JMU move-in begins Aug. 15; classes start Aug. 20

James Madison University students will begin moving into residence halls for the 2025-26 academic year this weekend. 

The university anticipates welcoming about 4,700 new students and more than 800 transfer and upper-class students who will arrive between Friday and Sunday. 

Members of the local community should be mindful of the increase in traffic in and around campus throughout the weekend and at the beginning of the semester.  

Road Construction: 

Travelers should be aware of major road construction projects in Harrisonburg. 

• East Market Street (U.S. 33) - Multiple improvements are taking place on East Market Street between Martin Luther King Jr. Way and Burgess Road/Linda Lane, including upgrades to the I-81 interchange (exit 247). Speed cameras are in place to help enforce the work zone speed limit. More information is available on the project website. 

• University Boulevard realignment - Work has begun to realign University Boulevard between the JMU Convocation Center parking lot and Forest Hill Road at the Oak Hill Drive intersection. Project details can be found on the City of Harrisonburg website. 

• Travelers should check the Virginia Department of Transportation website before heading to Harrisonburg for any potential delays or detours due to traffic.  

• Signs will help guide traffic and JMU Police Department officers will be stationed at several intersections around campus. 

Additional information: 

• All students moving into residence halls at JMU will go through a check-in process at their residence hall when they arrive on campus. Individual parking and move-in instructions for each residence hall are available on the Office of Residence Life website.  

• Other general information on JMU Move-In Day for students, families, guests and visitors is available at jmu.edu/orl/move-in.