Social Scene Question and some other questions also

momrath
Sat, 16 Sep 2006 21:40:24 +0000

jota, First years live in exclusively firstyear dorms. They are assigned to a group of about 20-24 called an entry (because some of the rooms are arranged vertically and share an entry).

This year Williams changed their dorm assignments and the result is that an overwhelming number of firstyears will have singles. (I forget the percentage). Within the entry there are sub-groups of 2-4 rooms that share a common room which becomes the social meeting point.

For my son, who is now a senior, the entry system was one of the great pluses of Williams. It gives first years an instantaneous social group for hanging out, meals, parties. The entry is shepherded by two Junior Assistants – one male, one female – who provide all kinds of advice – academic, social, practical, emotional. These are unpaid and highly competitive positions and involve extensive training.

Williams has implemented a new system this year for sophomores onwards. Bascially, at the end of your firstyear you will choose to live in one of four neighborhoods each of which includes several dorms and houses. You will stay in that neighborhood for three years (though you can change buildings within the group). You can choose your specific room assignments with up to 5 of your friends so it’s not entirely random.

I wouldn’t say Williams has glaring problems, but it’s not for everyone. The people who tend to do best are those who really want to be there. Winter is long and severe and it helps to take an interest in something you can do in the snow.

I would describe Williams as insular rather than isolated. Between the campus and the village you can get to everything you need, but maybe not everything you want. It’s highly personal – not for the person who wants to shop at Gap or go to a different restaurant every weekend.