Life at CDE

Life at CDE

Building Community

Fellows attend most of their classes in the CDE, a large, architecturally distinguished building on the college campus. The CDE contains two classrooms, several study rooms, a computer lab, a dining room, a communal student kitchen, a common living room, a recreational space, and administrative offices, all under one roof. The interaction among fellows made possible by this arrangement is a unique feature of the CDE program.

Prof. Bakija with a group of students outside of the CDE Building

While the winters can be long and the academics rigorous, fellows still manage to have a good time. Whether there is a scheduled campus-wide event, an event specifically designed for CDE fellows, or spontaneous playing in the snow, fellows are able to participate in a full range of college and CDE academic and social activities.

Accommodations

The Fellows Hall opened its doors to students in December of 2018. It has 30 individual rooms tastefully furnished with a double bed, desk, and dresser. Each room is equipped with a phone, internet cable, and wi-fi. Two rooms usually share a bathroom. The CDE fellows enjoy a well-lit common area, free laundry, and a kitchenette (fully stocked with basic dishes, a microwave, a refrigerator, and an oven).

Our beautiful housing facility, Fellows Hall, reinforces an ethos of learning and intellectual engagement that motivates students 24 hours a day.

living area in the dorm

All CDE Fellows participate in a meal plan that offers 20 meals a week. Weekday breakfasts and lunches are served in the CDE Hall. Dinners are offered in the Williams College dining hall facilities. Most meals include vegetarian and Halal options and aim to cater to our global participants’ diverse tastes.

An enticing array of the CDE mouthwatering dishes
2 women in colorful attire are carrying plates of food outside of the CDE building

Fun Activities

The 10 months of the CDE program are intense, and students are busy with many exams, papers, tests, and projects. But they find time to have fun with each other and explore many wonderful options that Williams College and Williamstown have to offer. Parties, movie nights, bowling, biking, hiking, and skiing are some of the activities that the CDE fellows enjoy during their time in the program.