Planning your Trip

Arriving early may seem like a good solution, but keep in mind that when classes are not in session, the absence of students is felt in different ways. Service and assistance provided by the university and the city of Harrisonburg are limited, including public transportation, which can limit your ability to get settled. 

We recommend that you arrive around January 8, depending on when you can move into your apartment. 

Several sessions specifically designed for international graduate students will be offered Monday, January 8 & Tuesday, January 9. The January 9 sessions will be required as we will cover immigration matter, how to apply for a social security number and get paid, as well as a session about learning your way around the university and its expectations.

Take a close look at all of the options below, and this pre-departure checklist, as they will impact when and how you should be arriving. 

Airport Options
  • We recommend that you fly to Dulles International Airport (IAD). It is approximately 2 hours (driving distance) from JMU.  
  • Instead of flying into IAD, you could choose to fly into Shenandoah Regional Airport (SHD). It is the closest airport to JMU, located only 25 minutes away (driving distance) from Harrisonburg. To get to Harrisonburg, you can arrange (online) for an airport shuttle to transport you to Harrisonburg. The cost is approximately $40. 
Getting from IAD to JMU/Harrisonburg:  
  • The Virginia Breeze/Megabus provides a daily round-trip bus to JMU/Harrisonburg and the Dulles International Airport. A one-way ride to JMU is approximately $20, and drops you off right on campus near the bookstore. Please note:
    • you will need to pay, in advance, online with a debit/credit card to reserve your seat. 
    • Reserving a seat for yourself on the 10:40am bus may be the best option so that you will arrive on campus by 12:50pm (when most offices will be open on weekdays). 
    • The bus stop is located right next to the JMU bookstore. Feel free to go inside and to ask for information.
    • During the week days (as opposed to weekend), feel free to go to our office CGE- Center for Global Engagement so that we can  orient you, have you use our phone, etc. To do so, ask anyone you see on campus to point you to the Student Success Center. Once inside, go to the 2nd floor as you will take the skybridge to get to Holland Yates Hall where our office is located.
  • Getting an Uber or a taxi will cost $300+  
Overnight Stay 

Near the IAD Airport:  

Based on when you land and how long it takes to go through customs, etc., you may not be able to find a ride that day, as such you may need to or want to stay overnight at a nearby airport hotel.  

Our office has connections with the following hotels, which also offer a free shuttle from the airport to the hotel:  

In Harrisonburg: 

Your specific arrival date and time in Harrisonburg will impact your ability to move directly into your apartment.  

If you arrive early, you may need to find a hotel to stay until you can move in.  

Please note that hotels availability may be limited in Harrisonburg, as all new students are moving in that week.

Baggage

In your carry-on  

Make sure you have your:  

  • Passport  
  • I-20 Form  
  • SEVIS Fee receipt   
  • Admission letter   
  • Travel voltage converter and adapter for charging electronic devices  
  • Medicine and prescriptions  

If your checked luggage is lost  

Ask the airline to deliver the luggageto: JMU’s Center for Global Engagement at 100 East Grace Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807. Have them contact Thomas Lavenir at (540) 568-7314. 

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Center for Global Engagement International Student and Scholar Services
Holland Yates Hall (formerly Madison Hall)
MSC 5731
100 East Grace Street
Room 2nd Floor
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807
Email Us
540/568-5209
Fax: 540/568-3310