kathan

The weather is highly unpredictable. Doesn't really bother me very much but I can tell some people from regions with more regular weather patterns dislike it quite a bit. Sometimes it is inconvenient when walking to class as you can get caught in some unpleasant weather so prepare for that.

Outside of a few nights where specific bars are good (which also happens during the week might I add), much of the social scene is house parties, meaning your participation is highly dependent on your social circle and their activities. Don't expect to be able to go to local bars regularly and meet a bunch of new people. The bar scenes in Harrisonburg are by a wide majority for locals that are indifferent at best with JMU students. The weather also plays a huge role in the nightlife as well as people are much more willing to party with nicer weather than when it is cold out. My advice would be to meet as many people as you can and keep the social network open so that you can always find something going on.

I think the professors have been excellent and there have been plenty of apprenticeship and job opportunities.

The school is something like 80% white but I know that is something they are trying to improve. I have a unique ethnic name and I can tell that many students here have had limited interaction with minorities based on the preponderance of questions asked about my name.

No different than any other average college. Some courses are challenging and require more work to excel whilst others are less intensive. If you want to get A's it is possible in almost every class.

A lot of very good options at affordable prices. Just be sure to read through the lease as the landlords are constantly looking for ways to screw over students.