Most students zip over to a computer to check e-mails, do last-minute research, type papers, or access the Blackboard Web site (the ever-popular place for profs to put course documents, pertinent information, and grades). There is also a notorious crowd who comes in to sign on to AIM and monopolize computers for much longer than the average e-mail or Blackboard checkers. You can try rolling your eyes at them, or making small sighing sounds over their shoulder (many people do!) but most of the time you will get no response. Apparently, IM is just that fun.
The majority of students at JMU toted their personal computers or laptops from home. However, those without shouldn’t feel hindered at JMU by their lack of a computer. Labs are easily accessible, large enough to accommodate the general student population, and in various locations throughout campus. Sometimes, you might find yourself eagerly awaiting a computer in one of the busier labs, like the one in Carrier Library. It never fails, however, that within five minutes or so, someone will vacate, and you can go in for the kill. The busiest times in most of the labs are around midday, when everyone is out and about, taking care of business. Rush hour or not, finding a computer to use on campus should rarely be an unpleasant experience.