Williams College, considered one of the best liberal arts schools in the country, is located in Williamstown in the northwestern Massachusetts region of the Berkshires. The rural campus, home to approximately 2,000 undergrads, is nestled at the foot of Mount Greylock on 450 acres. The school was originally a men’s college with women first admitted in 1970. Williams is one of the 11 members of NESCAC, the New England Small College Athletic Conference, and participates in NCAA Division III varsity sports. Williams has a small town college feel and is proud that with more churches than bars in Williamstown, life revolves around the campus, fostering a close-knit community. Spring Street a short walk away is the heart of town and home to restaurants, shops, and a cinema.
SHORTCUTS
Stay: Williams Inn | Breakfast: Spring Street Market & Cafe
Lunch: Papa Charlie's | Dinner: Public Eat + Drink
Visitor Information: Tour Williams
Transportation: The closest airports are Albany International Airport in Albany, NY, about one hour from campus and Bradley International Airport outside of Hartford, CT. about two hours from school. Traveling by car? Williams is about one hour’s drive from the Massachusetts Turnpike and Interstates 91, 90, and 87. Driving time from Boston or New York City is about three hours. Peter Pan Bus runs buses from Boston and Logan International Airport and from NYC’s Port Authority Bus Terminal. The nearest Amtrak train station is in Pittsfield MA, about a half hour drive.
Stay: Located right on campus and a quick walk from downtown Williamstown, check in to the Williams Inn. Students say the hotel may be in need of a refurbishment, but it’s certainly the most convenient option for touring. Featuring English style furnishings, The Orchards Hotel offers comfortable accommodations with excellent service in the heart of downtown. In North Adams, just across from MASS MoCA, The Porches Inn is one of the most popular places to stay set in a row of 19th- century homes. There is only 47 rooms, all featuring unique architectural details, so book well in advance, especially during the Berkshires high season. The Holiday Inn Berkshires, also in North Adams is another popular choice.
Coffee: Located right on campus, Goodrich Coffee Bar is a student-run shop that serves coffee, tea and breakfast items starting at 7:30 weekdays and 8 on the weekends. Tunnel City has two locations in Williamstown, a flagship store on Spring Street, and a newer Uptown location at the Williams bookstore. Serving freshly brewed coffee and baked goods; Tunnel is everyone’s favorite local roaster and morning meeting spot.
Breakfast: In Williamstown start your day at The Spring Street Market and Café. In nearby North Adams, Renee’s Diner and BrewHaHa are known for great breakfasts.
Lunch: Each sandwich at Papa Charlie’s is named after a celebrity, many from before our kids’ time, but they’ll recognize The Neil Patrick Harris, a student favorite. Bring cash, as they don't accept credit cards. With something for everyone, from burger to fish tacos to chicken sandwiches to steaks and seafood, head to Water Street Grill.
Dinner
Casual: Constantly packed with students, The Purple Pub serves salads, burgers and craft beer in a tavern-like setting. Public Eat + Drink dishes up inventive American fare out of its big open kitchen, much of it locally sourced. For authentic Mexican food with a South American twist go to Coyote Flaco. Pera Mediterranean Bistro in the heart of town specializes in the flavors of the Mediterranean.
A Step Up: The chefs at quaint Mezze focus on farm to table cuisine, befitting their setting on three beautiful, peaceful acres overlooking Sheep Hill in Williamstown. Located at MASS MoCA, Gramercy Bistro serves modern fare locally sourced and is known for their excellent Sunday brunch.
Local Attractions: Allow a few hours to explore the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art known as Mass MoCA, the area’s biggest draw and a must do during your stay! Housed in a former factory, explore the 26 building compound with vast galleries and an impressive collection of indoor and outdoor performing arts venues including long- term installations by Jenny Holzer, Laurie Anderson, and James Turrell. And there’s more for art lovers! Enjoy European and American paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts from the Renaissance at The Clark or visit its sibling, The Williams College Museum of Art with its own impressive collection. Take a Hike in the Williamstown Rural Land Foundation and enjoy the beautiful surroundings! If you can, plan your trip to coincide with the renowned Williamstown Theatre Festival (whose alumni include stars like Gwyneth Paltrow and Bradley Cooper) For more information on what is happening in the Berkshires during your stay, visit The Berkshires Official Tourism & Travel Planning Website and Destination Williamstown.
We Are Williams
— QUOTES FROM CAMPUS —
“The community is very close-knit and welcoming. It is a great place to try new hobbies!”
“There is an incredible alumnae network of proud Ephs!”
WILLIAMS COLLEGE FAST FACTS
Established
1793
Mascot
Ephelia the Purple Cow
School Colors
White, Purple & Gold
Acceptance Rate
17.6%
Common Application
Yes
Supplement Essays
Optional
Early Action/Decision
Early Decision
SAT - AVG
1490
ACT - AVG
33
Type
Private
Size
Small - 2,050 Undergraduates
Website
Region
Admissions Office
PO Box 487
Williamstown, MA 01267
(p) (413) 597-2211
(f) (413) 597-4052
admissions@williams.edu
Sports Divisions
NCAA Division III
Greek Life
No
Noteworthy Alumni
Benjamin Franklin
John Heisman
Noam Chomsky
James A. Garfield
David Strathairn
Sterling Brown
SHOP
WILLIAMS COLLEGE
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