James Madison University Office of Residence Life is a featured program.
Are you doing a good job in marketing the benefits of living on campus to your housing current housing population?
Whether your housing/residence life program is self-supporting or assists your university in reaching yearly financial projections and goals, hitting housing capacity numbers, or in some cases going beyond, is of critical importance.
In addition, a diverse housing population that includes returning students increases the quality of life and overall experience for all students who live on campus.
At James Madison University, educating upper class students about the value of living on campus is a priority.
The following information, which now appears on our website, was designed to encourage on-campus students to live on campus, through the analysis of myths and facts as they relate to living on campus.
Upperclass Housing Myths vs Facts Exposed
There are so many options for students to choose from when selecting housing for their sophomore year, but determining which is best for you can be hard. On campus? Off campus? Roommates? In order to make it a little more clear, we’re exposing some Myths & Facts about 2nd year housing on campus.
Only freshmen live on campus.
MYTH. Each year over 1,500 upperclass students choose to live on campus. For Fall 2015, there will be approximately 1,900 upperclass students living on campus.
Upperclass students have to live in a traditional style hall.
MYTH. Our brand new apartment-style building on Grace Street opened this year. The Apartments on Grace Street are a great option for students who want to experience apartment living with all the benefits of living on campus!
All of JMU’s FREE resources are right at your fingertips on campus.
FACT. Living on campus puts you within walking distance of libraries, UREC, The Student Success Center which houses the Health Center, Career and Academic Planning, and the Counseling Center. Not to mention JMU’s 14 different dining halls.
Not all of the residence halls have WiFi.
MYTH. After this summer, every residence hall will be equipped with WiFi.
Students who live on campus for more than one year are happier with their college experience.
FACT. Studies show that students who live on campus for more than one year on average get better grades, are more involved and in turn overall more happy with their college experience.
All upperclass students move off campus.
MYTH. This year, 40% of sophomores choose to live on campus.
If you choose to live on campus next year you can sign a contract now, but you don’t have to pick your hall or roommates until the spring.
FACT. One of the benefits of living on campus is that you don’t have to rush to make a decision about where on campus you want to live right now. Plus, you can wait until room selection to choose who you want to live with, a lot can change in a few months so waiting to choose could be helpful.
Upperclass students have to live in the Village Area.
MYTH. Upperclassmen housing is available all over campus, including the Bluestone, Skyline, Lake and Village areas, as well as the new Apartments on Grace Street which are conveniently located to the Forbes Center, Memorial Hall, and the quad.
I missed the 2nd Year Housing Contract Deadline so now I can’t live on campus next year.
MYTH. Housing Contracts went live on October 6th, but will remain open until all the available contracts are signed.
If you live on campus your sophomore year you have to live on campus for all four years.
MYTH. Housing Contracts are for a one academic year period. If you choose to live off campus after your sophomore year you are free to do so.
Submitted by Pam Steele, Area Coordinator, James Madison University