Questions & Answers

Contact Us

Dave Johnson, Dean of First-Year Students
PO Box 518
Williamstown, MA 01267
(413) 597-4171
[email protected]s.edu

 

Getting Here

• When should I arrive on campus?

  The dorms open for first-year students Monday, August 26 at 8:00am. No exceptions will be made for early arrivals.

• May I see my dorm room over the summer?

  The answer to this and other 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! The President and his staff have set aside a short time to address parents and families who come to campus with their first-year students. The program is brief and parents are not obligated to attend. However, parents and families are encouraged to return for the more extensive Family Days program in October. But be sure to make hotel reservations for Family Days now!

Life at Williams

• When is Family Days?

  (The Family Days website will be updated in the spring.)

• 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! Contact Connors Brothers, 370 Cole Ave., Williamstown, MA (413) 458-8141 or Mullen Brothers/Allied Van Lines 50 Downing Two, Pittsfield MA 01201, (800) 548-4338.

• What banks do students use?

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

  • Williamstown Savings Bank, 795 Main St., (413) 458-8191
  • TD Bank North, 57 Spring St., (413) 452-8321
  • South Adams Savings Bank, 273 Main St., (413) 458-2141
  • Mountain One Financial, 296 Main St., (413) 458-9503
  • Greylock Federal Credit Union, 31 North Street, (413) 458-4441

• When Are the First Meetings and Services of On-Campus Religious and Spiritual Communities?

  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”?

  The week between Winter Study in January and the beginning of Spring Semester in February.

• What do the Deans do?

  The Deans Office provides services to students, including

  • • • 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). Students may provide their own linen or arrange to use a linen exchange service provided by a local firm. 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. 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/Koster Insurance 800-406-5205 or www.gallagherkoster.com

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