Overview

Complete the One Book steps to begin your journey at JMU! Through these steps you will activate your JMU Dukes email account, confirm your housing assignment, select classes, and more! 

Commonly asked question about the Emergency Notification set-up in MyMadison 

  • How do I complete the One Book emergency notification step? In  MyMadison, you will be asked to enter your cell phone number for emergency notifications. If you do not yet have a US phone number, select the option of receiving emergency notifications via e-mail.   
  • You will be able to update your information once you have a US phone number.  

If you have other questions about completing the One Book steps, please contact the Orientation Office at orientation@jmu.edu

Financial Considerations

Expenses at JMU?  

When calculating the cost of your bill, there will be additional fees with the out-of-state tuition charges* and room and board (housing and food), such as:  

  • The International Student Administration Fee 
  • Health Insurance Fee 
  • Departmental or course fees  
  • Books and school supplies  
  • Other personal expenses: entertainment, clothing, travel during school breaks, etc. 

If you stay in the US over the summer, you can expect to spend an additional $3,000.   

How will I be paying my bills?  

  • The bill for your fees, tuition, room and board will be accessible via Money Manager or M3.  
  • Students are the only ones who have viewing and paying rights. If you would like to give your family member(s) either viewing and/or paying rights, you will need to give them appropriate access.  
  • Go to the Payment Plans webpage to figure out the best number of installment payments plans per semester will work best for you.  
  • Go to the Payment webpage to figure out the best method to make your payments. A special International Payments to JMU section might be particularly relevant to you.  
  • Having a bank account in the U.S. will easily facilitate the transfer of funds. The bank (CommonWealth One) located on campus does not allow individuals without a Social Security Number to open a bank account. Banks such as Bank of America, Atlantic Union Bank and Wells Fargo have become alternative options for JMU international students. While they may not be located on campus, they are located right outside campus and within the many JMU bus routes. Our office works with Atlantic Union Bank as they are really collaborative and offer very minimal fees such as overseas transaction fees. 
* Please go to the Cost of Attendance Calculator to see the estimated cost of attendance for your program of study.
Immunization Form

It is required by law that everyone who studies in Virginia receives a certain set of vaccinations. 

  • Every JMU student must comply and complete this immunization form before the first day of class. If you do not submit it, a hold will be placed on your JMU record, which will prevent you from making changes to your academic schedule, etc.
  • Once the form is completed and signed, save the document as a PDF file and upload it to your MYJMUChart.
A few helpful hints:
  • Obtaining your vaccinations at home may be cheaper
  • Having this form signed by your doctor in your own country may be more convenient. Refer yourself to the translated version of the JMU immunization form to complete this requirement before you travel.
Health Insurance

Students with a visa (F-1 or J-1), must have health insurance.   

  • ISSS enrolls every student with the health insurance company CISI (Cultural Insurance Services International) for health insurance coverage.   
  • If you currently hold an insurance policy that provides equal levels of coverage and lasts for the entire academic year, you may qualify to waive out of the JMU-sponsored health insurance plan through CISI. If you wish to apply for a waiver, you must complete an insurance waiver application. 

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