Williams has a unique first year residential life program called the Entry System. All first years are assigned to live in an entry. An entry is a group of 30-50 students that live in the same section of one of the first-year dorms. There are 14 entries in total.

Each entry is intentionally designed as a microcosm of the Williams community, to reflect the diverse backgrounds and interests of our campus, and serves as one of the first support networks our first-years encounter. The system seeks to create genuine community and provides the opportunity for first years to get a glimpse of all the amazing talents, interests, and experiences their peers have to offer.

Within each entry live Junior Advisors (JAs), upperclassmen who help guide the first-year experience. This is a prestigious leadership role on campus.
•Every year, many sophomores apply to be a Junior Advisor.
•A pairings are not based on gender identity.
•Unlike Resident Advisors (RAs) at other institutions, JAs do not have disciplinary power. JAs serve as mentors and friends and are there to serve as community-builders; they offer knowledge and advice when needed and foster a positive living environment for everyone in the entry.

The entry common room includes a TV with full cable and serves as a gathering place for entry snacks every Sunday night. The entire first year class has snacks scheduled at 10:00 PM every Sunday night, and pairs of entry mates take turns making snacks. It is a great study break, a good time to hang out and relax, as well as a time for entry mates and campus organizations to share announcements about campus events.

60%-65% of first years have singles, and that percentage increases to 70-75% of upperclassmen.

Incoming first-years arrive about ten days before the first day of class for “First Days.” This period of time is often called “Camp Williams,” because it is a fun time on campus for the first year class to settle in and get to know the entry, their JAs, and all that Williams has to offer.

During First Days, Williams offers four-day programs called EphVentures, which are designed to enhance the orientation experience, provide opportunities to build lasting friendships and develop an appreciation for the campus and community. EphVenture options include:
•WOOLF (Williams Outdoor Orientation for Living as First-years) – A four-day outdoor adventure with options to hike, backpack, rock climb & canoe for all levels. Two sophomores lead the trips.
•Where Am I?! – A program devoted to exploring the Berkshires through community service and day trips.
•Exploring the Arts – A program focused on the Berkshires as a cultural crossroads.
•Team Eph – A program specifically designed for first-year fall athletes as they begin to balance the rigors and joys of being a student- athlete while also contributing to the larger Williams community.
•Leading Minds — Created for, and by, student leaders and administrators interested in providing a head start in leadership18 development at Williams.
•Root - an orientation focused on building community on campus through the lens of diversity, sustainability, and social justice.

Williams also offers pre-orientation programs geared towards international, transfer and first-generation students that center on fostering friendships and connecting students to helpful resources as they transition to the Williams community.

On-campus housing is guaranteed for all four years, and 96% of the student body lives on campus. Seniors, and in some cases, non-traditional aged students, are allowed to live off-campus (a small number do). However, off-campus living is still very much a part of the campus.

Rising sophomores through seniors select housing through a lottery system based on seniority and have the option to pick into upperclassmen dorms with groups of friends. Upperclassmen housing options are varied; students can live in traditional dorm buildings, semi-private houses, co-ops, suite-style arrangements or a converted inn (equipped with private bathrooms!). For students interested in returning to a quiet space each evening, Williams offers a quiet housing option.

Williams does not have any fraternities or sororities. The Greek system was abolished through a student-led movement in 1969. When Greek life was dismantled, most of the buildings were sold, leased, or given to the school. The buildings are now mostly residential houses and their social spaces and libraries have been preserved.