Joey is in her 2nd month at Worthington University where she is struggling in her beginners writing class taught by Professor David Wilder who criticizes her first essay about her and Dawson. Audrey Liddell, Joey's brash new roommate from Beverly Hills, proves to be more of an annoyance than a friend with her wild and crazy personality. Dawson, who's continuing his studies at USC with an internship in Hollywood, begins his job on a shaky start when he meets Todd Carr, an arrogant, egocentric, hack film director who gives Dawson a hard time. Meanwhile, Jen pays Pacey a visit, who's lying low as he docks his yacht in Boston Harbor after sailing away the summer. At nearby Boston Bay College, Jen and Jack are invited to their first fraternity party. They persuade Joey to come along with Audrey who seems to get along with Jen and Jack, much to Joey's surprise. Also, Jen meets Charlie, a bass player. She is rude to him, insulting him away, but deep inside feels strongly attracted to him.

Jen helps Dawson go back to the psychiatrist, Dr. Rachel Weir, whom he ran away from. Dawson still thinks that the whole idea of sharing his thoughts with a complete stranger is weird, but he is surprised with how much he learns from it. Back home in Capeside, Dawson has to handle the problem with his father's will, which does not include baby Lily. Meanwhile, Joey is working on a project with Professor Wilder about old love letters written by an obscure writer, and with a little help of Audrey's audition videotape for "The Real World: Ibiza," she manages to catch something not one of the fellow students caught. Also, Pacey confronts Karen about the risks she is taking for having an affair with Danny, but she refuses to listen to him. Later, Karen is hurt when Danny's wife shows up at a dinner party the restaurant holds, and he completely blows Karen off.

Dawson accepts the job of directing the slightly annoying Oliver's film; Joey's night takes an unexpected turn when she finds herself kissing Professor Wilder.