Off-Campus Life hosts several events each year focusing on commuter appreciation, financial literacy, community building, and empowering students with resources to help them feel at home living off-campus within the Harrisonburg community.
If you plan on attending any of our events and have specific needs or accomodation requests, please email OCL@jmu.edu at least seven business days prior to the event.
Details for all of our upcoming events, including dates, times, and locations, can be found below.
We host the Commuter Student Breakfast twice an academic year to allow off-campus students to come together in an on-campus space, connect, learn more about Off-Campus Life, and enjoy a FREE breakfast together.
The Housing and Community Fairs are large-scale events that the Off-Campus Life hosts twice an academic year. The fairs are essentially a one-stop shop experience for available student housing as we welcome student housing providers in the area to educate students on what they have available. Additionally, we invite a number of community organizations and city departments to come share valuable resources and involvement opportunities with students.
Fall 2026 Housing and Community Fair
Date: Wednesday, September 30, 2026Time: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: Festival Conference & Student Center
Spring 2025 Leasing 101 (TBD):
Leasing 101 is a workshop for any student who wants or needs to learn more about the leasing process before signing a lease for off-campus housing. Our office recommends that those students who will be signing a lease for the first time or students signing a lease with a new property manager or landlord attend this event to understand their responsibilities and rights as a tenant before lease signing.
During this workshop, students will learn what a lease is, common types of leases and the benefits and disadvantages of signing them, the legal responsibility involved when signing a lease, and ways Off-Campus Life can help with the leasing process. Students will also hear important information on second-year on-campus housing contracts and be encouraged to take their time before they sign a lease until they’re fully comfortable and ready to commit to a housing situation.
- Thursday, October 29, 2026: Basic Budgeting for College Students from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. in Festival Allegheny Room: Want to make the most of your money while navigating college life? Join Madison Money Mentors for an interactive workshop focused on building a budget that actually works for you! Learn how to track your spending, manage everyday expenses, prioritize your financial goals, and develop smart money habits without giving up the things you enjoy. Walk away with practical tools to take control of your finances and make more confident financial decisions. Register here!
- Thursday, November 5, 2026: Before You Swipe: Understanding Credit Cards from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. in Festival Allegheny Room: Thinking about getting your first credit card, or already have one but aren't sure how to use it wisely? Join Madison Money Mentors to explore how credit cards work, what impacts your credit score, and how to avoid common mistakes that can lead to debt. From understanding interest rates and minimum payments to building healthy credit habits, this workshop will help you make smarter financial decisions before your next swipe! Register here!
- Wednesday, March 25, 2026: How to Crush Real Life from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. in Grafton-Stovall Theater: What does it actually take to thrive in the “real world”? In this session, Pete Hardesty breaks down critical things every graduate should focus on. From conquering anxiety and building confidence to mastering your money and using practical life hacks that set you apart. Walk away with clear, actionable steps to help you succeed personally, professionally, and financially. Register here!
- From Fomo to Freedom: Smart Spending For College Students in the Age of Social Media: November 12, 2025, in Taylor 306 @ 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm by Finance Coach Lindsey Scott. College life comes with big opportunities… and big expenses. Between coffee runs, late-night food orders, and social media ads that somehow know exactly what you want, it’s easy for money to disappear fast. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to take control of your cash (without feeling deprived), avoid debt traps, and make small shifts that free up dollars for the things you actually care about. Register here
- Thursday, February 06, 2025: Drive Your Future: Master the Car Buying Game from 04:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. in Festival Highlands Room: ired of feeling lost in the car-buying process? This seminar by Finance Professor Jeff Hulett will teach you how to confidently navigate every step, from understanding financing options to spotting the best deals. Learn insider tips and tools to make car buying simple, empowering, and stress-free—because your dream car should come with peace of mind. Register here
Are you a member of a fraternity, sorority, or JMU-affiliated club or organization? In need of educational programs or events to offer to your members?
Let Off-Campus Life assist you with these needs! We have student liaison employees prepared to provide our programs to groups and organizations. Any of the events you see on this page can be provided and even tailored to the specific needs of your audience. Contact the Assistant Director of Off-Campus Life, Jeremy Hawkins, via email at hawkinjl@jmu.edu for more details.