James Madison University | Student Reviews | Best College

Student Profile

Julia

Class: Sophomore
Major: Criminal Justice
Gender: F

High School: Wakefield
Transfer Student: N

Big Picture

The think I like most about JMU is the community. Everyone is really nice and welcoming, even to freshmen. The professors are more than eager to help those that come to them with problems or questions. The campus is beautiful, even if the "ode d' dog food" comes with the morning mist. We have a student paper that even if it doesn't always print the most accurate news it makes for a great laugh in the opinion section. The campus is so safe during the day that students often leave their cellphones, iPods, and JACards (cards that are a student's lifeline at JMU) just sitting on tables while students get food. At night, our campus is so well-lit and heavily patrolled by the police department that nothing dangerous threatens the campus. In addition, free escorts are provided to students who need to go anywhere for any reason. But the best part of JMU, is our school pride. Every student at JMU bleeds purple and gold and we are THE University of Virginia.

Academic Life

Learning at JMU is very individualized per students. Professors are always ready to meet students and get to know them outside of class, but that always requires a first step from the student. The library is always full of students studying, especially during Finals Week when it's open 24/7. Professors generally encourage class participation but are not always successful. That generally depends on both class size and student's interest in the subject. Students tend to not be compeitive with each other but rather themselves instead. They are more than willing to help a classmate who missed a class or two, provide notes or help study for a test. JMU's academic requirements are slightly confusing at first. Students are required to take several General Education course throughout their years at JMU and these are simply aimed at making students well-rounded. These Gen Eds are similar to the core classes from grade school. Science, English, Arts, History, Math, and other general topics. There are many different courses offered by JMU that fulfill Gen Ed requirements and they can be taken in any order at any point during a student's education. Majors are geared with different goals in mind. The more liberal arts majors (such as English and History) are geared toward learning for the sake of learning but do try to give students skills useful in the working world. Most of the other majors are very much geared towards helping students turn themselves into highly competitive job applicants. Services are provided to help students prepare resumes, to improve important writing skills.

Student Body

I don't think any student would feel out of place at JMU. Everyone has their nitche here, from the frat boy to the hippie chick to the goth and anime clubs. Most people gather on the Quad during warm weather and seem to have their own place, but the places are always changing location. Hooka smokers stay in the shades of our massive trees, a bongo and guitar jam on the porch of a dorm, students throw Frisbees or kick around a soccerball, maybe throw a football. I've even seen someone set up a real-live Teepee on the edge of the Quad. People bring out their puppies and rabbits, maybe a turtle or two to play with as they sunbathe. Half the students come from Virginia, but there are lots who come from New England area, and even a few from Harrisonburg itself. Political views range from right to left to anywhere in between. We have both a Student Republicans and Student Democrats organizations, we have a Campus Christian Ministries, we have an organization against commericialation, we have a Swing Dance club, we ahve whatever you want. If we don't, people start their own group. You can always spot a freshman when walking to class. They are the ones that are dressed like they are going out to a club or trying hard to look their best for class. Upperclassmen show up to class in anything from torn jeans and yesterday's t-shirt to pajama pants and Pooh bear slippers. You see girls walking around in a small t-shirt, short shorts, and Ugg boots in the spring or out a party in the middle of winter.