News Summary
William & Mary welcomed approximately 900 first-year and transfer students amid housing delays for the upcoming academic year. Only two residence halls are currently open, with delays affecting the opening of three dormitories. Students will be temporarily housed in alternative accommodations, and the university is committed to ensuring a smooth transition with available support and resources. Classes are set to start soon, accompanied by the annual Opening Convocation welcoming students to their new academic journey.
Williamsburg, VA – William & Mary welcomed approximately 900 first-year and new transfer students on August 22, 2025, amid significant housing delays for the upcoming 2025-26 academic year. Simultaneously, family orientation activities are scheduled to commence on August 22, while returning upper-level students will move in on August 24.
This year, only two residence halls, Poplar and Maple, are open for student occupancy. The opening of three other dormitories—Oak Hall, Pine Hall, and Cedar Hall at Jamestown East—has been delayed due to construction project holdups. Students affected by the delays will be temporarily housed in Green & Gold Village, Richmond Hall, and the Woodlands Hotel & Suites in Colonial Williamsburg.
Despite the housing issues, the university is committed to ensuring that students experience a smooth transition into campus life. A dining pavilion, West Woods Commons, is also under construction and not yet ready for use. The first day of classes is scheduled for August 27, coinciding with the annual Opening Convocation taking place that evening at 7:15 p.m. at the historic Sir Christopher Wren Building. Dr. Cleveland “Cleve” Francis Jr., a notable 1969 graduate and celebrated cardiologist, will be the guest speaker for the event.
To address the housing shortages, students will be relocated into alternative accommodations. Cedar, Pine, and Oak Halls are projected to be completed between mid-to-late October; however, this timeline may change. While first-year students will reside in Green & Gold Village and Richmond Hall, returning students will be in Richmond Hall and the Woodlands Hotel & Suites. The university will facilitate a free shuttle service to transport students between the temporary housing and the main campus.
In an effort to ease the transition, the institution has established policies to maintain roommate pairings and provide necessary support. Resident assistants will be available in the temporary housing facilities to assist students while resources for those requiring accessibility accommodations will be specifically assigned.
Delays in the dormitory openings were attributed to a series of minor issues rather than a single significant problem. Professional movers have been arranged to help students settle into their permanent housing once the construction is complete in October. Additionally, those using temporary accommodations will not face extra costs. The university will provide a credit of $22.50 per day at the end of the semester for each day spent in these temporary living spaces.
To facilitate the transition effectively, approximately 270 orientation aides and an additional 150 volunteers are on hand to assist new students. The staggered schedule for move-in days has minimized congestion on campus, allowing for a more organized and engaging experience for families and newcomers. The university aims to foster community connections and support first-time college experiences as students embark on their academic journeys.
With classes set to begin shortly and the Opening Convocation scheduled for the same day, anticipation is building within the William & Mary community to welcome students to their new academic home.
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Additional Resources
- Daily Press: Dorms Construction Delays
- Wikipedia: William & Mary
- WYDaily: 2024 Opening Convocation
- Google Search: William and Mary University
- Daily Press: William and Mary Shop Moving
- Google Scholar: William and Mary
- Daily Press: William & Mary Welcomes Students
- Encyclopedia Britannica: William and Mary
- 13News Now: William & Mary Online Classes
- Google News: William and Mary News
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WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
