Using your cell phone in the US

Will your phone plan work in the US? How will you contact your family to let them know that you arrived safely? What if you need to get an Uber or taxi?  

  • CampusSIMS/Mint Mobile uses the T-Mobile 5G network which is the friendliest plan for international travelers. You will be able to choose a short/temporary plan which will come in handy during your first few days in the US and like many JMU international students do, you can continue using this plan for the rest of your time at JMU!
Start Here/Now:
Mailing Address

Since you are living on-campus, you are automatically assigned a campus mailbox.   

Your mailing address is:   

 First & Last Name 
James Madison University  
800 South Main St., Box # (found in MyMadison)  
Harrisonburg, VA 22807 – USA   

 While a package or letter can be sent to your JMU mailbox, keep in mind:   

  • Only items fitting in a “moving box” (roughly 60cm x 60cm x 60cm) will be accepted. Other sizes will be stored off-campus.   
  • It may only be 2 or 3 days after your arrival on campus when you will be able to access your mailbox from the mail center.  
Linens

There will not be any bed sheets waiting for you in your room!  

You can purchase linens through a vendor contracted by JMU, however they will deliver your order to a US address. (If you use your on-campus mailbox address (see next section): please note that you may not be able to access your package of linens before your first night in the residence hall.) 

You can take advantage of our shopping trip during orientation (or go shopping on your own) to purchase linens and other necessities.

Cultural Adjustment

Even experienced travelers and people who have lived in other parts of the world go through a period of cultural adjustment when moving to a new place. You will experience new things that you may not have initially anticipated. Some of these experiences can be pleasant and funny, while others may be irritating and frustrating.  Please reach out to ISSS with questions because we’re here to support you through this transition.  

Distance and time zone differences have a huge impact on relationships, as such we urge you to:  

  • spend time with your loved ones now, as it will be months before you see them in person again, and  
  • Read our Cultural Adjustment resources page. 

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