What to Send
What to Bring
Where to Stay
How to Get Here 

What to Send

As soon as you register for orientation, be sure to submit:

• Your orientation fees
• Your university fees: $150 tuition deposit and $150 housing deposit (preferably before you attend your scheduled orientation program). Again, you won’t be able to register for classes until those fees are submitted.
• An up-to-date photo for your WCU ID card: Submit your photo via email to catcard@email.wcu.edu. Be sure to include your name, your student ID number (begins with “92”), and birth date (MMDDYY) on the photo or as part of your email message. You may also send your photo and information by regular mail in the addressed envelope provided with your orientation mailing. Your ID will be available for pickup during orientation.
• Proof of immunization: North Carolina General Statute 130 requires all students to provide proof of current immunizations for tetanus-diphtheria or diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus, rubeola (red measles), rubella (German measles), and/or polio before they can attend WCU. You will not be allowed to complete registration until this form is cleared by WCU Health Services [4.7.1]. Submit this information in advance to:

 WCU Health Center
 Bird Building
 Western Carolina University
 Cullowhee, NC 28723-9055
 Fax: 828-227-7400

What to Bring

• Bed linens (extra-long twin) and blanket
• Pillows
• Towels
• Bathrobe
• Alarm clock
• Comfortable clothing/shoes
• Umbrella and rain gear
• Pens/pencils
• Fan (for students)
• Towels/washcloths
• Toiletries
• Backpack
• Water bottle
• Flashlight
• Cell phone 
 
Don't bring uncomfortable clothes or shoes—or friends who are not registered for orientation.

Where to Stay

Because we want new students to experience campus life on their own, we provide them accommodations separate from their parents, so be sure to pack separately. If you require accommodations that are handicap accessible, please contact us immediately. Here’s more about accommodations:

Students

To get a taste of residential life, each new student is paired with a roommate and assigned to a room in Scott Hall. Scott Hall is not air-conditioned, so we recommend that you bring a fan.

Some accommodations for family members are available at Reynolds Hall (an air-conditioned facility), and they are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Parents will be assigned rooms together, and every effort will be made for single parents to have a private room. Every two rooms at Reynolds share a bathroom with a toilet and shower; sinks are located in each room.

**We are pleased that Reynolds Residence Hall is receiving additional renovations this summer and wanted to make you aware that it could look a little different on the outside as you are moving in for your overnight stay with us.  New carpeting should be in place for Orientation 2008, while a roofing project will be ongoing.  This construction will take place between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, while you are in orientation sessions.

Many families choose local off-campus accommodations instead of rooming at Reynolds Hall. Visit the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce for area information.

How to Get Here

By Air

The closest airport to WCU is located in Asheville, N.C., which is approximately one hour northeast of campus. The only transportation available from the airport to WCU is by taxi. Please keep in mind that a taxi from Asheville will be expensive.

By Bus

Greyhound provides bus service to the Asheville and the Waynesville bus stations. Waynesville is only 25 miles from Cullowhee. The only transportation available from the bus station to WCU is by taxi. Please keep in mind that a taxi from Waynesville or Asheville will be expensive.

By Car

WCU is located in Cullowhee, N.C., five miles south of Sylva on Highway 107. Get directions to WCU. 

Parking

For the summer programs in June, you will be parking around the residence halls where you will be staying. All parking areas will be clearly marked and patrolled by our campus police. In August and January, you will be parking in designated new student areas when you move in for the start of the semester. Parking is also available in the baseball lot and various outlying lots. Shuttle service to these lots runs every 15 minutes during the academic year.

Please consult your orientation packet for specific check-in instructions and directions. For building locations, please visit the campus map.

Check-in for two-day sessions will begin at Scott Hall; check-in for one-day sessions will begin either at the Ramsey Center concourse or the University Center.  Please refer to your confirmation email or letter for details regarding your specific date.