Townspeople enjoy access to the college's library, cultural events, and athletic facilities. At any given time, several Williams faculty and staff members sit on town boards, all of which are volunteer. Living in a town still small enough to hold annual New England-style town meetings, students find ample opportunities for civic involvement. Weather Williamstown experiences the full range of seasons. When students arrive on campus in the fall, the weather is usually mild, but winter can descend quickly.
Winter weather can be cold and snow-fall heavy.
Students should bring appro-priate clothing or plan to buy it as soon as they arrive. Necessary winter items include sweaters, a raincoat, a windbreaker, warm socks, gloves, boots, a hat, and a winter coat. Shopping and Banking Spring Street, which is adjacent to campus, is the heart of Williamstown's shopping area. It has a bank, clothing stores, a small market, a pharmacy, a newsstand, a stationery and office supply store, a sporting goods store, a travel agency, a hair salon, a barbershop, and a variety of eating establishments. Nearby Water Street has several restaurants, an outdoor clothing store, the college bookstore, a coin-operated laundry, and other shops.