50 Tips for Incoming JMU Freshman

The transition to college can be overwhelming and nerve-racking for many students. Here are some tips for your first year at JMU, that will hopefully help make the process easier!

1. Try to avoid 8am classes, unless you’re an early bird
2. Read your classes syllabus
3. See if you have any credit that transferred over from highschool AP, DE, etc. classes
4. Use a planner for scheduling and organizing
5. Record due dates from your syllabuses in your planner
6. Get involved with at least 1 club 
7. Don’t join more than 3 clubs your first semester
8. Bring clothes for all types of weather
9. Have a really good winter coat- it gets super cold!
10. Have a backpack laundry bag
11. Get a desk hutch
12. Buy a ton of masks
13. Plan out a schedule prior to your class scheduling appointment time
14. Buy lots of fans (especially if you live in the village or lakeside)
15. Get a phone wallet (you can buy a JMU themed one at the bookstore)
16. Buy decorations for your dorm to make it feel homier 
17. Get a shower caddy
18. Bring a speaker
19. Try to meet new people
20. Make friends in your classes
21. Get a mattress topper for your bed (it makes all the difference)
22. Try not to spend all your dining dollars on starships
23. Get a big trashcan for your room
24. Have multiple pillows
25. Bring an umbrella, rain jacket, and rainboots
26. Have you or your roommate get a mini-fridge
27. Get a rug for your room because the floors can get gross
28. Buy a pair of shower shoes
29. Bring slippers!!
30. Figure out if your professor posts the notes after class or not
31. Study for tests 
32. Turn in every assignment
33. Go to your professor’s office hours if you need help
34. Don’t be afraid to email your professors to clarify things or to ask questions
35. Try to stay on top of things/organized
36. Try to form a connection with your professor, if possible (get them to know who you are)
37. Branch out in college, don’t just stick with the friends you made in high school
38. Get to know the people in your hall/suite
39. Find a good balance for school vs social life
40. Don’t let your social activities negatively affect your grades
41. If you go out, go out with people you trust and know you’ll be safe with
42. Put your mental health first
43. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you get a bad grade, college is about learning to grow as an individual as well as getting a degree
44. Don’t wait until the last minute to contact your teacher if you are struggling/doing bad in the class
45. Be true to yourself!
46. Give yourself time to settle in. It’s okay if you feel super homesick and lonely, but usually, things get easier
47. Consider joining a sorority
48. Reach out to your advisor
49. Have your notifications on for your JMU email
50. Try to stay positive, and have a great year!