Disclaimer: Super proud to attend JSU, and wouldn't trade it for anything. I just wanted to inform some future students of what really goes down at JSU-- tons of good happens on a day to day basis, but sometimes bad does happen...

Since my time at started at JSU I have seen many tour groups come and go, and I have seen many excited high schoolers gazing at the sprawling green in front of the TMB, or admiring the stadium from the suites located in Stadium.

I hear tour guides telling them about the opportunities that JSU has to offer, and how awesome it is to attend the "friendliest campus in the South." But, what I don't hear is them telling the bright-eyed high schoolers what really goes down in college, and especially at JSU. After consulting with some friends, I have compiled a list of some things the tour guides DON'T tell you before you come to JSU. Enjoy!

1. The food isn't all that good after a while

And honestly, a lot of it isn't all that healthy. The same five options get OLD after a while, and JSU is not looking at expanding the options anytime soon. Yes, we have a Chick-fil-a, but they don't have the full menu, and the same sandwich will not satiate your Chick-fil-a hunger after a while. The best day to visit the caf is actually during a Preview Day because then the pizza is actually good.

2. ...and on the weekends most of the "restaurants" are shut down

Legit, everything is shut down on campus besides two or three places.

3. The Gamecock Express isn't all that reliable

Quite frankly, you don't know when those buses are going to show up. They might be early, they might be late. They even might speed off when they see you jogging towards the stop.

4. If you commute, parking is horrible

Silver parking is for commuters, and it is atrocious. Too many people commuting, and not enough parking spots. Getting a commuter parking spot is literally war during prime class change times.

5. Turning left onto 204 from the road between Patterson and Logan is IMPOSSIBLE

If you go to JSU, you know exactly where I am talking about. If you're trying to turn left onto 204 from this spot... you won't. Or you will sit there for 10 minutes before you get to do so.

6. Parking tickets

I swear the students who are part of parking enforcement take their job more seriously than anyone I know. If you are parked in the wrong zone, they will find you. They will ticket you.

7. There is nothing to do in Jacksonville

The closest malls are 30 minutes away in different directions-- located in Oxford or Gadsden. Unless you want to see a movie or go bowling in those cities... there is nothing to do.

8. Some of the dorms are outdated

Sparkman just got renovated for the 2017 school year, but a lot of the dorms and apartments are just old.

9. Most of the dorms do NOT have elevators

I have friends who live on the FOURTH FLOOR of one of the dorms and on move-in day they had to carry all of their things to the fourth floor. Beware that it isn't as easy as you think to get a dorm that is easily accessible... you will probably end up on a high floor. Some of the dorms do have elevators like Sparkman and Stadium... but those dorms are for students that are typically sophomores and higher.

10. Some of the professors are horrible

Granted, 98% of the professors are phenomenal, but you will always have that one stick in the mud. Never in their office, never answers emails, and takes weeks to grade tests. Those professors are the WORST, and you are bound to encounter one or two during your time.

11. The bookstore...

No matter what they tell you... if you can buy books anywhere but the bookstore. Chegg, Valore Books, or even Amazon. They are bound to have better prices than the JSU bookstore.

12. Bring a fan or heater with you to your dorm

Either the dorms are burning hot, or freezing cold. There is NO in between whatsoever.

13. Fees

All I have to say is that I paid $750 in fees this past semester and I have NO idea where it is going...

14. People are gross

Some people are just nasty. I know this could apply to all aspects of life, but some people who go to college are just gross and do NOT clean up after themselves.

15. Most of the faculty are really nice

Honestly, they will try to help you out in the best way that they can.

16. A lot of the students are very friendly

You have to be a friend to make a friend, though. Just be nice and most of the time people will be nice back.