Choosing James Madison University has been one of the best decisions have ever made. It made a place that was so far away from my hometown feel like I belonged. It has a way to make everyone who steps on campus feel accepted and understood. As college acceptances are coming in, I figured now would be a great time to share my top reasons to come to JMU.

1. Game day spirit! There really is nothing like seeing a sea of purple and gold out in the stands in support of the Dukes.

2. We are current FCS National Champs! #rolldukes

3. The sunsets from east campus are everything.

4. The UREC, our campus gym, has just recently been re-built.

It now has three floors of machines and equipment, two pools, indoor tracks, a healthy eatery, a Starbucks, rock climbing walls and tons of Group exercise classes!

5. Everyone is friendly and kind, people are willing to hold a door for you at all times.

6. There are hundreds of clubs to choose from, you are sure to find something that sparks an interest.

7. Late night breakfast happens a few times a semester, where students can go out and eat delicious breakfast food... for free.

8. Puppies on the quad during midterm and finals week are an ultimate highlight.

9. We have Chick-fil-a on campus, a Starbucks in both of our libraries, a Dunkin Donuts In the student success center and a Starbucks truck.

10. If Starbucks trucks weren't enough, we also have actual food trucks, which are a super yummy option for a healthy lunch.

11. FROG week, where you actually learn where everything is on campus and get tons of free stuff.

12. The thought of Brunch at E-Hall every weekend will help get you through the week.

13. TDU has an Auntie Anne's and is always has cool events like local bands performing or arts and crafts.

14. For out-of-state students, JMU is definitely significantly less expensive than other state universities.

15. We have tons of intramural and club sports.

16. Everything is in walking distance, so you could easily beat the freshman 15.

17. We have an amazing study abroad program, which I intend to take a full advantage of.

18. Our Business and Nursing programs are ranked nationally.

19. The connections you make here will be sure to last a lifetime.

20. We are located near the Shenandoah Mountains which makes hiking a perfect getaway.

21. You can de-stress on a trip to Gap View Ranch and Kennel to play with puppies.

22. In our student success center, we have an oasis with massage chairs and yoga mats.

23. We have a movie theater on campus, with movies playing for as cheap as $3.

24. The Marching Royal Dukes are one of the largest marching bands in the country.

25. The quad is the perfect place to relax in between classes when it is warm out.

James Madison University is a place that makes everyone who walks inside, feel at home. I am beyond happy that I decided to spend the next four years here. Even though I have only been here for a semester, the friendships and memories I have made will last a lifetime.