JMU: a charming university in Harrisonburg VA. It's relatively unknown outside of Virginia, but gaining recognition for its gorgeous campus, successful football team and prestigious academics. If you ask me, it's the best college in Virginia. Here's why.
It has a beautiful campus.
JMU's quad features the beautiful Bluestone buildings. JMU is actually the most Instagrammed location in Virginia, no doubt due to its aesthetic and scenic views.
The food is great.
JMU is ranked fifth in the Princeton Review for "Best Campus Food." This is no small feat, especially for colleges, which are notorious for having bad food.
It successfully withholds the "work hard, play harder" reputation.
JMU has a reputation for partying. However, most students at JMU are very serious about schoolwork. Thus, JMU holds the deserved reputation of "work hard, play harder."
There's an extreme variety in clubs.
With over 300 organizations on campus, JMU has a club for just about every interest. We have the Quidditch club for Harry Potter fans, Astronomy club for stargazers, etc.
There's a strong Greek life.
JMU has a pretty extensive Greek life with many sororities and fraternities. This is great for those seeking to join Greek life. But for those who are content with abstaining, the Greek life at JMU isn't overwhelming.
It has an impressive academic standing.
JMU isn't an easy school to get in. We have the reputation of JMU - Just Missed UVA. But JMU has many smart and dedicated students, as well as amazing programs. JMU has one of the best CSD - Communication Sciences Disorders - programs, as well as a great Business School.
The culture is inviting.
The culture at JMU is full of kind and caring students who look out for each other. We aren't as competitive as UVA students, yet we still care about our academics. Being a Duke means more than just going to JMU. It also entails watching out for our fellow classmates and building each other up instead of tearing each other down.
There is lots of school spirit.
Ask any JMU students how they feel about their school, and they're likely to say they love it. JMU fosters proud Dukes who are more than willing to spread a good word about their school.
There is a unique alumni system.
JMU also offers an extensive Alumni network that connects undergrads with grads who may be able to help them with career opportunities. Being a Duke surpasses graduation and follows one throughout their entire life.
Overall, the school is a great size.
JMU is the perfect size school, not too big and not too small. With an undergrad population of around 19,000, JMU balances having too many students. Although we have a lot of students, it still feels like a small enough university where you pass people you recognize constantly. This way, no one feels too lonely or overwhelmed, but at the same time meets several diverse individuals from all walks of life.
The location is perfect.
JMU is located in the gorgeous Shenandoah Valley. Because of this, we get to wake up every morning to see the majestic mountains in the background. Similarly, breathing in fresh mountain air is an amazing reprieve from the boring suburbs and clustered city. Students have the opportunity to go hiking in the beautiful Shenandoah Mountains or go skiing at Massanutten.
There's great JMU-specific programs.
JMU has specific programs that other universities don't have. Among these include SMAD, school of media arts and design. Similarly, JMU has a great music program, CSD program, and pre-occupational therapy. Our school is known for more than just its beautiful campus and party life.
JMU is a perfect university tucked away in the Shenandoah Mountains. Although arguably less known than UVA and Virginia Tech, JMU offers many fantastic opportunities for students.
