I embarked on a solo travel venture to Italy in late August of 2022, visiting four cities in ten days. Traveling solo initially caused a bit of anxiety for me, but conquering these fears provided substantial benefits. I’d like to take you through my experiences with the social side of traveling alone, specifically, sleeping in rooms with 6+ strangers.

Sir Isaac Newton popularized the phrase “standing on the shoulders of giants,” attributing his accomplishments to the intellectual foundations laid by scientists who came before him. I am no scientist, and I did not come to Poland to study natural science, yet Newton’s phrase has sprung to mind every day I have spent here.

Artists of all domains have eagerly anticipated the completion of the Arts Quarter, a multi-phased construction project by the College of William and Mary. Join Rebecca Altman ‘25 as she describes the numerous benefits that the Arts Quarter will bring to musicians as well as the current infrastructure issues that students face.

This semester, Flat Hat Magazine held a short story contest open to all students at the College of William and Mary. Participants were asked to write a short story based on the song “Movement” by Hozier. William Zurborg and Mateus Krauss Dutra wrote stories connecting readers to imaginative spaces. Zurborg’s interpretation will take you to “João’s Eatery and Bar,” where you will hear about the enchanting voice of a mysterious singer. Dutra, on the other hand, was inspired by the willow tree of the chorus. Congratulations to the winners, and thank you to everyone who submitted!

If you’ve seen a girl around campus whose style gives off “if Cleopatra had been a goth/emo vampiress party girl” vibes, that’s probably JR Herman. Continue reading to join JR on her makeup journey as she explains why she does her makeup the way she does — and why it’s probably not for the reason you might guess.

This semester the Flat Hat Magazine held a short story contest open to all William & Mary students. Participants in the contest were asked to write a short story based on the phrase “Stylish Gluttony.” The two winners, Kat Vanbourgondien and Taylor Wilson, wrote compelling and unique stories based on their own interpretation of the prompt. Both stories provide a unique and thought-provoking commentary on how people at any stage in their lives can be affected by the expectations of others, and how those expectations can become a toxic and all-encompassing lifestyle. When put together, these stories paint a heartbreaking picture of stylish gluttony.

Review of Lost Days, otherwise known as the Damned, and known in some quarters as The Last Days of Marie Antoinette in the Euphoric Eroticism of Revolutionary France

How does one avoid being “The Girl Whose Whole Personality Revolves Around Studying Abroad in Paris” while still offering an honest reflection on the experience? Maybe one doesn’t, and if you find that to be so, dear reader, then just flip to the next article where someone will certainly be writing about something far more unique than a study abroad experience in Paris. In the space that follows — if you’re still reading — I hope to strike a balance between purveyor of superficial clichés à la “Emily in Paris” or “Gossip Girl” and absolute killjoy who argues (inaccurately) that Paris isn’t what it’s cracked up to be.

Remote staff writer JR Herman has spent the last seven+ months quarantining in her house, and she’s still sane enough to tell the tale. Continue reading to explore the ins and outs of her quirky quarantine life, as well as how it has changed her for the better.