A view of campus from a distance with the trees on the mountains displaying fall colors
Life at Williams

Life in the Berkshires

A crowd of people take in a concert amid the backdrop of the Berkshire Mountains
AN IMMERSIVE ENVIRONMENT

The Best of Both Worlds

A tight-knit campus in a small but vibrant town surrounded by the expansive wonder of the Berkshires—it’s easy to immerse yourself in developing relationships and passions that last a lifetime.

Named “one of the loveliest communities in New England” by The New York Times, Williamstown is the perfect combination of small-town charm, bustling culture and natural oasis. You’ll find dining and shopping, leading arts institutions and abundant outdoor activities, all just minutes from campus.

World-Class Culture

    The Clark Art Institute

    Set amidst the stunning natural environment of the Berkshires, the Clark boasts an expansive American and European collection—but it’s also a leading international center for research and discussion on the nature of art and art history. This dual mission has made it a collaborative space for living artists and contemporary art historians.

    Visit the Clark

    MASS MoCA

    In nearby North Adams, MASS MoCA makes and houses contemporary visual and performing arts that “defy classification.” The globally-renowned museum focuses on large-scale, immersive installations, hosts music festivals like FreshGrass and Wilco’s Solid Sound, and presents year-round performances from cabaret, world music, indie rock and progressive bluegrass artists.

    Visit MASS MoCA

    Jacob’s Pillow

    An hour from campus sits “the dance center of the nation” and America’s longest-running international dance festival. Every year, thousands of people from around the globe travel to the festival, which features 50-plus dance companies and 500 free performances, talks and events.

    Visit Jacob’s Pillow

    Williamstown Theatre Festival

    The Tony Award-winning Williamstown Theatre Festival (WTF) brings together writers, directors, actors, designers, theatre professionals and audiences for premier performances and immersive experiences. Creative sparks and innovative collaborations naturally follow.

    Visit WTF

    Barrington Stage Company

    Located in nearby Pittsfield, BSC entertains audiences with compelling and provocative performances, provides a platform for new voices and plays, and engages with the community through vibrant and inclusive educational outreach programs.

    Visit BSC

    Natural Wonder

    With rolling hills, low mountains, thick forests and wildflower meadows, Williamstown is a haven for nature lovers of all kinds. Grab your skis, bike, kayak or fishing rod and go enjoy the great outdoors.

    Get Out and Play

    From slacklining to swimming and from camping to collecting clover, the Williams Outing Club is your guide to getting outside. Read how students connect with the outdoors—and each other—in Williams Magazine.

    A large group of students standing on a rock after a hike

    5 miles

    to Mount Greylock, the highest point in Massachusetts.

    2,146

    pieces of outdoor equipment—including backpacks, kayaks, tents and skis—available for checkout from the Williams Outing Club.

    12 miles

    of trails in the Hopkins Memorial Forest, managed by the Williams College Zilkha Center for the Environment.

    A group of students wearing high visibility vests and hardhats while visiting a transfer station

    Learning in Action

    If you’re wondering how your coursework ties into the wider world, the Center for Learning in Action (CLiA) can connect you with experiential learning opportunities and community organizations that can help put your curiosities into context.

    CLiA Opportunities

    Getting Around

    Thanks to several campus initiatives and our partnerships with local public transportation, it’s easy to get around campus and Williamstown.

    Walk

    Our small community is simple to navigate on foot, even if you choose to live off campus.

    Bike

    Williams offers free bike rentals, free bike repair services and plenty of bike racks and secure storage for commuters.

    Drive

    Find fellow travelers on WSO (for students only) and Switchboard (for the wider Williams community). We also have Zipcars for hourly and daily rentals.

    BRTA bus service

    The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority provides public transportation to 24 nearby communities. Students, faculty and staff ride for free—just show your Williams ID.

    Sunday Shuttles

    Visit local stores and stock up on necessities using our free weekly shuttle. Departs from Goodrich Hall with stops at Wild Oats, Stop & Shop and Walmart.

    Williams Motorcoach

    This busing service connects you to several airports and train stations for college breaks and weekend getaways.

    Green Mountain Express

    Explore the towns and colleges in and around Bennington, Vermont, with pickup in Williamstown.

    Peter Pan Bus

    Tap into the northeast corridor with service spanning from D.C. and Maryland to New Hampshire and Rhode Island.

    A student wearing headphones and typing on her phone sits in a sunny patch on the Hopkins Hall stairs

    Take the Next Step

    Get to know the community surrounding campus.

    Destination Williamstown
    Berkshires.org