火爆社区

With over 70 majors and 130 programs at James Madison University to choose from, students note that there are 鈥渕any different paths you could take with your education.鈥� But what stands out to them is how the school provides 鈥渟o many resources to help you with the switch from high school to college鈥� (free tutoring, study sessions, a Student Success center), and how the university鈥檚 core curriculum gives them 鈥渁n innovative way to see other majors, such as [using] the planetarium and getting to look through the telescopes for scientific projects.鈥� Classes are peppered with hands-on learning opportunities like 鈥渦ndergraduate research, symposiums, poster presentations, [and] conferences.鈥� For instance, one management class features the Dukes Impact Challenge, where students 鈥渉ave to design and sell merchandise within six weeks, and all the money goes to a local non-profit.鈥� Professors are 鈥渧ery accessible,鈥� at least during office hours, and 鈥渁lways feel helpful and like they genuinely want to see you do your best.鈥� This approachability makes teachers feel 鈥減ersonable, and you can create strong relationships with them.鈥� One student adds, 鈥淭hey are extremely flexible (depending on situations) and understand life gets in the way sometimes.鈥� Many professors bring 鈥渢heir life experiences and implement them into the class to make the learning experience more enriching.鈥� This desire to engage students is one reason why, 鈥渇or many people, JMU is the perfect college.鈥�

A strong, shared identity is at the heart of the JMU experience. 鈥淓veryone鈥檚 such a proud student/staff/alumni of JMU. It鈥檚 so refreshing seeing such pride in the community.鈥� That鈥檚 impressive with over 20,000 undergraduates, and some note that 鈥渨hile it is a larger school, it feels very well contained鈥� and integrates seamlessly with the community, as students 鈥渁re very connected to the people that live in Harrisonburg and to the natural surroundings.鈥� Dukes, the name for JMU students, are a social bunch, and students say that it is 鈥渧ery easy to get into a conversation with any person.鈥� And one student attests, 鈥淚 have had lunch bought for me when my campus card didn鈥檛 swipe.鈥� Balance is a key tenet of JMU life, and 鈥渕ental health is extremely important to the staff and students.鈥� This is good for those who have 鈥渄ifferent aspirations and passions that they pursue in their own unique ways here,鈥� and everyone is 鈥渟upportive of decisions but not afraid to speak up for what they believe.鈥� This group 鈥淸radiates] positivity and friendliness鈥� and 鈥渟hows compassion, reliability, and love for each other no matter the circumstances.鈥�

JMU gives students 鈥渟o many ways to get involved and try new things,鈥� and in return, the 鈥渧ery passionate鈥� students 鈥渄on鈥檛 just go to class then go home; they join clubs, show up to events, and make campus feel alive.鈥� That鈥檚 perhaps because 鈥渨ith more than 400 clubs and organizations, it鈥檚 easy to find your people.鈥� Greek life is popular, the recreation center (UREC) is a common destination, and you鈥檒l often see students 鈥渆ngage in Spikeball and lacrosse on the quad.鈥� This Division I school also has a strong athletic program, and 鈥渇ootball games are extremely popular and definitely fun and worth going [to].鈥� The 鈥渄ining hall system is an incredible asset,鈥� and JMU has 鈥済reat food for a university.鈥� Mainly, students simply enjoy being around each other, even if it鈥檚 just to 鈥渨atch a lot of shows and movies, or all lie on the ground and doomscroll together.鈥� Between the people and clubs, JMU 鈥渞eally [has] something for everyone and [wants] people to be involved.鈥� Consequently, as one student says, 鈥淓veryone has so much school spirit for JMU, it makes you feel like you belong no matter what you are involved in.鈥�