The Office of Residence Life at James Madison University is committed to designing and maintaining a caring environment that encourages academic success, respect, personal growth and responsibility to one's community.
The foundation for the services we offer is rooted in the following values:
- Supportive transition to the JMU community
- Academic achievement
- Providing positive learning experiences
- Providing excellent service and accommodations
We recognize that our greatest contribution to students' education is involving them in the development and implementation of these services. With access to these services, we in turn expect that our residents will do the same, thus creating and maintaining a learning-centered community filled with respect for one another, consideration for our earth, hope for our future, and of course, sprinkled with just the appropriate amount of fun!
Here you'll live safe, supported and engaged. We hope you'll join us for a great, safe, and educational experience here in on-campus living at JMU.
Below you can check out the services that we offer here in Residence Life, along with some Frequently Asked Questions. If you have more questions, feel free to contact us at 540-568-HOME or res-life@jmu.edu. Also, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube!
Prospective Student FAQs
After you pay your deposit, you will receive a hard copy One Book, as well as access to an online version. This publication provides you with information on a variety of departments and services at JMU. Detailed information on the Office of Residence Life is included in the One Book.
Additional information is available by searching our website, calling the Office of Residence Life at 540.568.HOME (4663) or by emailing us at res-life@jmu.edu. Students and parents can view our floor plans to see the layouts of our different rooms on campus.
First year students are able to indicate their area preference when signing their Housing Contract. The order in which students are assigned to rooms is random. However, students who sign their Housing Contract by the May 31 deadline will be assigned to rooms before all students who do not meet that deadline. Students will be sent their room and roommate assignment by August 1.
About 90% of our first year halls feature community bathrooms. If you have a medical condition that requires special accommodations, please download and complete the Housing Accommodation Request form. Requests are generally due in mid-June. Requests received after that date will be accommodated as space is available.
Requests for such accommodations are made by filling out the Housing Accommodation Request form. The Special Housing Committee, staffed by professionals from Disability Services, the University Health Center, and the Office of Residence Life makes all decisions regarding special accommodations. Requests are generally due in mid-June. Requests received after that date will be accommodated as space is available.
Yes, roommate requests must be completed by the deadline set each year, which is usually in late June or early July. The request must be mutual between both students, so both students must join a Roommate Group together in the Online Housing System. You can also search for and message potential roommates in the Online Housing System. Please note that while first year students can select their roommate(s), they cannot select suitemates.
There are numerous policies and regulations which govern community living in the residence halls, including rules related to visitation, quiet hours, alcohol, illegal drugs, pets, cooking, etc. A full list of policies are listed here on our website.
Learn more about the Residential Learning Communities (RLCs) here.
