<p>Hey everyone, I was recently accepted as a transfer and I just had some questions. I am pretty sure that they have been asked, but it seems as if the williams threads are only 2 pages. Anywho, Williams was my first choice because I wanted a small, fun, and tight-knit community. Every time I imagine myself there, it seems ideal. However, I am a little worried about the drastic change.</p>
<li>How was the transition between being in a (big) city to a rural town? </li>
<li>Does the school ever feel claustrophobic?</li>
<li>As a transfer, will it be hard to integrate into the community?</li>
<li>Generally, are the students friendly?</li>
</ol>
<p>I have read college guides about these questions, but would like some personal experience.</p>
<p>Jimmy: Congratulations -- that's quite an accomplishment (only a handful of transferees are accepted each year).</p>
<p>As far as viewing more threads is concerned -- adjust the "Display" function at the bottom of the main page to "Beginning" and you will see 34 more pages of questions and answers. I will tell you, though, that my Eph loves Williams -- and comes from a major metropolitan area with a population of several million. The change (like the invigorating Berkshire location -- elevation 1100 feet) is extremely refreshing and inspiring. There's more to do than my Eph has time for, and lots of other friendly Ephs to do it all with. I hope you'll be able to visit (although almost everyone except the seniors will be gone after Tuesday the 22nd) and find out for yourself how/what you feel about Williams.</p>
<p>Wow, thanks for the info. The location and opportunities sound amazing, but I am kind of worried that I dont fit the typical williams mold. Im not hardcore athletic/jock.</p>
<p>Hey Jimmy, are you coming in as a sophomore next year? Cool.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Does the school ever feel claustrophobic?
I don't know; it's never felt that way to me, although, on getting out from time to time, you realize how "secluded" this place it. But like onemoremom said, the sheer amount of busyness blinds you to this reality. Academic work, alone, is enough to achieve this.</p></li>
<li><p>As a transfer, will it be hard to integrate into the community?
I don't know. I don't know any transfer student and I am a freshman. But I will say classes and dorm are where you'll make your first acquaintances. No one may even know you're a transfer unless you tell them. We're all just Williams students. And when you say "integrate" - in what ramifications are you suggesting?</p></li>
<li><p>Generally, are the students friendly?
Tough one. Stereotypically, Williams students are generally nice. However, it will all depend on your personality and disposition. You might take offense at what someone else doesn't mind. But really, people do care. Once, I was running down to dinner at top speed and tumbled down 7 steps. The two guys behind me stopped and asked me repeatedly if I alright. I said "Yes", but they didn't look convinced, and I resumed my run, albeit a little painfully, just to prove it. Another time, I blew my knee jumping and slipping off Paresky deck railings. Two guys nearby asked if I was alright. I wasn't, and by the time I turned the corner into Sage, I was screaming in so much pain, that two fellow freshmen carried me all the way into my room! And that was after 1am!
Yeah, so students are kind here. But don't expect much sympathy when you have a dining hall accident!!!</p></li>
</ol>
<ol>
<li>How was the transition between being in a (big) city to a rural town? </li>
<li>Does the school ever feel claustrophobic?
Have you visited Williamstown ? My son who only ever lived in mega cities has really enjoyed his time in Williamstown -- maybe it's the college community, the friends, the faculty. Maybe it's the profound natural beauty, the fresh air, the starry nights, the 360 degree mountain vistas. It's just a warm and vibrant community and yes, there is a lot to do to keep you busy.</li>
</ol>
<p>There are many opportunities during the year to "escape" to New York or Boston, either as part of a social event or a class related trip and many kids study away for all or part of junior year. </p>
<p>My son stayed on campus all four years, including Winter Study, and he never felt that Williamstown was claustrophobic (although it helps to like to do something outside in the winter, which is long and snowy.)</p>
<ol>
<li>As a transfer, will it be hard to integrate into the community?</li>
<li>Generally, are the students friendly?
Don't know about transfers specifically, but I would think that the house system would make it easy to socialize from day one. The students I know are extremely friendly, outgoing, cheerful, helpful. They are happy kids.</li>
</ol>
<p>You don't have to be to enjoy Williams. About half the kids do sports in some form (about 1/3 total are on a varsity team, the others on club or intramural teams) -- so the other half do everything else other than sports. And there's definitely a lot to get involved with. During the first few days students arrive for the fall semester, the Purple Key Fair will showcase many of the groups. If you have an idea for something else that you don't see, it's easy to apply for funding to start your own group. Joining an interest/affinity group will ease your transition and help you meet other Ephs with at least one common/shared interest.</p>
<p>Thank you for all the responses! I will be visiting next week, but unfortunately, most students will be gone.</p>
<p>I am definitely excited about the experience... just a little freaked out. I feel like I need to make the leap though. This would be an experience of a lifetime.</p>
<p>"This would be an experience of a lifetime."</p>
<p>Most definitely. For the most part, Williams has a strong, supportive alumni network. Many alums enjoyed their Williamstown experience so much that, years later, they purchase second homes in the area.</p>
<p>What don't you like about UCLA? What do you like about it? What is it you are looking to find in a transfer school?</p>
<p>I would, personally, choose Williams over UCLA, but I have my own set of prioritized qualities in a school. I don't think the abstract nature of your question and the answers do you justice in highlighting the extreme differences between a huge public university in Brentwood and a small liberal arts college in the Berkshires.</p>
<p>There's no "one-size fits all" answer on a choice that is so extreme. It all must flow from what you are looking for. I imagine there are UCLA students who would love Williams and UCLA students who would hate it.</p>
<p>I personally don't like the big classes, the commuter school atmosphere, and exclusive greek life.</p>
<p>I want to go to williams because everything about it sounds appealing: professor interaction, awesome kids, and nature. </p>
<p>While I am definitely a city kid myself, I feel that now is the best time to explore and try something new. Being in a place like williamstown sounds so amazing and ideal. However, at the same time, I am worried that I wont realize what I took for granted in LA. But, I am willing to sacrifice whatever fears because my excitement definitely outweighs my fear.</p>
<p>I think that you'll get a very good sense of Williams when you visit. As I have repeatedly noted on these discussion boards, people are seldom ambivalent about Williams.</p>
<p>I will be visiting next week, but what if there will be no students? I think that seeing the campus alone is a lot different than seeing the campus with kids walking around. How much do you think this will influence the visit? </p>
<p>I am worried about making such a big decision. I know that from all the guidebooks and most of the comments on this board, the students are generally friendly, but I feel like I have to meet some of them to really get a feel for it. gah.</p>
<p>I realize it may be impossible to change flights without a penalty (although one of the airlines I use to Albany doesn't assess a charge to make a flight change), but if you could put off your visit until June 11th or so, more students would be on campus (on June 10th about 205 Ephs will be moving back into summer housing for work in various research and other positions). And some of the graduating seniors may be sticking around (commencement is June 3rd) although next week is known as a "dead week."</p>
<p>So, should I just send in my deposit and visit later? I haven't booked the plane tickets yet, but I wanted to visit before I send in the deposit. The price of the deposit isn't too big of a deal for me as long as I see williams students there.</p>
<p>BTW: I have finals until the 15th of June (qtr system). So will anytime after that be good?</p>
<p>Hey, there're about 300 students here over the summer - so you'll see some of us. There are also several camps running over the summer. You might even be able to visit some of the profs in their labs. Summer at Williams is amazing - so I've heard.</p>
<p>Hey what's going on? I'm also a transfer student that is going to be entering in Fall 2007 as a Sophomore. I live in New York [City] and will probably visit sometime after my finals are done this week.</p>
<p>hey! congrats on your acceptance as probably one of the few tranfers! I like everyone's been saying, I will probably visit the week of june 11 or later because I want to be able to see some students there. I don't mind losing the deposit.</p>
<p>I returned last night from a couple of days in W'town. Even walking down Spring St. Monday afternoon (immediately after finals were over but also after a lot of students had already left during the previous few days) just didn't feel the same as during the school year. I hope W'town gets back some of its buzz when the students spending the summer return by June 11th. Keep in mind that, when you visit, only 15% of the student body is slated to be there to enjoy what many say is the most glorious time of year in the Berkshires.</p>