<p>i can't edit my last post???
so i know williams is out in the middle of nowhere but how far is the closest big city? and what kind of activities are there to do on campus since there's really nothing around at all...</p>
<p>if you think there’s ‘nothing around’ then…maybe the environment isn’t the best for you.</p>
<p>there’s a huge mountain valley around you! i for one think that that is much better than any city :)</p>
<p>The little town has an independent cinema which shows great films.</p>
<p>North Adams is about ten minutes away, and a very inexpensive cab ride. MOCA (MA Museum of Contemporary Art) is there and has visual and performance art. There is a current cinema with about four screens and many restaurants.</p>
<p>The mall is about 20 minutes away and has a large multiplex.</p>
<p>Pittsfield is 30 minutes away and is a small city without too much to interest college students, but there is a hospital and everything that goes with that.</p>
<p>Albany is an hour away. There are concerts and some night life there, and of course, all the things available at SUNY Albany.</p>
<p>On campus there is a performing arts center with several theaters. There are lectures and many music events, many music performance groups and clubs.</p>
<p>However, it IS remote in feel.</p>
<p>Dear lalilalila:</p>
<p>All major cities are within 3 to 4 hours distance from Williams, excluding Albany, New York. By this I mean metropolitan cities of note.</p>
<p>The founder, Ephraim Williams, intended to build a school where its residents would find character and forge a personality of the hero. Perhaps a more feminine, global community of sanguine souls would suit you more than the challenging environs of Williams. </p>
<p>Understand you personal needs and then choose. When I play Bach or Schubert, I do not defer to the metropoiltan cadence of mediocrity.</p>
<p>Find what you want, and you will succeed immeasurably. Success and more importantly personal success is when you find your place rather than the position of place and importance of placement. </p>
<p>Mediocrity is the manner of those whose measure of self loses impotance to means.</p>
<p>Best wishes and with great confidence in your success,</p>
<p>HR</p>
<p>i’m trying to decide whether or not you’re being condescending, implying that i couldn’t handle “challenging environs” 
very subtle, i’ll admit…
i was just wondering…but really, as long as i get a great education, it doesn’t matter where :)</p>
<p>and thanks, mythmom!</p>
<p>Dear Lalilalila:</p>
<p>Good God!</p>
<p>Condescension? A great education may be had without the walls of any institution. Needless to say, four years passes by quickly, for now that parchment is very near.</p>
<p>I noted that I missed in spelling a line above:</p>
<p>“Mediocrity is the manner of those whose measure of self loses impoRtance to means.”</p>
<p>You will receive a great education, doubtless wherever you enter.</p>
<p>You make the difference, LaLa.</p>
<p>Enjoy your ride and see the good in it.</p>
<p>just teasing, horseradish
misspelling ‘importance’ does make a lot more sense than misspelling ‘impotence’…
and i will enjoy the ride!</p>
<p>^ ride…the tide to Swat? o_o!</p>
<p>LOL, kidding. hope to see ya this fall :D</p>
<p>lalilalila, My observation is that the kids who are happiest at Williams are those who want to be in Williamstown. The area offers a lot: profound natural beauty, all kinds of outdoorsy activities and a surprisingly sophisticated arts scene – museums, dance, theater, music of all sorts. There are enough campus sponsored activities such – sports, arts, political, social – to keep anyone occupied 24/7.</p>
<p>But access to a real city while doable is not easy. Public transportation is available, but it takes some effort.</p>
<p>When my son was at Williams he usually went to New York or Boston once or twice a term, either for a school associated event or a personal visit. For him this was enough to satisfy his urban longing. He was always happy to return to the Purple Bubble. </p>
<p>Reactions to Williamstown are intensely subjective. There is no question but that Williams IS insular, but only you can judge if it’s the right environment for you.</p>