Western Carolina University

All classes centrally located

Participants will be right next door to the dining hall thus eliminating the need for shuttles. Balsam Hall offers couples friendly double occupancy rooms with private baths and single occupancy rooms which share a bath with only one other person. So no more than two people share a bath. The ample living space throughout the hall will be use for classroom space as well as the  Blue Ridge Hall Conference Center which is just next door.

On-campus residence halls provide the “camp” camaraderie of staying with other dulcimer people for the week in a central location. You’re “going back to college.” The accommodations are clean and modern, but this is not a luxury hotel – no room service, no wake-up call, no maid service, and bathrooms are shared as described above. You'll receive linens and a couple of towels for the week but most prefer to bring extras of these items. You will need to bring clothes hangers and may want to bring along an pillow and a small desk lamp. Those who like a soft bed often bring a foam pad. Most of our participants favor these accommodations, finding them quite comfortable. We save a limited number of handicapped-accessible rooms if you register early. If you require different accommodations you can request from us a list of area lodgings or campgrounds. 

On-campus accommodations are sold as a package with all meals included, beginning with the Sunday night banquet and going through breakfast on Friday morning in the all-you-can-eat university dining hall. WCU’s room/meals packages offer cost savings and more convenience than having to use off-site hotels and restaurants.

Single Occupancy Room with full meal package = $339.00 per person
Double Occupancy Room with full meal package = $289.00 per person

Here is a list of useful things to bring with you for your stay at Western Carolina University.

Dorm Room
• Mattress pad  (the dorm beds may not be as comfortable as the one you sleep on at home)
• Your own personal pillow  (a basic pillow will be provided for you by WCU along with sheets, towels and washcloths)
• Fitted twinXL bed sheet (WCU provides sheets. However, they are two flat sheets. You may prefer a fitted one)
• Toiletries  (basic items are not available for purchase in the dorm)
• Extra blanket  (some dorm rooms tend to get quite chilly during the night)
• Desk lamp or night light  (the only lighting in the rooms comes from fluorescent ceiling lights)
• Ethernet cable  (although the dorm is equipped with wireless Internet, a direct connection via Ethernet cable is sometimes more reliable)

Instructional Classroom  (many of these items can be purchased in the Dulcimer Emporium)
• Pencil
• Eraser
• Highlighter
• Note Pad
• Electronic Tuner
• Capo
• Picks
• Extra Strings
• Music Stand
• Reading Glasses
• Pocket Size Recorder  (please ask permission from the instructor before doing any recording)

What To Wear
• Comfortable, casual clothes are best. Although it's July, the dorm rooms and instructional classrooms sometime get a bit chilly. So, a long sleeved shirt or two and maybe even a sweater could come in handy - especially if you're one who tends to get cold easily.
• Comfortable walking shoes. The campus setting provides an excellent opportunity to get some exercise between classes if you choose.
• Rain jacket or umbrella. Although it's just a short walk form the dorm to the cafeteria, you might appreciate some protection, should it rain.