Upperclass Housing Myths vs Facts Exposed

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There are so many options for students to choose from when selecting housing for their sophomore year, but determining which is best for you can be hard. On campus? Off campus? Roommates? In order to make it a little more clear, we're exposing some Myths & Facts about living on campus after your freshman year. 

1. Only freshmen live on campus.          

MYTH. Each year over 1,500 upperclass students choose to live on campus. For Fall 2016, there will be approximately 1,900 upperclass students living on campus.

 

2. Upperclass students have to live in a traditional style hall.

MYTH. Our apartment-style building on Grace Street is an option for upperclass students. The Apartments on Grace are a great option for students who want to experience apartment living with all the benefits of living on campus! 

 

3. All of JMU’s FREE resources are right at your fingertips on campus.

FACT. Living on campus puts you within walking distance of libraries, UREC, the Student Success Center which houses the Health Center, Career and Academic Planning, and the Counseling Center. Not to mention JMU’s 14 different dining halls.

 

4. Not all of the residence halls have WiFi.

MYTH. Every residence hall on campus is equipped with WiFi.

 

5. Students who live on campus for more than one year are happier with their college experience.

FACT. Studies show that students who live on campus for more than one year on average get better grades, are more involved and in turn overall more happy with their college experience.

 

6. All upperclass students move off campus.

MYTH. This year, 40% of sophomores chose to live on campus.

 

7. If you choose to live on campus next year, you can sign a contract now, but you don’t have to pick your hall or roommates until the spring. 

FACT. One of the benefits of living on campus is that you don’t have to rush to make a decision about where on campus you want to live right now. Plus, you can wait until room selection to choose who you want to live with, a lot can change in a few months so waiting to choose could be helpful.

 

8. Upperclass students have to live in the Lake Area.

MYTH. Upperclassmen housing is available all over campus, including the Bluestone, Skyline, Lake and Treehouse areas, as well as the Apartments on Grace which are conveniently located to the Forbes Center, Memorial Hall, and the quad.

   New for 2017 - 2018

  • Room retention! Students that currently live in any of next year’s upperclass buildings can keep their room for next year! This means that if you live in Ashby, Apartments on Grace, Chandler, Converse, Maple, Oak, Shenandoah B section, Wampler or Willow, you can come back to your same room next year! 
  • Supersized singles! The Office of Residence Life will offer a limited number of supersized singles in Chandler, Oak, Willow, and Maple Halls! These are double occupancy rooms that will be designated for individual residents who are interested in living alone. There will be an additional cost for these rooms which we are in the process of finalizing.

9. I missed the Housing Contract Deadline so now I can’t live on campus next year.

MYTH. There is no deadline! The Office of Residence Life will offer housing contracts as long as we have availability. One thing to keep in mind: your lottery number for spring's Online Room Selection process is based upon when you sign your housing contract.

 

10. If you live on campus your sophomore year you have to live on campus for all four years.

MYTH. Housing Contracts are for a single academic year. If you want to live off campus after your sophomore year, you are free to do so.

 

To learn more visit the Returning Students Housing Information page.

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Published: Monday, September 14, 2015

Last Updated: Thursday, April 5, 2018

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