Family FAQS

By learning more about helping them make the most of the college’s opportnities and resources.

Because Williams is prohibited by law from giving you such information without your student’s written consent.

We’re committed to making Williams affordable. A great place to start learning about Student Financial Services (SFS) is to join your student in reviewing our Guide to Financing Your Williams Education. The staff in SFS are happy to answer your questions. As with other personal records, students receive financial information related to college expenses. This confuses many parents at first. Thankfully, it’s easy for your student to grant you access to our billing system, which will then provide you with all the information you need, plus timely reminders on payment deadlines.

Student safety comes before every other Williams priority. Learn more about our Campus Safety and Security programs and services.

See Student Mail Services for guidance on USPS and private carrier deliveries.

Mail is delivered to student mailboxes in Paresky Center once a day. Mail is not delivered to dormitories.

To the Registrar’s Office.

Right here. (Commencement dates are  set three years in advance.)

No, first-year students are not allowed to keep a car on campus at any time during the academic year. Learn more about parking options for other students.

Students are still able to navigate the Berkshires through several college 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!

On our First-Year page.

Information about course offerings and degree requirements can be found in the Registrar’s Office. The websites of the academic departments contain extensive information on programs of study, faculty, course offerings, and student services.

Encourage your student to reach out directly to their professor, their academic advisor, a dean, a counselor, a coach, an academic support specialist, a chaplain. Williams is filled with spectacularly qualified and deeply dedicated faculty and staff whose jobs are to support students in every way possible to get the most out of their undergraduate experience.

Regardless of their academic major, Williams alumni are highly valued by leading employers and top graduate programs. Students emerge from Williams able to think critically, express themselves effectively, and understand issues that transcend academic disciplines. These skills help them succeed not only in their first jobs but throughout their entire careers. As former Williams math professor (and current Williams parent!) Satyan Devadoss puts it, “You can study what you love [at Williams] and then go do what you want.” Learn more.

See the Visitors Guide for driving directions, information on travel by plane, train, bus, taxi, and limousine, as well as lodging and restaurant listings.

• Although travelers cannot easily change airline practices, there are a few things each of us can do to reduce our travel carbon footprint, nudge airlines to do their part, and encourage others to do the same. Here are some tips for greener transportation & flying:
• Prioritize public transportation and alternatives to flying when possible
• If flying is necessary, consider picking flights with fewer carbon emissions, booking direct flights, or switch to a less carbon intensive service class (economy class, instead of first class). Check out this webpage for more green flying tips! 

Williams Motorcoach operates to and from NYC, Boston, and Albany for major college breaks. Also see the Visitors Guide for information on commercial transportation options.

Encourage your student to reach out directly to a professor, a dean, a counselor, a coach, an academic support specialist, a chaplain. Williams is filled with spectacularly qualified and deeply dedicated faculty and staff whose jobs are to support students in every way possible to get the most out of their undergraduate experience.

Williams offers 24/7 emergency health coverage and extensive medical and counseling resources. Learn more.

Students who are experiencing barriers due to a disability or other health condition are encouraged to work collaboratively with the Office of Accessible Education to identify and request reasonable accommodations and explore other supports. Students can contact OAE at OAEstaff​@williams​.edu or 413-597-4672 for more information and to set up a meeting.

Located at 81 Spring Street at the corner of Walden St., The Williams Bookstore is the local supplier of textbooks and course materials, as well as general-interest titles and Williams apparel, accessories, and gifts.

There are several banks within walking distance of campus and three ATMs, one in Paresky Center and two on Spring Street.

Williams Dining Services offers festive cakes and cookies for any event. Orders must be placed four days before the desired pick-up date (Monday through Saturday). Call 413.597.2121.

AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Nextel provide cell phone service in this area.

Our Dining Services colleagues are particularly attuned to medical and religious dietary restrictions. They can accommodate nearly any requirement your own student might have, at no extra cost, as part of our standard meal plan. After you’ve had a chance to familiarize yourself with our services, please encourage your student to reach out to Dining Services, whose experts work most effectively when they work directly with students themselves.

Our student-authored Bell Book’s a great source of guidance. The Walmart Supercenter in North Adams.

Check out the giant Tag Sale at the First Congregational Church during move-in week.  They stock gently used appliances, rugs, lamps, room decor, and unique trinkets donated from students last spring, for a fraction of the cost of market goods. We encourage you to hold off on excess and unnecessary  purchasing, and instead explore alternative options like shopping second hand or locally when accessible! Be sure to check out local businesses on Spring St. in downtown Williamstown. Your students have lived for 18 years (give or take), and they know what they like & need. Bring those things. Don’t bring the others.

Again, refer to the Bell Book, a great resource for many other things Williams as well.

Williams has a large number of computers and printers available to students in public labs, but most students find that it is an advantage to work in their rooms, especially during exam periods when the labs are busy. See Purchasing a Computer for suggestions from Williams’ information technology office.  And check out academic discounts at The Williams Bookstore.

Dorms are open for most break periods. Learn more about modified dining services offerings during breaks and particular housing restrictions during Winter Break.