International Exchange Student Orientation
When should I arrive on-campus?
If you will be attending JMU in the Fall semester (August):
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Transitions is the orientation program for new international students and students who live abroad. On August 20-23 we will:
- Coordinate your arrival logistics by providing an airport pick-up, as well as your early move-in to your residence hall on that same day. We will bring bank officials on-campus so you can set-up a bank account. We will arrange for a couple of shopping trips. We will provide a campus tour and ensure that you obtain your JACard.
- Organize some times for you to connect with one another, and with the LINKers during presentations, meals and over games and fun activities so that you become more familiar with the campus, its culture and many resources.
- Cover immigration policies, academic and social expectations to help you become successful.
=> REGISTER TODAY.
If you will be attending JMU in the Spring semester (January):
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Plan to arrive on campus or Dulles International Airport (IAD) on Saturday, January 11 2020 as Transitions (the orientation program). Make sure to contact Thomas Lavenir to arrange for your arrival and provide with specific details.
Where can I stay overnight?
Near the Dulles Airport- These hotels offer a free shuttle to and from the airport.
- Comfort Inn & Suites Airport Dulles -Gateway (45515 Dulles Plaza - Sterling, VA) and take advantage of the special LSTUDY rate of $119 + tax per night.
- HYATT house Sterling/Dulles Airport-North (45520 Dulles Plaza, Sterling VA). To make a reservation call: 1 (703) 435-9002
In Harrisonburg-
- Hotel Madison is conveniently located right on campus and downtown.
- Other hotels located in Harrisonburg
How can I get to JMU?
Dulles International Airport [IAD]
We recommend that you fly in to Dulles International Airport. It is located approximately 2 hours (driving distance) from JMU.
- Fall semester (August) When you attend the 3-day Transitions program (option A) we provide 2 shuttles to pick you (students only) up at no cost (as long as you make the necessary reservation [LINK]):
- 9:30am Purple Bus: Dulles Airport Comfort Inn lobby
- 2pm Gold Bus: Dulles International Airport- Baggage Area 11
- Spring semester (January): We are providing for a shuttle to pick you up (students only) on Saturday, January 11 around 1pm from the Dulles International Airport- Baggage Area 11
Alternative options:
- The Virginia Breeze/the Mega Bus provides a daily round-trip to JMU/Harrisonburg and the Dulles international Airport. The cost is approximately $40.
- Shenandoah Regional Airport [SHD] is the closest airport, only 25 minutes away (driving distance) from JMU/Harrisonburg. To get to JMU/Harrisonburg, arrange (online) for a shuttle to transport you to Harrisonburg/JMU. The cost is approximately $40.
Contact Info
You may have many questions on your mind, including the following ones:
- What about my tuition and fees?
- Should I bring my cell phone?
- Will there be linen in my room?
- What is my JMU mailing address?
- Who are the LINKers?
You will find the answers to these questions in this handout and in the Resources section of our webpage too. For more questions comments and concerns, please contact the following individuals:
- Pernell Whitfield - Exchange Student Coordinator
- Thomas Lavenir - for information related to Transitions and the arrival process.
- Ed Muldoon - for information related to immigration and visas.
