Western Carolina University is nestled in the achingly beautiful mountains of Cullowhee, North Carolina. On warm spring days, students can be found playing Frisbee on the extensive grounds, studying in the courtyard outside the dining hall, or just bathing in the sunlight. In addition to the beautiful grounds, Western Carolina has excellent academic programs that provide extensive training for the job world. However, there are a few things you should know before attending WCU.
1.) Living in a dorm isn’t always the best option. For some people, living in a dorm is an exciting adventure that allows them to meet new people and hang out with like-minded students. However, if you’re a more private and withdrawn person, the idea of using communal bathrooms and sleeping with strangers can be downright terrifying.
If this sounds like you, it is conceivable that special arrangements could be made, but you need to make sure that you plan them well in advance of your arrival. It’s perfectly possible to share a room with a close friend or family member. One bizarre rule at Western Carolina University dictates that freshmen are required to stay in the dorms, but many older students choose to stay in the apartment complexes that surround the university. Obviously, this may be a bit more expensive than staying in a dorm, but it is definitely worth it if you don’t want to go to the trouble of crazy roommates and minimal privacy.
2.) Changing your major will not lead to the end of the world. When I entered college, I was Hell-bent on becoming a scientist. I wanted to decode the laws of nature and learn to see into the universe’s soul. However, science is not quite so idealistic. Much of it is tedious and difficult. After a while, I decided that I needed to choose a different field, so I switched to English, and I loved every moment of that degree program. Students should always realize that changing your major is an option if your current degree program isn’t working out.
3.) Psychological services are at your disposal.College can be a difficult time. For many students, it’s the first time they’ve ever been away from home. The stress of this huge life change can bring underlying psychological issues bubbling up to the surface. If you find this happening to you, you should know that Western Carolina University has an entire team of professionals dedicated to providing quality psychological support. You should always feel free to schedule an appointment if you feel that things are becoming overwhelming.
4.) Getting help for classes is easy. The Western Carolina University Writing and Learning Commons is an excellent resource for anyone who is struggling with a class. Even if you’re not struggling, tutors at the Writing and Learning Commons will be happy to help you learn to think more deeply about your coursework. Older students in each field are given tutoring positions, and they will meet with you to discuss topics that you might be having trouble with. In general, students cannot walk-in to get tutoring; you need to sign up in advance, but the online sign-up system is very easy.
5.) Summer school at WCU is awesome! When you attend summer school at WCU, not only are the professors more laid back, but you also have the campus pretty much to yourself. During the academic year, the campus is packed with students. In the summer, it’s very nearly deserted. This means that you don’t have to shuffle through large crowds or wait in long lines. If I could do it over again, I would go to more summer classes.
Andrew McClure graduated from Western Carolina University in 2014 with a degree in English, a concentration in professional writing, and a minor in biology. He enjoys reading, writing, and studying alongside his two dogs, Pepper and Little Ann.