified sales pitch where they show you want they want you to see, there's no time for hard questions and before you know it you're cut loose and done. My oldest kid has been enamored with W&M ever since our first visit to CW many years ago. Now that we're at the end of the road for selecting a school, she asked to take the tour so we drove the 5+ hours down to take it. The W&M website is easy to use and a tour can be set up no problem. Overall they offer a 10am tour almost every weekday so it's not that hard to set one up. Also, my feel is that since the school is comparatively small compared to most, I don't think they see tons of people on a daily basis looking to do this. You find the undergraduate admissions building, walk in and give your name and you're done. They had a few current students in the lobby to answer any questions but the four families on the tour all looked different degrees of tired and no one engaged with them. At exactly ten everyone was led into a adjacent meeting room that seats 100+ people which was funny for the ten in the group. The member of the admin. staff gave some wiki-style facts about the school and droned on for a while about things that I think we all already knew. A few questions were asked but overall this was a waste of 25 minutes. A current freshman then led us around the campus and took us inside the library, science building, a dining area, two common areas and a super brief walk through of the Wrenn Building (more on that in a minute). Overall this was interesting. Clearly she had given her fair share of tours and while some of parents asked some real whack-a-doodle questions (are there any statues of William and Mary on campus that you could show us - WTF! - seriously) she held her own and was quite good. At almost exactly Noon, we walk out of the Wrenn Building and the tour was going to end when who just happened to walk up??? Katherine Rowe, the president of the university. Is this scripted? I don't know but I'm sure she's aware that the daily tour ends there at Noon and it's right by her office and her house on campus so.... She talked with the group for fifteen minutes and answered some questions and honestly was very gracious with her time. After that we were cut loose and across the street from the admissions building where the tour starts. A few personal takeaways: * Obviously very cool when the president of the college shows up for a Q&A * The campus has a fair amount of construction going on right now but it doesn't detract from the look/vibe/feel. The place has a small foot print and they make the most of the space they have. * Whatever the email said about parking I ignored and parked behind the admissions building near the day care/maintenance area. Is that where you're supposed to park? Don't know and don't care. * Do I think my daughter will be going here? Probably not because even if she gets in, like most schools, you are hosed for being an out of state student. Our income level also doesn't do much for us where we're too poor to just write a check but make too much on paper to get a decent amount of grants/need based aid past strictly loans which I have an extreme aversion to. Overall the experience was great and it is always worth making the walk down DOG Street to CW after the tour as like another Yelper mentioned, it's basically an extension of the school. Good school and a good tour. A+ read more

Touring a reputable VA college with your family on a beautiful Fall Friday afternoon is the epitome of the American dream come true. Pre-arranged online, we received email confirmation and parking instructions (with a pass). Tribe ambassadors were friendly and hospitable on arrival. Tish Canady, W&M Associate Dean of Admissions, was a fantastic host: engaging, welcoming and informative. She struck us as a genuine down-to-earth person that "gets it," not a figurehead trying to give a hard academic sales pitch. I appreciated her empathetic perspective as a mother and former high school counselor, along with her inclusion of other team member's (student's) perspectives about the school. Everyone we encountered echoed "its the people that enticed me." Our tour also confirmed their verdict. Renee was our friendly, enthusiastic and honest tour guide; she described herself as quirky, which affirmed our daughter's affinity for the school and their embracing attitude toward students from all backgrounds. They're the 2nd oldest college in the US (nudged by Harvard). Also learned about their liberal arts " pillars of knowledge" approach to academia that allows self-selected paths of discovery (vs specific forced pre-req's). We saw a typical dorm room, the library, a few freshmen seminar classrooms, a cafe, science building, and more! We especially appreciated how Renee engaged other W&M students while touring our group, conveying a close knit feel to their mid-size school. All in all, it was a memorable experience with my college-bound daughter. Yes, I'm holding back tears but if she's admitted here, they'll be tears of joy (our oldest baby would only be ~45min away getting a quality education). read more

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Adjacent to Colonial Williamsburg and at the end of Duke of Gloucester Street, we ventured to the second oldest college in USA. It was chartered in 1693 by co-sovereigns King William III and Queen Mary II of England to develop clergymen and civil servants for the colony. There were 7 signers of the Declaration of Independence attended this college. In the period after the American Revolution and under the influence of the Enlightenment and the French Revolution, William & Mary reformed its curriculum. Two divinity professorships were dropped, and the study of law, political economy, history, mathematics, and modern languages, particularly French, was emphasized. Jefferson was instrumental in this process of secularization. read more

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Toured here with my daughter. Very friendly students and beautiful campus. Very nice being beside the old downtown and colonial area. It may not be exactly what my daughter is looking for in a college (smaller side) but a wonderful place to visit that may be right for those looking for a medium sized school with great academics and history. read more

Got a 3.91 GPA in the MBA program but did not receive honors or an explanation. This is surprising, considering I was regularly responsible for completing work for unqualified students so that group projects were completed. What is considered a top 20% GPA for the 2022 OMBA/MBA class needs to be shared, as awards appear to be arbitrarily given. The university is lying and more concerned with alternative agendas instead of educating and rewarding merit. I worked full-time during the program and received zero financial support outside of student loans. The instructors are world-class, but the university only provides utility to career bureaucrats and career military looking to up their pay class while having their educations funded by the taxpayer. Wish I could get my education paid for, especially since I ran circles around 90% of my class. read more

The College of William & Mary is an incredible place to start a college tour for any high school junior or senior. Founded in 1693 by charter of the English king and queen of those names, it is the second oldest institution of higher learning in the USA, and the first to be designated a university. Only a small school near Boston is older, but you may not have heard of it - Harvard. This is the alma mater of Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, John Tyler, and even George Washington received his surveyor's license here. The Wren Building still stands (after a few fires) as the oldest college building in the nation. Yes. It is named after Christopher Wren, the great English architect who designed St. Paul's Cathedral in London, and a large number of other structures still standing in that ancient city. Apparently, he designed it himself, and even visited the campus. The campus feels like an extension of Colonial Williamsburg, and it sits right at the edge of the village. 1200 acres, some of the buildings are very old (Wren), and many others are from the 18, 19th, 20th and 21st Centuries. Like a living museum, it is possible to walk through history from one end of the campus (new campus) to the other (ancient campus). Academics are first rate, and W&M is considered one of the "Public Ivies." Our tour with my 16 year old was well designed and performed by well trained, friendly and backward walking student guides. It was two hours long with excellent orientation by an assistant dean of admissions and students describing life on campus. No doubt, there is a very strong love of school here. This is a wonderful place to start looking at schools. A place with a long and storied history and tradition (first student honor code written by Jefferson), and an educational facility among the best in the country. Anyone admitted would be exposed to a quality education, small classes, access to full professors, and a campus life where everyone talks to you. It is too early to know if this is where my child wants to attend, but both of us realize that William & Mary would be an excellent choice. read more

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If you're visiting Williamsburg, definitely visit the college. Their campus is one of the most beautiful campuses I've ever seen. There is so much to see in this town and The College of William & Mary is part of that rich history. The buildings are gorgeous and the actual campus with the many stores, cafes, restaurants & shops is a great way to get a feel for Williamsburg and the whole area. If you have a few days, this four block area is worth the trip. Definitely check out Yelper, Jon L.'s review as he pretty much highlights all of the important stuff about this institution. 5-Stars read more

This is a review of the campus and grounds only. Made a recent trip to Billsburg for a weekend visit. It was an early spring weekend so the trees were just beginning to bud. You have an easy access from the Market Square in Colonial Williamsburg. The first building you'll see is the first Christopher Wren building. He was a noted english architect who designed St Paul's Cathedral in London among dozens of others. The campus is laid out in a grid that measure about four square city blocks. The main square is an easy walk with a long tree lined sidewalk. These must be beautiful when they are full of leaves and certainly in the fall. To the left is what appears to be a soccer field. It's built about 10 yards below the normal ground level. When the college was first built it may have been for polo, croquet or used simply as a common ground. It's larger than a football field. It's interesting because at about each 40 yard mark there is a stair that leads down to the field level and a brick walkway that goes across the field. There are a few statues on either side of the main walk. One of Thomas Jefferson, three bust's dedicated to the Tylers and one to Botencourt who was one of the early Governors of Virginia. As you get to the end of the field across the way behind a patch of trees There is a very picturesque pond with ducks and a small bridge that will remind you of something out of a Monet painting over the pond. It makes it all very idyllic and peaceful looking. read more

One of my more favorite colleges. I love the campus here- I have spent many years strolling the place and love the entire layout and the oldness of it all. So much history - and the college is excellent too! read more

I absolutely LOOOOVE William & Mary (besides the fact that my husband is an alma mater). The campus is ridiculously GORGEOUS - love the brick pathways, the architecture, the landscape, and just the whole aura of it! W&M is the second oldest college, a 'Public Ivy' (which there are only 8 in the nation), and a great research institution; not to mention that they have a wonderful Center for Gifted Education that offers professional development, workshops, and classes for advanced degrees. We even got married at the Sir Christopher Wren Building, opened to the W&M family :D Built between 1695 and 1699, the chapel is similar to the collegiate chapels in Great Britain with its native pine and walnut paneling. It also has the English 18th century chamber organ (in which only specific certified organists can play on) and an antique chandelier. Beautiful campus and a beautiful vibe - definitely worth just roaming around when you're in the area! :D +second oldest college +'Public Ivy' +CFGE :D +Sir Christopher Wren Building read more

William & Mary - Colleges & Universities Near Me - Williamsburg, Virginia

It was good until it rained and then all of the water started to pool on the sidewalks

Have a son that's a sophomore this year and wanted to go where his dad went. Long way from Texas but loves the school. Been to visit 3 times now and love the feeling of being at home. They do an amazing job at making you feel welcome. read more

Spent 6 of the best years of my life there. Unfortunately it turns out that there is "real life" on the other side of the three-foot brick wall. Thus, I ventured forth got a job, and fled back to grad school for a second time. Turns out the real world is not all it's cracked up to be. Love the town. Love the School. Hate the Board of Regents. read more

This was the perfect fit for me. The students are active and although not racially or culturally diverse have a diversity of interests, outlooks, and talents. However, your level of participation is obviously your own decision and you can choose to take advantage of all the opportunities that the campus life offers you, or you can stay in your dorm and complain about how there's nothing to do. I didn't get to know those individuals because I chose to live and love my college life. Yesterday I graduated, and what wrapped it up for me was that all my friends, regardless of how I knew them, all knew each other. It was a fantastic ending and I will always look back fondly. I will forever love drunken conversations about marxism, post-modernism, and being exposed to new ideas. My love for nature was fueled by this college, and so was my love for humanity =) i love my tribe read more

Even if I hadn't spent four amazing years here as an undergrad I'd give W&M five stars. The campus is gorgeous, the buildings beautiful, and Colonial Williamsburg an ideal setting. Strolling the grounds is a treat and something any visitor to Williamsburg needs to do. Better yet, get yourself on a (free) campus tour with a youthful, fresh-faced undergrad, brimming with enthusiasm as well as all kinds of W&M trivia and tidbits. Going to school here is an even better treat than walking the grounds: amazing camaraderie, stellar faculty, great facilities, walkable campus, walkable town. I loved that -- even tho it's a state school -- W&M is quite small and familial. Undergrad population is around 5,000 while other state schools number in the tens of thousands. W&M has the all the benefits of a small, private school (i.e. small, manageable campus, close-knit student body) and all the advantages of a public university (i.e. lower tuition costs, state funding). The best of both worlds!!! read more

Foreword: If you're using Yelp to make college decisions, I strongly suggest considering other tools. Buy a copy of the Fiske Guide to Colleges -- it's like Yelp for universities! Better yet, talk to your high school guidance or career counselor. William & Mary is a great destination if you happen to be in the "Colonial Triangle" -- the Jamestown, Yorktown, Williamsburg area. The campus is gorgeous, and there are many meandering paths you can take to and fro while enjoying the College's generous landscaping and flower budget. If you're into history, consider what William & Mary calls the "historic campus," which includes the landmark Christopher Wren building at the far eastern corner of campus. Before the Wren stands an old cannon or two and a stately statue of Norborne Berkeley, Baron de Botetourt. If you're looking for lunch, make a trip over to the brand new Mason Business School building, Miller Hall, and eat at their spotless cafe. Rumor has it the same person that designed it was involved with designing the Grand Floridian resort in Disney! For dinner, stop by the Commons dining hall "the Caf" on the other end of campus. It's still a relatively new building -- about 6 years old -- and is sure to bring back the good moments of your college days, not the bad. Even though William & Mary isn't renowned for their arts, there's a lot to see and enjoy here, whether it's the prolific drama department, talented Wind Symphony or Symphony Orchestra, or the professional or student work showcased in the Muscarelle Museum of Art off of Jamestown Road. Also, a newly renovated amphitheater overlooking the College's own serene Lake Matoaka is a regular host of musical headliners both big and small. And last but not least, if you're just looking to enjoy a beautiful day in an iconic space, head towards (appropriately) hyped Sunken Gardens to stretch out in the grass or near the (disproportionately) hyped Crim Dell bridge to enjoy the sights. Enjoy your visit! read more

Walked around, this is basically an extension of Colonial Williamsburg in that the beautiful historic architecture is present throughout the campus. I wish I went to college here. read more

William & Mary - Colleges & Universities Near Me - Williamsburg, Virginia

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I hold an annual event at William & Mary, and it is a perfect backdrop for our educational event, which has been at W&M for 14 years now. We look forward to it every year. The folks in catering do a great job making sure our food is delivered/served on time, and clean-up is also timely with trash cans emptied regularly. The space in the Sadler Center is also accommodating for our guests. read more

So I should say I went to college here. I mean I'm not revising myself from reviewing it; just putting it out there. It's a good school. US News & World Report usually has it ranked #33 or so. It's hard to get into but they do let some people in who have no business being there (myself included). The teachers take pride in the school's reputation for being academically brutal. It wasn't hard for me. I'm no genius but my short term memory and writing was good enough to graduate with a sterling 2.3 GPA. Jealous? I know it's a sh*tty number but I literally did zero work for it so I think I made out ok. The campus is very pretty as many have said. I'm a history dork so I like that some of the founding fathers went to school at the same place I did. All in all, it suited me fine for 4 years. read more

Beautiful and historic campus. Definitely worth a tour if you are in Williamsburg. Highly recommend it. read more

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Is W&M the best university in the country? World? Galaxy? Universe? For me it was. Fantastic undergrad experience. Sure, it's a little geeky and the football team is in the FCS division, but who cares? You get a top notch education at W&M. The campus is gorgeous. And college is what you make it. It's easy to make it a great four years at W&M. read more

What can I say...my alma mater and the best four years of my life!

Had a training here and would love to go back. Very nice place, within minutes of the historical downtown district, very nice staff.

People were friendly here, and it was cozy, the football stadium area were really nice but it was so small compared to my high school,

We took our own tour of the college since they were not offering guided tours. Overall a well kept historic college with beautiful landscapes and architecture. Parking was pretty tough so get out early or be prepared to walk. read more

Great history program! The people at this school are so nice, and it is great to just be able to walk out on the Sunken Gardens and see all of the people hanging out, playing frisbee, tanning, or doing their work. It is a really nice atmosphere. The professors have been great and I have learned quite a bit in all of the classes i have taken. The students are invested in conversations about ideas and causes larger than themselves. People are passionate and want to change things in the world. It is a school of people who are ambitious and want to have a positive impact on things around them. read more

A verrry beautiful campus, especially if you like hay fever! But it's worth it... Yup, it's THAT pretty. It's amazing that the entire campus isn't considered an arboretum - a fact boasted by the nice, but not nearly as breathtaking, American University in Washington, DC. W&M is considered a "public Ivy" and you definitely get that sense as either a visitor or a student, strolling the lovely grounds (or streaking them, as is a right of passage before graduation that I, ahem, accepted as my solemn duty). The education is as solid as you'll get just about anywhere. The library is still one of my favorite places to be in. The students are smart and serious, many of them perhaps a bit sheltered at the outset - but almost all truly good-hearted and sweetly "Southern", by influence if not by origin. There's just not one thing about my time here that didn't bear positively on the person I turned out to be. A first-class institution. read more