Room, Boarding and Packing Information
Lodging at SPI
Participant accommodations on campus are in air-conditioned apartments at the Hillside Suites dormitory. Each apartment has 2 to 4 bedrooms adjoining a common living room, bathroom and kitchen. Participants will be assigned to an apartment with other SPI participants of your gender. All participants will be lodged in single bedrooms within the suite.
SPI contracts with EMU Auxiliary Services on campus to provide each bed with a pillow, blanket and a linen set. An EMU linen set consists of two single size flat sheets, one pillowcase, two towels and two washcloths. Please note that fitted sheets are not provided. We encourage participants to bring their own if they can. If staying for multiple sessions, participants will be able to exchange used linens for fresh ones
The kitchen in each suite/apartment has a stove, microwave, and refrigerator. Dishes, basic cookware and eating utensils are also provided. You are welcome to bring your own favorite kitchen tools.
- Handicap-accessible rooms are available. Please request on your Reservation form
- If you wish to stay off-campus, read more: Information on area hotels/motels/community rentals
Check-in for lodging is at Hillside Suites. See a Community Assistant (CA) to get your room assignment, room key, and a key card for dormitory access.
Food at SPI
SPI provides a breakfast buffet during registration at the start of each session. A morning coffee break is also provided each day classes are in session.
The University Cafeteria serves a noon meal on weekdays while SPI is in session. This meal is included in the price of lodging for those living on campus. Those living off campus may purchase the noon meal for $7.50 per day. The University cafeteria does not permit food from outside to be brought into the main dining room.
Once each session, the entire SPI community gathers for a catered meal and guest speaker presentation. All SPIparticipants taking a course that session are invited to the meal. The cost is included in the course fee.
Participants are responsible for all other food needs. All participants living in Hillside Suites have a kitchen in their suite. Two grocery stores and several local restaurants are within walking distance of the EMU campus. Special items such as specific spices, halal meat, and kosher foods may be difficult to find in Harrisonburg, although there are some limited sources.
What to pack and what to expect for weather
The weather in the Shenandoah Valley varies greatly during May and June. It can be as cold as 10 degrees C (50 degrees F) or as hot as 32 degrees C (90 degrees F). There can be periods of rain or dry heat. Spring is usually, however, quite pleasant.
Bring along an umbrella, a light jacket, sweaters, warm socks and shoes, in addition to hot weather clothing. If you enjoy physical exercise, you may also want to bring along clothing suitable for such activity. Community life is an important part of the SPI experience. Many optional activities will be planned for you, possibly including hiking and swimming. You may want to bring along appropriate clothing for such activities if you wish to participate. You are also encouraged to bring the traditional clothing of your region. One evening during each session, we will celebrate the food, clothing, and cultural traditions of SPI participants.
EMU does have coin-operated laundry facilities on campus, in Hillside Suites.
