Life at HWS

Life at HWS

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Happiest

It’s Going to be Fun,
by the Way.

Imagine spending four years surrounded by Statesmen and Herons (that’s what we call ourselves here) — the fun, smart, inspiring people who will be your adoptive family and constant companions.

Flex your acting chops at the stunning Gearan Center for the Performing Arts. Join The Executives hip-hop dance team. Learn fly fishing. Because, why not? Step beyond your own experience through events at the IC (our beloved Center for Intercultural Affairs).

Where there’s more opportunity in any given day than you’d ever be able to grab, but where you also can’t go wrong.
boathouse

Lake Effects

Continue your voyage on the longest and the deepest of the Finger Lakes with stupidly beautiful views.

The Colleges are a place where classmates have your back and cheer you on. Where competition is reserved for the court or playing field (or lake, if you are water-inclined). Where the teams are really good (have you heard of Ali Marpet?) and the fans are really loud (have you heard of earplugs?).

Where there’s more opportunity in any given day than you’d ever be able to grab, but where you also can’t go wrong. Because all of it is interesting. (And all of it is here for you.)

Whoever you are and whatever your path, you’re always in sight of our beautiful lake — the perfect complement to the excitement on the shore and a constant reminder of your inspiring horizons and endless potential.

HWS Offers

  • 80+ student-run clubs and organizations
  • On-campus centers for cultural support and exploration
  • 30 varsity athletic teams and dozens of intramural sports
  • A thriving, residential community where students live on campus all four years
  • A lakefront campus with stupidly beautiful views

 

  • boats
  • Student Life
  • Student Life
  • Student Life

Don’t be fooled by our bucolic setting. There’s never a dull moment at HWS.

Campus StoriesOne Campus
Campus

With Many Paths

 

 

  • Hobart and William Smith Colleges

    AlumsHighlights from 2024

    Look back at the exciting news and accomplishments that shaped the year, from HWS’ #4 ranking in the Wall Street Journal to extraordinary momentum behind “Further Together: the Campaign for our Third Century.”

    Read More
  • Hobart and William Smith Colleges

    AlumsMental Health Matters: Kelliher ’11 Encourages Students to Seek Support

    Katy Wolfe Kelliher ’11, a staff counselor at the HWS Counseling Center, shares insight into the support available to students.

    Read More
  • Hobart and William Smith Colleges

    Student-LifeAmplifying Voices: Fontana ’26 Takes the Helm of Podcast

    Kahlil Fontana ’26 is the new host and producer of the “Behind Success” podcast. First guest: Superbowl Champion Ali Marpet ’15. 

    Read More

Campus Life Gallery

CAMPUS RESOURCESYOUR SUCCESS IS OUR PRIORITY

The faculty, administration and students of HWS take an all-hands-on-deck, community-based approach to advising, mentoring, tutoring, applauding and supporting each other. Because we're at our best when all of us are thriving and everyone has a place to belong.

  • CAMPUS LIFE

    Connect with all the resources needed to live in community with peers, learn from world-class faculty, and engage with staff ready to help in your transition.

    Find your resources

  • CAMPUS HOUSING

    Enjoy life in a warm and welcoming, busy and electric 100%-residential campus community.

    FIND YOUR PLACE

  • ACTIVITIES AND ORGANIZATIONS

    Join or lead one (or more) of our 75+ student-run clubs and organizations or start a new one.

    FIND YOUR PEOPLE

  • Athletics

    Compete on one of our 30 NCAA teams (men’s lacrosse is Division I; the rest are Division III).

    Find Your Fans

  • INTERCULTURAL AFFAIRS

    Contribute to initiatives and dialogues that build belonging, celebrate diversity and expand social justice.

    FIND YOUR FAMILY

  • RECREATION

    Stay healthy and balanced by choosing among an array of activities, fitness classes, intramural sports and campus events. And go jump in a lake!

    FIND YOUR BLISS

  • DINING

    Choose among a variety of healthy, delicious, on-campus dining options including the Cellar Pub and Au Bon Pain.

    FIND DINNER

  • SUSTAINABILITY

    Drawing clean energy from 20 acres of solar panels, the Colleges are on track to meet a goal of carbon neutrality by 2025.

    FIND YOUR FUTURE

  • FIRST GENERATION INITIATIVE

    This program provides resources, programming and support for first-generation students and families.

    FIND YOUR FOOTING

  • LGBTQ+ Resource Center

    Build community in an environment that values and affirms the identities of LGBTQIA+ students, faculty and staff while also creating opportunities for allyship.

    Find Your Pride

  • Counseling Center

    Whether it’s a class to reduce anxiety or stress, or a one-on-one counseling session, a network of peers and professionals are ready to support your journey.

    FIND YOUR SUPPORT

  • SPIRITUAL ENGAGEMENT

    Celebrate and learn more about your religion and the faith traditions of those around you.

    FIND YOUR FAITH

  • MINDFULNESS

    Blend your coursework and co-curricular activities with your mindfulness practice.

    FIND YOUR ZEN

  • HUBBS HEALTH CENTER

    Urgent care, reproductive health and psychiatric services are available to keep your health on track.

    FIND YOUR CARE

  • AskHWS

    Find resources simply by indicating your concern.

    GET ANSWERS