The transition from high school to college can be intimidating, but SGA has your back! Here are a few words of advice from our members:
- “It’s not uncommon to feel small and unimportant the first couple weeks on a big campus like JMU, and that’s how I felt initially. However, the best thing you can do is to join things– whether it be student government, a dance team, theater, you name it! Even if you don’t like it, you’ll still end up meeting amazing people. The more you get involved, the easier it is to find your niche and start making your mark on Madison and really begin to ‘Be the Change.’” – Julie Hirschhorn, ‘15
- “Be friendly to those who live near you. Remember, they are with you for an entire year!” – McKenzie Quinn, ‘15
- “Do what you love, not what you think you’re supposed to do.” – Shevy Chaganti, ‘14
- “Eat at every dining facility on campus. We do have the third best food in the country! So yummy.” – Rachel Francis, ‘14
- “Remember to hold the door open! It’s a JMU tradition! And don’t forget to smile, be kind and have as much fun as possible.” – Kenya Pennington, ‘15
- “Follow every JMU related twitter account.” – Matt Klein, ‘13
- “Break bad habits and start good ones, especially time management. Join something – anything! Keep an eye out for the freshman 15, it’s sneaky. Don’t be afraid to talk to people, whether it’s your hallmates, teachers, or random people that look friendly. Actually, don’t be afraid of anything. Be really open-minded and try new things!” – Rachel Fisher, ‘15
- “Try things you never would have tried before. Be open to other people and ideas. We have some of the most amazing food in the country, but balance it with exercise, and stay healthy. Take a class in a subject you know absolutely nothing about!!” – Lauren Holder, ‘15
- “Know that college is what you make it. You have a total clean slate from what occurred in your past and that you are able to move forward. Also know the choices you make now can set how the next four years to go, so make decisions that will build your life up, for it will build your Madison Experience as well.” – Jacob Mosser, ‘14
- “If there was one thing I wish I had come into JMU with, it would have been the knowledge life takes its own path and to be game for the ride. Try not to have a preconceived notion of what your Madison experience will be. Everything may not happen perfectly, but it is all a great learning experience. In the end you will find friends to last a lifetime and will have more chances than ever before to get involved with something you are passionate about. Also, try to infuse your dorm room with your personality. It is best to make it feel like a little piece of home!” – Taylor Vollman, ‘15
We can’t wait to see you in August!
