Jacksonville State University is located within driving distance for many students who travel from within Calhoun County and far flung towns such as Fyffe, Sylacauga, and Cave Springs. Commuting has its perks (like saving money), but unless you make an effort to get to know the campus and the people who make it great, you will miss out on much that JSU has to offer.
Whether you're a transfer student, non-traditional student, or somewhere between rising freshmen and I'll graduate someday, these tips can help you arrive prepared to navigate campus and expand your horizons.
Get a parking decal
Your decal is your ticket to silver parking. Purchase your decal (or get it free if you have a J-Tag) through your MyJSU account. You can find all of the parking lots that are open to silver decals on the campus map. Click parking > select commuting students to see all your parking options. Make an effort to pick up your decal before classes begin to avoid crowds.
Give yourself time to arrive at your campus destination.
Traffic in and around Jacksonville can be congested, especially at the beginning of each semester or when there are events around campus. The traffic lights within the city limits are set to change based on the flow of traffic. When there are more cars on the road expect longer waits at the lights. Give yourself at least an extra 10 minutes to assure you arrive on time every time. If you're lucky enough to arrive to campus early, that extra few minutes to decompress before class or read over your notes can help your GPA, too.
Be prepared to walk.
Most academic halls do not offer silver parking. Depending on where your classes are located you may need to walk from one building to another, and it can be quite a haul! Know exactly where you're going and plan ahead for the time it will take to walk to your destination. Wear shoes that are comfortable for walking long distances and dress appropriately for the weather (or suffer the consequences). The beauty of buildings that have stood the test of time, the sound of the bell tower chiming the hour, and the passing smiling faces make walking the JSU campus anything but a chore. P.S. If you have to cross "Pelham Street", don't forget to say hi to the crosswalk! He loves shout outs.
Ride the Gamecock Express.
If you have a little time to get from point A to point B, you can walk to the nearest Gamecock Express stop and hop aboard. The buses run on regular routes and take students to every academic building, every campus dorm and apartment, as well as destinations around Jacksonville. Riding the Gamecock Express will allow you to see more of the JSU campus and give your tired feet a break. It's a good place to meet and chat with other students, too (just not the ones wearing headphones--that's the unspoken social signal for don't bother me). This service not only helps students move around campus efficiently, it is good for the environment. Fewer students driving around campus means less emissions and a decreased carbon footprint. That's a win-win.
Get to know (and love) campus.
The JSU campus is, in a word, beautiful. The landscape has changed since the tornado struck in March of 2018, but you can still expect to be dazzled by a mix of bright fall colors starting in late October and pink and white flowering trees by mid-March. Squirrels playing on the grounds and people lazily swinging in hammocks are are common sight. There is no shortage of friendly faces who make time to nod or say "hello" in passing.
There are numerous places to just sit and relax or study all around campus. In addition to Houston Cole Library (12 floors with study areas and Jazzman's coffee on the main floor), every academic building has a place you can study quietly or meet up with friends. Martin Hall and Ayers Hall have spacious and comfortable student lounges, for example. There are benches and grassy areas for outdoor relaxation, too. If you get hungry or thirsty you can visit one of several dining options right on campus.
Make a point to take advantage of all that campus has to offer students. That includes access to recreation activities (no more gym fees!) and support for your wellness needs. Your student fees pay for access to all of the amenities on campus, plus student activities such as Cockystock. If you need academic support, JSU has you covered, too. Free tutoring is available for every program of study.
Get involved.
JSU has an organization, group, club, society, or event for everyone. No, seriously. Whether you're only interested in academics or your passion is hiking (or gaming or any other of dozens of interests), there is something just for you (see page 26). Be a joiner. Non-traditional student? Still be a joiner. There's even an organization to support you. Volunteer opportunities are available for students who want to get involved on campus or in the community. There are also professional and honor Greek societies to help you develop your skills and build your resume. There are dozens of additional ways to be involved as an individual including tutoring, writing, and being a DJ for the campus radio station.
One of the best ways to stay connected and learn about what is happening on campus in real time is to like or follow JSU-related social media accounts. Search JSU and follow along with the various accounts on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Join the What's happening at JSU Facebook group to stay connected and get access to more updates from campus organizations.
One final word of advice: Get out of your comfort zone. Explore. Talk to people. Try new things. JSU has more waiting for you than you can imagine. Go forth and be awesome!
