Balsam Residence Dorm Reviews at Western Carolina

I have lived in Balsam for currently one semester but I am going back for my second semester soon. This residence hall is amazing in every aspect! It is super clean, the staff is friendly, and the location is perfect!

Balsam is a good dorm, especially because it is in the middle of campus and right next to the main cafeteria. It is usually pretty quiet and has helpful and friendly staff. It can look dirty, however, upon close examination. It seems they polish the floor after a few years and it traps dirt and hair underneath the polish and in the crevices. The dorms are approximately 10 years old and are in pretty good shape. There is air conditioning, but you cannot change the temperature settings. If you have been accepted into WCU's Brinson Honors College, this dorm will be one of the best on campus to stay at!

I have really enjoyed staying in Balsam my first semester of college. I had a private room with one suitemate that I shared a bathroom with. We each received our own sinks and the ceilings were super tall! Due to COVID-19 it has been hard considering the restrictions but the Balsam RAs did their best to make this semester feel normal.

I like living there even with the conditions we are under currently. Due to COVID we can't use the common rooms or the kitchen so it can be frustrating. Other than that I enjoy having my own private room and free laundry machines.

I'm living here during a global pandemic, so my opinion on common rooms is not clear. The doors to them have been locked. Mostly, it is clean here except when some students go out of their way to make a mess.