James Madison University

Madison has it all. To me, it is just the right size. Big enough to have all the extras and perks, but small enough that you always see someone you know on the way to class. I think I've gotten more hugs in one semester here than I have in my whole life from Aunt Edna. If you want to have fun, any night of the week, there is stuff to do- off campus and on. The JMU PD respect the students and, as long as you aren't being a complete and utter moron, will just request you either "move on" or "walk on the sidewalk, please". The faculty is great... they are strictly here to teach- there is no research. Grad students are saved for discussion groups and extra help, but, if you need even more help, profs. office hours are long and flexible. While often crowded, UREC's weight room is better than many $600 a year gyms. That and the pool and the raquetball and the basketball and the climbing wall and the equipment center make it in and of itself almost worth the tuition. The food. My second favorite (the first being, of course, the girls) part of the school, it is, as college food goes, the best I've ever had. And, there are many options all over campus. But, if Dhall or Greens or whatever aren't in the stars for you, Chinese is delivered until 1am and pizza is delivered almost 24 hours on weekends. And yes, the weekend does start on Thursday.Bad things are parking, but the bus system is awesome, so use it. Apart from that, even for an out of stater, it is pretty darn cheap and easy to get to. Definitely a good spot.

1st Year Male -- Class 2007

Faculty Accessibility: A+, Surrounding City: B

THE FOOD ROCKS! seriously...it does. Dhall's Christmas dinner kicks so much ass.
and there is a great hill for sledding...
and the off-campus life resources and office are wonderful, they make getting your first apartment/house a good experienceJOIN AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL...haha there's my plug.

1st Year Female -- Class 2006

Perceived Campus Safety: A+, Surrounding City: B-