So far, freshman year at JMU has been amazing. JMU is full of opportunity that never ceases to make my heart happy. There is always so much to do and so much to see. There has not been much time to be bored, because you can always go somewhere and do something fun. JMU is a campus full of possibility. Here are 8 things that I have learned only a month into my freshman year.
1. It smells really terrible when it rains.
It honestly did not take me long to learn this one. The first time it rained, I found myself wondering what the foul odor was that weirdly smelled like dog food. Now I know that Harrisonburg is known for poultry production, which means that when it rains, it is going to be a stinky day on campus.
2. Don't prop the doors open in your building.
JMU's dorm buildings have a lot of safety features, which is awesome, but sometimes they can get really irritating if you're waiting for someone to come into your building. If the master door to your building is held open for more than a couple seconds, a terrible noise goes throughout the entire building and will continue until the door is shut. So don't be that person and always wait for your friend with the door closed.
3. But always hold the door open for the person behind you.
This might seem confusing given my last statement, but if you go to JMU you know that you always hold the door open for everyone. JMU and its students pride themselves in this tradition, so make sure you always hold the door open for the person behind you.
4. FROG week isn't that fun for freshman...
I remember everyone telling me that FROG week would be the best week of my life, and upon having to follow a very strict schedule that almost felt like glorified summer camp, I was really confused. And then I realized. Upperclassmen party the entire week, because classes haven't started and either has responsibility. So FROG week only starts being the best week ever during your sophomore year.
5. Just take the flyer.
At least if you take it, you can tell the next 100 people that try and give you one that you already have it. JMU is full of people handing you flyers about what club to join or how to find God. I've learned that it's easier to just take them and smile.
6. Emails. Emails. And more emails.
Every morning, be prepared to wake up to 5 emails about the organizations on campus. And then be prepared to get about 10 more throughout the course of the day. Nobody could ever possibly say that they didn't know enough information about a club, because everything you could ever need to know is in your emails.
7. NEVER forget your JACard.
This is the most important thing to have with you at all times. If you want to do laundry, you probably need your JACard. If you want to get something to eat, you need your JACard. Want to get into your building? You guessed it, you need your JACard. Never forget this when you leave your room.
8. Football.
You can't not go. And you can't not tailgate before the game. Don't forget your streamers either. Football games at JMU are such an amazing experience and you have to go. There is nothing more satisfying than watching purple and gold streamers being thrown into the air.
