Where Am I?!

Orientation for First Years

Maybe already, when you told friends or family that you’d soon be heading for Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts, you heard that familiar question: where on earth is that?? Where Am I?! is a mid-orientation program that’s designed to help you answer that question by introducing you to the many dimensions of life in and around “the Purple Valley”.

The Where Am I?! experience begins with small groups. Expect a lot of bonding and laughter as you add a dozen of your frosh classmates and two upper-class group leaders to your first pool of Williams friends. Group leaders have been chosen for their potential to be friends, guides, and community-builders.

During the 3 days of mid-orientation, you’ll spend mornings and afternoons on and off campus with your group, getting to know each other as you get to know our region and some of our neighbors. In the evenings there’ll be a wide variety of social and arts activities planned, on and off campus, so you’ll have a lot of settings for relaxing and getting the feel of the place.

What will we do?

• You’ll meet some of our neighbors –organic farmers, cinema house directors, and everyone in between. You’ll hear stories of the Mohawks and Nipmucs, Shakers, milltown workers, and the Ephs.
• You’ll spend a morning or afternoon working in a local soup kitchen or food pantry – or in a hospice wielding a paintbrush or in a drumming workshop at a nearby residence for at-risk youth. One afternoon may take you to a local history-themed mini golf course, to a waterfall, or to the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art in North Adams.
• You’ll spend an evening with entrymates and friends eating s’mores around a bonfire, listening to a local contra dance band.
• Groups will gather in the morning and return to campus around 4 or 5 in time for various social and cultural events on campus or beyond.

What will I need?

• Just a willing heart and some good walking shoes; no other equipment or special skills necessary. (Let us know if you have any mobility concerns.)

What will it cost?

• Nothing. (But you might want to have $10 or $20 pocket money.)