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Getting to campus from off-campus accommodation

By bus 
An extensive bus service, run by the city of Harrisonburg, covers the campus and areas within the city where off-campus James Madison University students live. JMU students ride free of charge when they present a valid JMU Access Card. 

  • 8 bus stops on campus
  • Godwin Hall is the central arrival and departure point
  • View the bus schedule

By bike
Biking is one of the most popular ways of getting around campus and town, and there are a large number of cyclists at JMU. Be alert for other cyclists, automobiles and pedestrians. 

  • you can cycle from off-campus accommodation to the university campus in less than 20 minutes
  • there are many bike racks on campus to lock your bicycle to
  • bicycle safety brochure and bike route map available from JMU

Off-campus accommodation: private student housing

Pre-Master's students and undergraduate students who miss the on-campus accommodation deadline* can choose from an abundance of off-campus housing near to the JMU campus.

You will be given lists of available off-campus accommodation and plenty of guidance on finding a place to live nearby. Private student housing offers spacious and comfortable rooms, independent living arrangements, and often has excellent recreation facilities.

Quick facts about living off-campus

  • About 60% of JMU undergraduate students live off campus.
  • Most students living off-campus are in apartment complexes.
  • Most housing is within a two mile radius of campus.
  • You will be asked to sign either an individual or group lease. 
  • Lease lengths vary but are usually 12 months.
  • Average rent per student per month is $310.
  • Average utility payment per month is $30-$60.
  • Individuals spend between $50 and $80 per week on food.
  • Campus meal plans are available for off-campus
    residents.

Featured off-campus housing units  Pheasant Run Townhomes near James Madison University

Pheasant Run Townhomes

Price range: $425 per room per month in a 4-bedroom townhouse

Monthly rent includes: high-speed internet, cable TV, electricity, water, sewage, garbage

Facilities: single bedrooms with shared bathrooms, two floors, furnished and Kitchen in Pheasant Run Townhomescarpeted, dishwasher, air conditioning, washer and dryer in unit, eat-in kitchen with breakfast bar, outdoor deck or patio, BBQ and picnic area, volleyball court and horseshoe pits, many fun student events organized throughout the year.

Address: 321 Pheasant Run Circle, Harrisonburg, VA 22801 (Google Map)

Distance to center of campus: 1.8 miles, 32 minutes on foot, 12 minutes by bike

Distance to International Study Center: 1.7 miles, 32 minutes on foot, 11 minutes by bike

Bus travel: nearest stop next to units (Pheasant Run) - Route #4 or #10: 5 minute journey to campus.

Examples of private student housing

In 2011, International Study Center students are living in off-campus accommodation in the following locations:

North 38

Off-campus residence in North 38 area

Price range: $470-$520 per room per month in a 3- or 4- bedroom apartment

Monthly rent includes: high-speed internet, cable TV, electricity, water, sewage, and garbage

Facilities: single bedrooms with private baths, fully furnished, washer and dryer‎, swimming pool, water volleyball & basketball, sand volleyball court, hot tub, game room, fitness center, free tanning beds, 24 hour clubhouse, computer lounge with free printing, 32" LCD TVs.

Address: 1190 Meridian Circle, Harrisonburg, VA 22802 (Google Map)

Distance to center of campus: 2.5 miles, 50 minutes on foot, 17 minutes by bike

Distance to International Study Center: 2.7 miles, 50 minutes on foot, 18 minutes by bike

Bus travel: nearest stop next to apartments (Oriole Lane at North 38) - Route #2: 24 minute journey to campus. Also a Night Shuttle bus service.

University Fields

University Fields off-campus accommodation

Price range: $380-$400 per room per month (depending on floor)

Monthly rent includes: cable TV, water, sewage, garbage, high-speed internet, heat, gas and electricity

Facilities: private bedrooms with shared bathroom, fully furnished, balcony or patio, air conditioning, full kitchen, washer and dryer, swimming pool, hot tub, fitness center, TV lounge, recreation room with pool table, sand volleyball, basketball and tennis courts. Computer center with printers, copier and scanner.

Address: 1191 Devon Lane, Harrisonburg, VA 22801 (Google Map)

Distance to center of campus: 1.3 miles, 27 minutes on foot, 12 minutes by bike

Distance to International Study Center: 1.9 miles, 39 minutes on foot, 16 minutes by bike

Bus travel: nearest stop on site (Devon Lane at University Fields) - Route #9: 4 minute journey to campus

Hunters Ridge

Off-campus accommodation in Hunters Ridge area

Price range: around $200-$325 per room per month (depending on unit)

Monthly rent includes: garbage

Facilities: private bedrooms with shared bathrooms, fully furnished, washer and dryer‎ in unit, dishwasher, air conditioning, patio or balcony.

Address: Bradley Drive or Hunters Road, Harrisonburg, VA 22801 (Google Map)

Distance to center of campus: 1.0 miles, 20 minutes on foot, 9 minutes by bike

Distance to International Study Center: 1.7 miles, 32 minutes on foot, 12 minutes by bike

Bus travel: nearest stop 2 minutes walk (Bradley Drive at Hunters Ridge) - Route #7: 5 minute journey to campus

Finding off-campus accommodation

If you will be living in off-campus accommodation, you need to stay in a hotel room for several days upon arrival at James Madison University while you look for permanent housing.

Staff at the International Study Center and JMU's Office for Off Campus Life will help you find a place to live near the campus. You will be given guidance on understanding leases and finding a roommate.

Next steps