Questions & Answers

Getting Here

• When should I arrive on campus?

  Move in for first year students and the beginning of our First Days programming will take place on Thursday, August 28, 2025.

  If you are a Williams First or international student, you will hear more about our pre-orientation programs by the beginning of June. 

• May I see my dorm room over the summer?

  Due to summer use of our residence halls, previewing your space prior to move in is not possible.  Housing-related questions can be found on the First-Year Student Housing site and in the Bell Book.

• Is there a shuttle from the airport?

  Williams runs a shuttle from Albany International Airport only through Williams Motorcoach. Please note: there is no return shuttle service. Also check out the Visitors' Guide for driving directions, bus and train schedules, car rentals and other information.

• If I arrive early, where can I stay?

  See the Visitors' Guide for links to area accommodations (as well as restaurants and places to visit).

• Is there any orientation programming for my parents/family?

  Yes! More details to come.

Life at Williams

• When is Friends and Family Weekend?

  Check out the Friends and Family website for details.

• May I bring my belongings early to store until school starts?

  Unfortunately, there is no storage space available in your entry. However, you may ship your things to the Campus Post Office, addressed to yourself at your Student Union Box number. Packages should be marked "Hold for Arrival," shipped to arrive after Aug. 18 and limited to 25 pounds max. The College assumes no liability for items stored. Students are required to show their student ID to pick up packages.

• Are there outside storage companies that students can use?

  Yes! You can contact:

  Connors Brothers
  370 Cole Ave.
  Williamstown, MA
  (413) 458-8141

  Collegeboxes.com
  [email protected]
  (866) 269-4887

• What banks do students use?

  There are several banks in Williamstown (most will send information directly to you) including:

  • TD Bank, 57 Spring St., (413) 458-8321
  • MountainOne Financial, 795 Main St., (413) 458-8191
  • Adams Community Bank, 273 Main St., (413) 458-2141
  • Greylock Federal Credit Union, 455 Main St, (413) 458-4441

• When Do On-Campus Religious and Spiritual Communities Meet?

  Click here for the complete schedule.

• When are Thanksgiving break, December vacation, and Winter Study?

  See the Academic Calendar for dates and times. Also check out Williams Motorcoach for shuttle information.  Please also be advised of residence halls opening and closing dates.

• What is “Dead Week”?

    Dead Week is a period of time between Winter Study in January and the beginning of Spring Semester in February when no classes are scheduled.

• What do the Deans do?

  At Williams College, Deans serve as guides and resources for the overall student experience. Each class year has its own dean who will want to play a meaningful role in your success. Additionally, there are deans who oversee the international student experience, Williams Firsts, veteran and transfer student experiences, Campus Life & Housing, as well as faculty and academic focused deans. Your class dean will be one of your primary contact points when you need support.   Some of the topics we offer guidance on include, but are not limited to:

  • • • academic advising
      • academic accommodations
      • crisis intervention
      • international student advising
      • multicultural student support
      • orientation and First-Year programs

Living on Campus

• What type of computer should I purchase?

  The Office for Information Technology updates their computer recommendations in the spring. Check back often!

• What will my mailing address be?

  All the latest mailing information can be found here.

• What should I bring?

  Student rooms are furnished with a bed and mattress, desk and chair, bureau, and bookshelves. As space permits, College-owned furniture may be stored in storage rooms. Students are responsible for returning college furniture to its original position in the room when vacating. See the Bell Book.

• What kind of bedding will I need?

  Mattresses used at Williams measure 36" x 80" (twin extra-long).  Williams DOES NOT supply pillows...you must bring your own.

• What about cell phones?

  Check with Verizon, Sprint, or AT&T -- most of these providers have fairly good service throughout campus and much of the Berkshires. Just remember to TURN OFF YOUR PHONE when you’re in class! If you need a landline, more information can be found here.

• May I have a car on campus?
  No. Limited parking space makes it impossible to allow first-year students to have cars. Students needing an accessibility accommodation should reach out to the Office of Accessible Education for further assistance.

  But don’t fret! The college has several initiatives and partnerships with local public transportation systems to make traveling easier for students and better for the environment. Check out the Berkshire Regional Transport Authority (BRTA)  or Sunday Shuttle schedules to travel to Stop & Shop, North Adams, and more. Both are free for Williams Students!

  First-year students will be required to acknowledge this policy as directed by Campus Safety and Security http://security.williams.edu/?page_id=363.

Academic/Campus Resources/Technical Questions

• How do I activate my Williams email account?

  Instructions for activating your Williams email can be found here.

• What if I didn’t get my First-year information in by the deadline?

  Email [email protected]

   

• When does on-line Registration close?
  Email [email protected]
  

• Who do I talk to about student Health Insurance?
  Insurance questions : Gallagher Student Health & Special Risk 800-406-5205 or www.gallagherstudent.com

  Health questions: Contact the Student Health and Wellness Services or call 413-597-2206.

• How do I request accommodations for a disability?
  The Office of Accessible Education is the hub on campus for determining and arranging accommodations for students with disabilities and other health conditions. Contact OAE at [email protected] or 413-597-4672 for more information and to set up a meeting.