The past five years have been far from uneventful. For The Flat Hat newspaper, stories from the Variety and Opinions sections have ranged from pieces covering the infamous emergence of Yik Yak across campus to tales of barefoot students meandering around Swem Library. Calculated based on view count and interactions with individual posts, the following fifteen stories have been some of the most attention-grabbing pieces from the past 1,827 days.

2022: 

“Confusion Corner: Updating your everyday emoji choices” by Madeleine Harris 

The iOS 15.4 update introduced a variety of new emojis, many of which were rapidly integrated into daily conversations between Apple users. In this Variety piece, Harris ’24 reviews a list of her most memorable emoticons, including the half-faced saluting emoticon, the hamsa symbol, and the melting face emoticon.

“Highs, Lows and Buffaloes: The College of William and Mary from a Freshman’s Perspective” by Clara Rinker

Rinker ’26 provides a list of some of her most memorable experiences, worst moments, and random observations from her time as a freshman at the College, as well as her perspective as an Alabama native on dining on-campus, dorm privacy, and transportation without a personal vehicle as an out-of-state student. 

“Survival guide: dining hall food” by Caitlin Noe

Amid dining hall changes implemented during the Spring 2022 semester, Noe ’24 expresses her views on viable meal options on campus, including Sadler Express, Marketplace, and restaurants accepting Dining Dollars like Chick-fil-A and Domino’s.

2021: 

“Here’s the catch: there are no books at the new College bookstore” by Lucas Harsche 

The movement of the College Bookstore to its new location in the Triangle Building on Prince George Street brought a plethora of mixed reviews. Harsche ’23 shares his thoughts on the move, reminiscing on the Bookstore’s former location and original layout, replete with books both for academic use and pleasure reading as well as a fully operational, in-house coffee shop. 

“It’s Yik Yak Time: The anonymous app that regained popularity across college campuses” by Anu Desai

Despite its previous removal from the app store in 2017 as a result of widespread social unrest, the controversial app was revived by the developers of Yik Yak in August of 2021. Desai ’24 explores the app’s re-emergence, commenting on the surreal concept of students expressing their thoughts without consequence. 

“Should you stay in Williamsburg for the Yule Log Ceremony?” by Alyssa Slovin 

The annual tradition of the Yule Log takes place in the Wren Courtyard in the midst of final examinations, with choir groups singing meticulously rehearsed pieces, the College President presenting a holiday book, and students throwing sprigs of holly onto the blazing Yule Log for good luck. Slovin ’22 praises the wintry tradition, emphasizing that even though many students prioritize leaving campus as early as possible, she finds it rewarding to “go out in style” by attending the Yule Log ceremony alongside friends. 

2020:

“Behind Closed Doors: Glory holes prove useful as form of safe intimacy, allow sexual encounters in age of COVID-19” by The Holetariat 

Under the pseudonym “The Holetariat,” a freshman student at the College describes the euphoric experience of taking part in a taboo sexual exchange with an older student whom he’d matched with on the dating app Grindr. In this infamous piece, part of the “Behind Closed Doors” column, the anonymous student emphasizes the importance of engaging in safe sex during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Japanese Words to Impress Your Friends!” by Kate Lucas

Japanese Studies minor Lucas ’21 shares her most memorable words for everyday conversation after her three-month residence in Japan. Words such as 一口 (hitokuchi), which translates to “one bite,” 千鳥足 (chidoriashi), which translates to “drunk walk,” and ねぐせ(neguse), which translates to “bedhead,” constitute just some of Lucas’ memorable list of words to take note of.

“Studying history, appreciating historical method offer helpful blueprint for understanding present” by Grant Wong

Guest columnist Wong ’21 describes history in academic spheres as an “interpretation” of the people, places, and events of the past. By referencing the many issues surrounding political discourse, Wong emphasizes that history, as an act of interpretation, constantly evolves through discussion and debate. Wong, a History major, encourages other students and academics to view the world through this lens.

2019: 

“Short story dispenser in Swem Library incorporates literature into daily life” by Anhthu Cung 

Cung ’23 encourages students to take advantage of Swem Library’s short story dispenser following its debut in March 2019. The machine, produced by the French company Short Edition, prints a variety of short stories and poetry for students to access and enjoy. Students can choose their preferred story length with randomized genre selections and read them on eco-friendly paper free of charge. 

“Garden vs. gardens: Students debate proper terminology for iconic concave field” by Ethan Brown and Anna Boustany 

Affectionately referred to as the “campus’s anchoring point,” Brown ’21 and Boustany ’21 discuss the proper term to address the rectangular lawn at the center of Old Campus. Many students argue for a plural reference to the area, suggesting that the brick walkways divide the lawn into multiple gardens. However, other students and student organizations, such as AMP and The Flat Hat, prefer the singular term. Brown and Boustany attribute the variations in terminology to the evolving nature of language, acknowledging the possibility of further change in the coming years. 

“Behind Closed Doors: Consent is vitally important in relationships, does not sacrifice intimacy” by Veronica M.

As a writer for the well-known sexual wellness section of The Flat Hat, Veronica understands the importance of sexual activity through romantic encounters and hookups. However, she feels it is vital to discuss the meaning of consent and the importance of open communication in relationships. “Whether it’s a one-night stand, or someone you’ve been on 16 dates with, or your partner of 50 years, sex is a serious matter when it comes to consent,” Veronica said. 

2018: 

“New Griffin statue inappropriate, anatomically graphic” by Ethan Brown and Anna Boustany

During Homecoming festivities in October 2018, a bronze statue of the Tribe mascot, the Griffin, was unveiled in its current location in front of Zable Stadium. Brown ’21 and Boustany ’21 describe the “public outrage” surrounding the excessive anatomical details of the Griffin’s pelvic region. Students express confusion and humor regarding the private funding used for the creation of the statue, as well as its suggestive, explicit nature.

“Barefoot in Swem: A harrowing tale of discomfort” by Kimberly Lores

Lores ’21 expresses her shock at the frequent appearance of students strolling around Swem Library without wearing socks or shoes. Raising issue with both the lack of personal hygiene and common decency, she debates the risks and rewards for students proudly parading barefoot around Swem and begs students to cease this behavior “for the love of all that is good and sanitary in this world.”

“Cool Beans: A definitive ranking of the College’s best campus coffee shops” by Maggie More

In a witty article, More ’20 ranks establishments around the College that serve coffee, including Swemromas, Daily Grind, Element Café, and Wawa, among others, by their differences in walkability, price range, and variety of options in available blends and caffeine levels. More interviews students on their opinions and ultimately shares her ratings on the variety of options available on campus.