Please read and apply this information carefully as it will also answer many of your questions.
Orientation: | Back to top |
A special international student orientation (Transitions) has been developed to address some of the information and opportunities that you need to know as well as to enable you to transition here at JMU. International students must attend Transitions. It will address your major questions, comments and concerns such as: classroom issues, safety, transportation and resources for internationals. A campus tour, shopping trips, opening a bank account, as well as obtaining your new JMU card (JAC Card) are part of the agenda. You will also make new friends, and get answers to your questions.
- For students attending Summer classes, the international student orientation will take place on Sunday, May 8
- For students attending Fall classes, the international student orientation will take place on Sunday, August 19,
Flight & Arrival Information: | Back to top |
For students attending Summer classes:
You should fly into Dulles International Airport (IAD). Be sure to send your itinerary to your Study Group contact person 10 business days prior to your arrival.
You should plan to arrive on May 6th or 7th and make arrangements to stay at the Doubletree- Hotel Sterling (10 minutes from Dulles Airport). There is a free shuttle to the hotel from the airport terminals.
Transportation to JMU will be provided in the morning of Sunday, May 8. Students will be taken from Doubletree- Hotel Sterling directly to the summer residence on campus, or to a hotel near JMU if on-campus accommodation is not available.
For students attending Fall classes:
You should fly into Dulles International Airport (IAD). Be sure to send your itinerary to your Study Group contact person 10 business days prior to your arrival.
You should plan to arrive on August 18th or 19th and make arrangements to stay at the Doubletree- Hotel Sterling (10 minutes from Dulles Airport). There is a free shuttle to the hotel from the airport terminals.
Transportation to JMU will be provided on Sunday, August 19. The 10am JMU Bus [J] will be picking up JMU students from the DoubleTree by Hilton Sterling - Dulles Airport. The 2pm JMU Bus [M] and the 5pm JMU Bus [U] will be picking up JMU students from the IAD- Dulles International Airport in the International Arrivals Area. Students will be driven directly to campus, or to a hotel near JMU if on-campus accommodation is not available.
For those living on-campus, please note that the earliest time that you will be able to move-in to your assigned residence hall will be on Sunday, August 19th starting at 12pm.
Health Center Record: | Back to top |
Before you leave you must have your doctor complete and sign the Student Health Record form. We will collect the form during the international student orientation. Bring along copies of your immunization records too. Click here to obtain different translated versions of the vaccination page. Should you require some vaccinations, note that you can get vaccinations at the Student Health Center by making an appointment and paying a small fee… however, you are urged to make sure that all of your vaccination requirements, check-up and your doctor or health practitioner’s signature are taken care before you arrive to JMU. If the health center does not have your completed record, a “hold” will be placed on your record which means you can not be registered for classes or make any changes to your schedule.
Don't Forget! | Back to top |
Bring your completed and signed Health Record Form. Without it you will be unable to attend classes.
In the winter we have snow and ice. You will want a warm coat to wear as you walk between classes on campus. The normal winter temperature is in the range of 30-40 degrees Fahrenheit (around 0 degrees Celsius) although, it can get as cold as 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit (around -15 degrees Celsius).
Bring a few items that remind you of home (pictures, crafts, clothing, sports equipment, etc.) and to share with other students, including traditional clothes. You will have several opportunities throughout the year to showcase your culture and country.
Advice! | Back to top |
Allow plenty of time to say good-bye and plan how to keep in touch. You will be extremely busy during your first weeks and months, so it is important that you explain to your family and friends that long periods between communications should not alarm them. It will all be part of this new adventure.
Organize your passport and all of your visa documents and supporting documents in one place on your person, not in your checked luggage so that they are easy to find and manage. Make sure that you have your: (a) valid passport with proper, currently valid stamp; (b) form I-20; (c) evidence of funding as appropriate to the visa classification and your intended activities in the U.S.; (d) contact information for the International Student and Scholar Services; (e) your SEVIS receipt.
Whom should I contact? | Back to top |
Adam Copeland - Center Director.
Julie Meirose - Center Administrator.
If there is any confusion upon your arrival, call the Study Group emergency phone number: +1 (877) 394-6406
Welcome!