Questions & Answers

Contact Us

Office of the Dean of the College
PO Box 518
Williamstown, MA 01267
(413) 597-4171
first-year@williams.edu

Getting Here

  • Move in for first year students and the beginning of our First Days programming will take place on Thursday, August 31, 2023.

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

  • 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.

  • 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.

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

  • Yes! More details to come.

Life at Williams

  • Check out the Friends and Family website for details.

  • 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.

  • Click here for the complete schedule.

  •   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.

  • 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

  • All the latest mailing information can be found here.

  • 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.

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

  • 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.

  • No. Limited parking space makes it impossible to allow first-year students to have cars. 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

  • Instructions for activating your Williams email can be found here.