8 Things I Learned About JMU My Freshman Year | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

8 Things I Learned About JMU My Freshman Year

It didn't take me long to learn...

293
8 Things I Learned About JMU My Freshman Year
Cameron Pearson

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.






Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

198212
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

19650
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

461479
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

28640
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments