James Madison University

It's taken me a long time to really feel like I have a spot here. Yes, unless you are the typical white-girl-esque type, feeling like you belong is hard but if you really try to put yourself out there, it's doable. There is plenty of diversity if you really hunt for it (not that you should have to). Most people are super friendly despite the conformity.

The staff is hit or miss. I'm a dual degree student and I've found that the staff in one department is very encouraging and helpful while the other is a condescending nightmare. I've had professors that were wonderful and some that were the absolute worst. Most are right in the middle. Signing up for classes is hell and you really have to hound the administration to get any help.

The campus is beautiful but that seems to be where the money goes. Meanwhile some dorms dont have wifi or enough fire exits (looking at you, Eagle hall). Campus is huge and getting back in forth in time for class can be really tough but most professors are pretty understanding about it. Parking is impossible for commuters so don't bother buying a parking pass. Parties are overrated. Usually it's just crowded apartments or frats. Find your own group and you'll be fine. The town is super small but it's nice and safe. Usually you can find an event if you really look. I actually wish the school did more for the community since it could use so much help and we clearly have enough money to provide the football team with the world.

1st Year Female -- Class 2018

Faculty Accessibility: A+, Individual Value: C-

Let me be the one to be completely honest with you. JMU is the biggest hype school on the face of the earth. By this, I mean the school is incredibly hyped up to be an almost perfect atmosphere; this is not entirely false. People hold doors for you, but don't expect everyone to. The school lies to you when it says that Greek life isn't that huge. Unless you are a sorority or fraternity type, you won't be completely satisfied with your experience. Some, not all, sorority girls are very standoff-ish and rude. The school is also the least diverse school I have ever come across. Most people are white, from NOVA or Richmond, or the northeast. The geneds are hard and sorta uncessary- I had to take a really hard art history course and spent more time on that to get a B than I spent on classes for my major. The school is really big and a nuisance to get around. Once you figure out the bus system, you'll be ok. Don't expect to get on the ICS (inter-campus shuttle) ever, its almost always full. Try to not get classes in Memorial Hall as it can be hard to get to. The parking at JMU is an absolute joke, you pay 200 plus to get a parking pass with no guaranteed spot. The parties aren't very fun either; usually crowded apartment parties that get busted right away or frats where no one gets in except pretty girls. I once got denied because I wasn't hot enough, I kid you not.The low down- JMU is a really big school, and it's outgrowing the small, nothing-town of Harrisonburg. The students are generally happy and the professors are good, advisors are hit or miss. The academics are good and they have a good reputation. Basically, I reccommend but read my whole review first, it will help you in the end.

1st Year Female -- Class 2018

Campus Aesthetics: A+, Surrounding City: D+