Inside Story From Current Students

Important Links & Schedule

Welcome New Students
Forms to Fill Out
Orientation Schedule
Academic Calender
Housing Information
Office of Student Life

Resources for New Students & Parents

Health and Counseling Center Green Living Guide
Computer Questions
Staying In Touch
Inside Story from Current Students
For Families of New Students
Parent Handbook

While there are dozens "How to Succeed in College" books with entertaining and useful information, the generic doesn't always apply to life at WWC. Student Caucus (student government) members and friends suggest the following:

Be Yourself

Don't do what others are doing just because others are doing it.
Discover & do your favorite things...but don't forget to study.
Follow your dreams.
People here respect people who stand up for their beliefs.

Remember Academics

The Writing Center is a lifesaver...use it!
Try to trade textbooks with friends before using the bookstore.
Don't take 18 credits first semester...it takes time to adjust to the triad life.
Have fun and study ... time management is key.
Read — use the library and remember not to limit your thoughts to those presented in the classroom.

Ask for Help

Ask questions, even if they seem dumb. . .that's how to learn.
Dean of Students office has candy & answers to most questions.
Ask upperclass(wo)man how things are done.
Our librarians are personable search engines, and the couches are great.
Counselors and nurse really do keep things confidential, and they're free!

Work Hard

WWC stands for "We Work Constantly" not "We Will Complain."
Your work crew is a real job, take it seriously.
Volunteer on crews to learn more & get a leg up on crew choice.
Respect your supervisors. . .they become like family.
Whatever your task is, do it like you mean it. You are part of making this community a community.

Get involved

Join clubs/organizations.
Read flyers and bulletin boards.
Join Student Caucus...make your opinion heard!
Dance.
Visit Sage Café--great coffee, snacks, & entertainment.
Pay attention to & participate in events beyond WWC.
Get involved in Service a.s.a.p. ... the crew will help you find your niche!
Stay informed: use your WWC email account.
Do what you love but remember to get some sleep.
Say "Hi" to everyone on campus.
Learn people's names--meet one new person every day.

Find Balance

Make time for spirituality and yourself.
Use the meditation hut whenever.
Untame your mind.
Be prepared to do a lot of growing up quickly.
Limit your commitments...you need time to NOT DO.
Take time to think, reflect, relax.
Simplify.

Green the Campus

Recycle & use both sides of the paper.
Ride your bike.
Conserve water & electricity.
Get school supplies and clothes from the recycling crew's Free Store.
Don't walk on newly planted grass or in the landscaping beds.
Use the bus. It saves you money and you can have great conversations with the other people who are riding.

Eat Well

Sit with someone different at every meal.
Be creative at the salad & food bars...self-concocted food is best.
Take breaks from the cafeteria...cook with friends and neighbors.
Try Sage Café pizza.
Don't take Cow Pie's dishes.

Create a Home

Your residence hall is where you live, take care of it!
Minimize the amount of stuff you own.
Furnish your room with indoor plants...it makes a big difference!
Grab-box scavenging is a must.
Don't let your door slam.
Remember that RAs & RDs are here to help you.
Wash dishes before using them, even if they look clean.
Call your roommate now-plan to share things (fridge, stapler...).
Communicate with your roomie...share concerns as they happen.
Compromise is the key to successful dorm living.

Go Outside

Hike all the trails.
Swing on the rope swing, swim in the pond.
Visit the farm and garden.
Play in the snow. Play in the flowers. Read Whitman.
Read books outside ... do everything outside.

Explore Asheville

Read the Mountain Express newspaper--you'll find great stuff to do.
Support local businesses--bookstores, coffee houses, galleries.
Walk around town to learn the streets & your favorite places.

Don't Forget

Everyone sometimes has doubts about being in school.
Realize that college is a privilege.
Think for yourself. Speak from your heart. Live with passion.
Create community around you--don't expect it to come find you.
WWC isn't camp or an alternative to college; it's college.
Give family/friends your campus address--packages are lifesavers.
You're on your own now. Be careful, be responsible.
Respect others' beliefs even if you disagree with them.
This place is wonderful--not perfect--it stays wonderful through hard work, discussion, responsibility & respect for each other.

Check list of things you might want to bring with you:

Plate, bowl, cup and one silverware setting
Work gloves (plenty of work and service to be done!)
Hiking boots to get you around our 25 miles of trails.
A warm jacket. . .cold nights come early in the mountains.
Egg-crate mattress (extra padding helps).
Bathroom slippers! (flip-flops will do)
Large travel mug (with a lid) and a Nalgene bottle.
A good raincoat.
Computer. . . it's helpful (but there are 2 labs if you can't).
Bring an ample supply of detergent, as well as quarters.
Bring lots of underwear. . .you won't have to do laundry as often!
clothes hangers
flashlight
towels (at least 2)
twin sheets, pillow case, blanket/comforter
personal medication
personal toiletry items
posters (sticky tack available for mounting)
photos, artwork
rug
desk lamp
alarm clock
fun stuff (bike, kayak, snowboard, etc.)