Commuters at James Madison?

Colleges and Universities A-Z James Madison University
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<p>A friend of mine recently remarked that she had taken her daughter on a college trip to James Madison and was put off by its large commuter parking lots. My friend told me that James Madison has a lot of "commuters" and I wondered if anyone can comment on that. Where are these students commuting from? Do a lot of people travel home on weekends? Does the existence of commuters detract from campus life?</p>

<p>Thanks for any insights you can provide.</p>

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<p>I am currently a freshmen at JMU and am OOS and live on Campus. Yes the majority of JMU students are commuters. This is because 30% of all students live on campus and 100% of freshmen live on campus. The majority of upperclassmen students live off campus in apartments so they are considered commuters. JMU is a school of about 20,000 and 30% of all students live on campus. So that still leaves a good amount of students who live on campus. Yes a lot of weekends a lot of people do go home but you will always find other students on campus.</p>

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<p>thanks…thanks for the heads up. This is the first I have heard that JMU has a commuter college aspect to it. None of the college guides mentioned it. I guess I had assumed based upon its somewhat remote location that people lived on or very near campus and did not go home for weekends. Do you feel this creates a negative “campus feel” for upper classmen? We would be OOS also and love far enough away that it would not be easy to go home on weekends.</p>

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<p>I do not feel that this creates a negative image for upperclassmen. A big reason that a lot of upperclassmen dont live on campus is because there are only a few upperclassmen dorms on campus. Half of my friends are living on next year and half are living off. Some of my friends who are living off wish they could live on another year. I myself am living on campus again next year as an RA.Also the majority of upperclassmen who chose to remain on campus their 2nd year are sophomores. Some live on campus all 4 years but it really is a personal choice.</p>

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<p>I think there is a difference between a “commuter” campus and one where many upperclassmen live off campus. A “commuter” campus implies students who live at home with their parents. They eat at home and might be less involved on campus. JMU is not a “commuter” campus. Many upperclassmen live in townhouse neighborhoods and apts within a mile of campus. They may belong to campus dining plans and are very involved with campus life. There are buses that travel from various off campus apartment complexes back and forth to campus - but I’m sure many have cars as well. When we toured last spring, our tour guide moved off campus as a sophomore and explained to us that many sophomores do so and almost all juniors and seniors. He was in a fraternity and about 10 organizations on campus as well.</p>

<p>So - I would not describe JMU as a “commuter” campus with a negative connotation.</p>

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<p>thanks rockvillemom that is a good clarification-- </p>

<p>Eman121991 - what percentage of students would you say go home on weekends? </p>

<p>For both of you- since a majority of students live off campus, what is the off campus area like? Does one need a car to get around if living off campus?</p>

<p>Also- noticed there are not many pictures of the campus on JMU’s website- and also saw that it has a major interstate highway running thru the campus- can you give me an impression of the campus? Is it pretty or ugly? Are the buildings traditional, modern, or a mix or both? Is there a lot of green space?</p>

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<p>I can’t really answer any of these questions because I’m not a student there. But I visited this past fall as an early action applicant and was accepted. I thought the campus was really nice when I was there. The building were a mix but alot of traditional looking ones which I liked alot especially in the bluestone part of campus. Everyone was very nice and helpful and it actually felt quite homely and welcoming. Its true that there is a highway in the campus which was the only thing I didn’t like but it’s not to bad. There was also a freight train that goes through campus. I highly suggest that you visit the campus if you can.</p>

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<p>First off to answer your question about the campus it is very pretty with many great views of Appalachian Mountains around campus. The campus for the most part is older buildings many of which have been renovated within the past decade. East Campus is all fairly new buildings and it is cut off from the rest of the campus from I-81 and it is connected to the main campus 2 ways. One way is an overpass that connects and the other is a tunnel that goes under 81 and it is referred to as duke alley. Also, there are grassy common areas on both sides of campus one of which is surrounded by the Quad and theres a big grassy area in front of the east campus resident halls. I cannot really give you a percentage for the amount of the students, as it varies by weekend and I couldnt really give a percentage on it. Living off campus it would be ideal to have a car but one can function off the bus system.</p>

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<p>pamom - I was a little surprised to see the campus bi-sected by Rt 81 and train tracks! But - it doesn’t seem to bother the students. As Eman said - there is a short pedestrian tunnel under Rt 81 to get to the other part of the campus which is where you will find the Recreation Center (fairly new and very nice) and newer dorms/academic bldgs. The other side of campus is more attractive IMO - the Bluestone area in particular - which I believe is the original part of the campus way back when it was a girl’s college.</p>

<p>I found it a little disconcerting that the campus has distinct sections - with different architecture and style. There is not an overall cohesive feel to the campus. But - that did not bother my son one bit! He liked the energy - the friendly students - casual atmosphere - it suited him. He plans to apply in the fall.</p>

<p>I do think this is one campus you really need to visit since it is kind of unusual in its layout. I found it too sprawling for my taste - and the train tracks bothered me more than Rt 81 - but like I said - no problem for my son.</p>

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<p>the campus is beautiful… the architecture ranges from older buildings in the Bluestone area of campus to newer buildings on the East Side of campus. when on campus you do not really get a sense that I-81 cuts through the campus at all. </p>

<p>Many upperclassmen live off campus in student off campus apartments and complexes. The city runs a bus system that is also the campus bus system. Many of the complexes also run shuttles. Many students do have cars, but quite a few students use the bus system as well. It seems like most students stay in Harrisonburg on the weekends, although I am sure that some go home as well… the campus community does not at all have the feel of a “commuter school.” It seems to me that most upperclassmen want to live off campus. I do know some who choose to live on campus as well if housing is available. It seems like sophomores who want to live on campus do not have trouble securing housing on campus.</p>

<p>There are quite a few students from OOS PA, NJ, NY, CT, MD being the most “popular” places that OOS students seem to come from. :)</p>

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<p>We just returned from JMU after attending the Open House for EA admitted students. This was my first visit and my sons 2nd. He came early and stayed in a dorm with some friends from our town so he really got to explore the campus. When he stepped on the campus this past summer after Visiting Tech (which he loved), Maryland, Delaware and Penn State this was immediately his first choice - he knew it right away. The campus is beautiful - I feel nicer than any of the previously mentioned campuses. It is bigger than I thought it would be but very easy to get around. It is hilly which is good because you need the excersize after eating at the amazing E Hall dining hall! It is surrounded by mountains and I can’t wait to see it in other seasons. The campus vibe is friendly and casual. Even the folks off campus are very friendly. The new East cumpus (built in 2009 and on the other side of 81) is really nice with the new E Hall dining, new librbary and dorms and class rooms. It is a bit of a trek from the older campus but easily done on foot or shuttle. The older buildings are beautiful old stone and in immaculate condition. The school spirit is amazing too! Every other kid was earing JMU stuff - you can tell they love their school! I loved it and it is a perfect choice my my son and I am so happy for him!</p>

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<p>wow njmom that is high praise for the JMU campus! I had heard that the surrounding countryside was beautiful, but wasn’t sure that the campus itself was pretty, especially with the train and highway running through it and the two different “sides” of campus. I wish they had more pictures on the website.</p>

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<p>Yes, there is a train and a highway. We walked right over the train tracks when we were walking around campus but it didn’t detract from the campus asthetics…now that may be a different story when a train is chugging through but I didn’t see that. From most spots on the campus you dont really see the highway unless you are walking over or under it. Main street is at the foot of the quad (which is quite nice ) but not that much different from what you find with Delaware quad - maybe a liittle busier than Newark. the entire family really liked the campus but I am sure it is not for everyone.</p>

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<p>We visited JMU this summer. It was the highlight of our college trip. The campus is beautiful. The older part of campus is Spanish style architecture with a distinct center campus hub like feel, grassy green included. The train track was a minimal feature (I had completely forgotten about it until it was mentioned here.) The highway is far enough away so that it doesn’t really detract from the overall aesthetic beauty of the campus. The newer part of campus is on the other side of the “highway”, accessed by a completely safe pedestrian tunnel walkway. Buses shuttle students between the two campus parts regularly. I think the science building and an alum center are part of this newer campus area. The dorm we viewed (in the older main campus) was a little tired looking and was not wired for internet, nor was it air-conditioned. I’ll bet that changes in the next year or so. Those are the only negatives I recall. Lots of school spirit and the students/people seemed real friendly. It’s one of our top choices! Hope to visit an accepted students day this spring.</p>

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<p>The newer side of campus</p>

<p>[Educational</a> Facilities, James Madison University](<a href=“http://www.cagley.com/EducationalFacilities/educational3.htm]Educational”>http://www.cagley.com/EducationalFacilities/educational3.htm)</p>

<p>Older section of campus
<a href=“http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.stateuniversity.com/assets/logo/image/4710/large/CNV00012.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.stateuniversity.com/universities/VA/James_Madison_University.html&h=335&w=500&sz=87&tbnid=cUGV1gov1zo4gM:&tbnh=87&tbnw=130&prev=/images%3Fq%3DJames%2BMadison%2BUniversity%2Bphotos&zoom=1&q=James+Madison+University+photos&hl=en&usg=__S6ZRBUeOAdVVzKDialv13BLIA90=&sa=X&ei=D5xmTfS9B4WcgQepk5SbDQ&ved=0CBsQ9QEwAg[/url]”>http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.stateuniversity.com/assets/logo/image/4710/large/CNV00012.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.stateuniversity.com/universities/VA/James_Madison_University.html&h=335&w=500&sz=87&tbnid=cUGV1gov1zo4gM:&tbnh=87&tbnw=130&prev=/images%3Fq%3DJames%2BMadison%2BUniversity%2Bphotos&zoom=1&q=James+Madison+University+photos&hl=en&usg=__S6ZRBUeOAdVVzKDialv13BLIA90=&sa=X&ei=D5xmTfS9B4WcgQepk5SbDQ&ved=0CBsQ9QEwAg&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p><a href=“http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://image44.webshots.com/45/8/75/9/313287509pqIaVC_fs.jpg&imgrefurl=http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/1313287509060804905pqIaVC&usg=__2Xl6GF0QB5Z-Ug2PfXVG60kqFdI=&h=790&w=1197&sz=198&hl=en&start=120&zoom=1&tbnid=KU3HSVq6FomjNM:&tbnh=121&tbnw=174&ei=Kp1mTf-MOofcgQfK6_SVDQ&prev=/images%3Fq%3Djames%2Bmadison%2Buniversity%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26biw%3D993%26bih%3D559%26gbv%3D2%26tbs%3Disch:10%2C3440&itbs=1&iact=rc&dur=497&oei=65xmTcikGYz1gAf0v8iCDQ&page=9&ndsp=15&ved=1t:429,r:8,s:120&tx=98&ty=50&biw=993&bih=559[/url]”>http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://image44.webshots.com/45/8/75/9/313287509pqIaVC_fs.jpg&imgrefurl=http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/1313287509060804905pqIaVC&usg=__2Xl6GF0QB5Z-Ug2PfXVG60kqFdI=&h=790&w=1197&sz=198&hl=en&start=120&zoom=1&tbnid=KU3HSVq6FomjNM:&tbnh=121&tbnw=174&ei=Kp1mTf-MOofcgQfK6_SVDQ&prev=/images%3Fq%3Djames%2Bmadison%2Buniversity%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26biw%3D993%26bih%3D559%26gbv%3D2%26tbs%3Disch:10%2C3440&itbs=1&iact=rc&dur=497&oei=65xmTcikGYz1gAf0v8iCDQ&page=9&ndsp=15&ved=1t:429,r:8,s:120&tx=98&ty=50&biw=993&bih=559&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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<p>rockville mom thankyou for the pics :)</p>

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<p>In terms of the parking lots… I believe that a plan has been passed, or is being considered… can’t remember which… that will put most student parking on the periphery of campus, close many pf the on-campus roads to regular car traffic, and increase the shuttle bus schedule. Making the campus more of a walking/ bus campus than a car campus. If this does go through it is a great idea. They did this after my freshman year at Syracuse, and it made the campus that much nicer. :)</p>

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<p>Thanks KatMT- that is good to know. We are planning to check out the campus in person in late March and hope to find it as beautiful as described! Hopefully the weather will cooperate. Perhaps you could pass the word along to the powers that be to put some more visuals of campus up on the website :)</p>