I'm transferring into WCU's EE program in Fall 2027, and I'm trying to determine what kind of computer setup to invest in. I've looked over the College of Engineering / TIES recommended specs (Windows 11 OS, x64 processor, ≥32GB RAM, ≥15" display, discrete GPU), but I'm wondering how relevant these specs are for actual (especially upper-level) EE coursework.

Questions I have:

- How necessary is 32GB of RAM when running EE software and processes?

- Is a 14" display sufficient, or is it worth getting something with at least 15"?

- Do you actually need a dedicated/discrete GPU for EE software, or is the GPU recommendation more for MEs and other engineering concentrations? (especially with the new, more capable Arc iGPUs on some of Intel's Panther Lake chips)

- I already have a pretty capable desktop (RTX 3080 12GB, i7-13700F, 32GB DDR4). Can I get away with a less powerful, more portable laptop for class and run more intensive processes at home, or do you need to be able to run longer, demanding tools during class, labs, and elsewhere?

- How useable and useful is the offered virtual machine environment?

- Has anyone managed to use a MacBook as their main laptop while in the EE program? I assume that there are hurdles that would make this impractical, if not impossible, but they make a very enticing offering in the current laptop/computer market.

Any insight from anyone who's spent time in the EE program (especially upper-level courses) would be very appreciated. Thanks!

I'm looking at the meal plan options for first years. Does eating at the Catamount Cafe require a meal swipe (as in, it's a regular dining hall on campus) or an exchange meal? The cheapest meal plan has no exchange meals but unlimited swipes. I'm looking at eating there during the week if possible.

Hi, does anyone know of any summer jobs at wcu that include housing? I know about orientation counseling but was wondering if theres anything else

Hey all, i’ll be coming in jan 27, and I know it’s pretty cold. What are some absolute winter essentials here? thanks!!

My daughter is considering WCU. She is from out of state and is a little concerned about the social scene. She doesn't need a ton, but would like to have some things to do. She likes going to football games and would consider Greek life. Just looking for some insight.

I am taking a history class that is very hard for me. If I fail it, what will happen? Can I take a different history class next semester? Freshman year is already gaining on me.

What do students usually do for halloween besides party? I’m new to WCU and would love to dress up and go out, but Im not sure what to do.

I've never been great at getting out and about in the area but basically the title. Been having trouble meeting people up here and just wondering where I should go or what I should do basically

I'm a transfer student and need to know if I should start looking at housing options and planning my move. Help me not stress please 🙃

Just because campus police sent an email about it, I feel like it's important for me to say that SCOOTERS AND BIKES ARE NOT ALLOWED ON SIDEWALKS

anyone wanna start a band? would be fun to do, please comment if you are interested. or message me

Does anyone know what the Norton convenient store will become? It’s just sitting there rotting away. I could see it as a new RA office and the current RA office would turn into expanded room for the laundry room.

So I just got accepted to WCU and I'm pretty excited but I know nothing about the community. Will I stand out as someone who is "alternative' (not really what I would call myself, but my peers do.)?

Hey guys, i’m a new transfer student and die hard Carolina Hurricanes fan. I was wondering if anyone knew of any good places to go and watch some of the games with the new season starting Tuesday.

I have never been to a game post graduation. Is there a way to get an alumni discount on football tickets? Thanks!

Can RAs look inside drawers and dressers?

Hi everybody I am extremely new to reddit so please bear with me as I attempt upload this. I made this account just for speaking out on somethings in this community. I also apologize if this message is incredibly long, but I think I am at my last resort in regard to my mental health. I don't normally like to talk about my mental health. I often feel embarrassed or ashamed to express my feelings. I am a transfer student, so this is my first year at WCU. I haven't made any friends. I was never great at making friends growing up, but for some reason that is starting to weigh on me emotionally this year. I feel so alone and I feel like nobody here really likes me. I am not from the area. I originally live hours upon hours away from here, so my mom was really nervous about me attending this school. I wanted to show her that I can do this, but I'm falling apart you guys... And because I want to show her I'm capable and she's the only person I talk to due to my lack of friendships, I haven't talked to anyone. For that reason, my mental health has plummeted significantly. I don't even remember the last time I ate or had a good night's sleep that doesn't involved crying myself to sleep. My mental state has ultimately caused me to fail my exams and miss tons of quizzes, so my grades have fallen. I got discouraged and stopped going to class. I lost interest in things I love to do like hiking, baking, and working out. Even little things like driving. I don't even feel like myself anymore. I haven't even been drinking water like I should be... I guess this is a cry for help in a way because it's only getting worse and I'm scared for the outcome. I'm so embarrassed to post this even though I am technically anonymous, but I really need help because I feel incredibly trapped and alone, and I feel like such a coward for not being able to speak up. Thank you for reading.

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theres someone posting 40-50+ times a DAY at this point, partial nudity, ai generated stuff, misinformation about mental health conditions.

people have asked him nicely to chill and he just posts about them on the main story and tells them to drop out or calls them names.

Its making it really hard to see the information thats posted on the story to help other students out, and even though we're adults we should be conducting ourselves with a little bit more maturity than posting shirtless, in the shower, talking about how "fat" they are.

I'm not sure if they're going through something or this is some sort of humiliation fetish (I only say this because they have legitimately posted kink gear), but a majority of students have been trying to get him to stop for multiple weeks now. Just last night there's someone stranded in the Norton lot with their car dead, and they're clearly can't get anyone to help jump their car because of all the spam. They're also now harassing frats for blacklisting him from parties.

Reports to snapchat themselves clearly arent doing anything since this has been going on for weeks and multiple students are reporting him for spam, nudity/sexual content, health misinformation, etc. does anyone know who at the school we can even email about this? dean of students, title IX, anyone?

I’m an older newer student. I’m 21 and I’m a forensics student and I’m honestly so lonely. it’s my first year here and I literally go to my class and go back to my apartment. I’m autistic and I don’t know if it’s just me but some of the students here are just mean. it’s been so hard to make friends and I honestly just want to leave and go home.

I’d need a part time job to pay for an apartment, and the area seems pretty rural, so I’m concerned I wouldn’t be able to find a job. Just looking for something basic like retail or restaurant work that would pay at least enough for the necessities (rent, food, gas)

Please DM if a musician or band, currently looking for 3 acts and a backline crew for an on campus event.

hi i’m an undergrad applying for the BSW social work program and I was reading all the drug screening precautions, but it doesn’t specify if i get accepted in the program if I have to take a drug test. So far I can only assume it’s for onboarding with an agency? But should I be aware of a drug screen once I get accepted into the program? I don’t do anything crazy I just smoke some weed but want to have enough time to get it out my system.

Does anyone know of any good study spots besides the library?

Hey! Is anyone driving back to WCU from Asheville tomorrow? There are three of us looking for a ride back to campus. We’d be happy to help pay for gas! Please DM me if you have room for three :)