Student Activities

What does WCU have to offer you?

As one of the most biodiverse regions in the world, Western North Carolina attracts people who want to get out and enjoy nature. Our students and staff often spend their free time hiking or mountain biking through national forests, and plenty of nearby camping destinations provide a fun way to unwind on weekends. 

Learn more about the university, "Top Adventure College" by Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine, and the surrounding area at Life in Western North Carolina.

DPT Life

Hiking: The Health and Human Sciences building (HHS) is nestled half a mile from main campus at the foot of WCU's trail system.

The trailhead to challenging hikes and beautiful views is right in our parking lot, so you don't have to stray too far to get a good, scenic hike in!

Paradise Falls, Black Balsam Knob, Waterrock Knob and Cullowhee Falls are other popular spots that aren't too far away.

WCU trail map
Whee Falls Guide
Blue Ridge Parkway Mileposts

   

  

  

Food: The Biltmore Park Instructional Site is located in Biltmore Park, which has a multitude of restaurants, stores, a movie theatre, and the local YMCA. This site is located 15 minutes from downtown Asheville where there are a plethura of restaurants, breweries, and entertainment. Some favorite restaurants include Curate, Itto Ramen, Buxton Hall, 12 Bones, Sunny Point Cafe, Biscuit Head, and Chai Pani. The most popular breweries students enjoy are Disolver Brewing, Sierra Nevada, New Belgium, Burial, Wicked Weed, Highwire, and Highlands Brewing. There are several restaurants, coffee shops, and microbreweries in the surrounding area in Cullowhee, as well. If you're looking for something quick, Java City is located in HHS and provides daily hot lunch options and delicious coffee! Main campus also offers options including Panda Express, Moe's Southwest Grill, Chick-fil-A, Chili's, Starbucks, and Einstein's Coffee and Bagels.

When you're in the area, our students recommend checking out Sazon's, El Patron, Guadalupe, Haywood Smokehouse for BBQ, City Lights Cafe for coffee and brunch, and Innovation Brewing for a taste of the local scene.

DPT Gives Back: As DPT students, we give back to our community by serving weekly in our student run Mountain Area Pro bono Health Services (MAPHealth) Clinic. This clinic exists at both Instructional Sites, Cullowhee and Biltmore Park. This gives us an opportunity to get hands-on clinical experience while giving back to the community.

We host fun events to support MAPHealth and to increase awareness of the clinic. One of our favorite fundraisers is the annual 5k Run during which DPT students get some exercise and give back! We also have a community garden where we grow produce which is given to our patients.

Department Fun: Yes, we are here to work hard, but we have a lot of fun doing it! During breaks from class, you almost always find our students playing hackey sack, four square, or spike ball outside in our spacious rooftop garden with a beautiful view. Sometimes, our professors will even join in for the fun! Students become family both in and out of class.

Intramurals: WCU DPT students love intramurals, and there are plenty of sports throughout the year!
Flag football, outdoor and indoor soccer, basketball, softball, ultimate Frisbee, and volleyball...you name it.
Interested in seeing what sports are available or how to create a team? Look no further! Visit the Intramural Sports Page.

WCU Sports: The DPT crew likes to enjoy Catamount football and tailgating on beautiful fall Saturdays (tickets are FREE if you reserve them online). 

Enjoy basketball games at Ramsey center, and find your inner catamount at countless other sporting events throughout the year! Check for updates on Catamount Sports.

  

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