- Academic Programs & Support
- WCU Global
- International Students
- International Student Housing
International Student Housing
There are two housing options available to international students enrolled at Western Carolina University. Learn more about these below.
IMPORTANT: Student housing both on and off campus is in very high demand. Our office strongly recommends that accepted students plan their housing as early as possible.
On-Campus Housing
Live with a roommate. Make friends in your residence hall. Practice and learn English every day.
**IMPORTANT: Exchange and first-year students must live on campus.**
Who Can Live Here: Single semester and full-year students.
Why Choose This Option: Located on campus, close to classes, easy to attend university student activities
and does not require a car. On-campus shuttles offer free transportation to important campus locations. This shuttle system does
not provide off-campus transportation.
Your Living Space: Shared living space with a roommate. Residence Hall rooms are equipped with furniture,
utilities, and high-speed internet. Most rooms include an ensuite bathroom and a few
have a shared kitchen.
Meals: Meal plans are a required purchase for all students who live in a dormitory. All-You-Can-Eat
meals are served in campus dining halls. On-campus restaurants and coffee shops also
offer a wide variety of food choices.
Does Not include: linens (bed sheets, blankets), bathroom items (towel, washcloth), or kitchen items (pots, pans).
NOTE: On-campus housing is not available for couples, families, or students accompanied by children.
No assignments/selections will be made unless the non-refundable housing deposit has been paid AND your online contract (Residence Hall Agreement) has been completed online.
Accept the offer of admission + Pay the enrollment deposit (see our Pre-Arrival List STEP 2 for directions)
View the Residence Hall Agreement tutorial video.
Review the Room Assignment & Preferences Steps. Then, follow the steps on that page to complete your online contract and select the preferences of the building you want to live in, your meal plan option, and the roommate you want to live with.
The Residence Hall Agreement will ask you for a 10-digit phone number. If you have a U.S. phone number, please enter it here. If you do not have a U.S. phone number, please enter our IPS office number with no dashes or spaces: 8282277494
The housing process requires that you indicate which residence hall you would prefer to live in, whether you prefer to live in a single or double room, and your preferred roommate (if you have one). This is also where you will choose your meal plan. According to University policy, all students living on campus are required to purchase a meal plan.
About WCU's Residence Halls
Campus Dining & Meal Plan Options
ISEP and KNPU students are not required to make the $150 housing deposit.
Due to our agreement, ISEP and KNPU students must choose:
- Central/Judaculla Double Room: You will have a roommate; choosing a single will result in an additional charge.
- Unlimited Meal Plan: You will have unlimited dining hall meals. Student pays the difference if a more expensive plan is chosen.
If you choose a more expensive room or meal plan, you will be required to pay the cost difference.
Off-Campus Housing
Easily engage in the local community. Rent your own apartment or house.
**IMPORTANT: Exchange and first-year students must live on campus.**
Who Can Live Here: Recommended for full-year students only.
Why Live Here: Located in the surrounding communities where you can engage in American life outside
of a university setting. Ideal for older students and students with families.
Your Living Space: Varies from location to location.
Meals: All food shopping and meal preparation is your responsibility. A special on-campus
meal plan is available for purchase from WCU during the Fall and Spring semesters.
Does not include: Transportation. Students are responsible for all transportation. Local public bus
and taxi services are both expensive and not very convenient. If you do not plan on
buying a car, we strongly recommend you rent housing that is within walking distance of WCU's campus.
Linens and bathroom items are not included. Some housing option include kitchen items
and most located near the university include furniture.
NOTE: Off-campus housing is a good option for couples and families with children. Most apartments require tenants to sign a twelve (12) month contract. Please plan accordingly.
While we recommend that our international students live on campus, transfer students have the option of living off campus while studying at WCU.
NOTE: Finding off-campus housing can be a challenge in Cullowhee. Most rental property managers will require you to sign a one-year lease, and you will likely be responsible for finding a sub-letter if you break that lease. Many off-campus housing options also require a car to get to and from campus.
Begin your search for off-campus housing at offcampushousing.wcu.edu
Useful Information
