With the start of the 2024 Fall semester at Jacksonville University, there are many new faces around campus. With the freshman class having over 700 students, you are going to have to learn to adjust to college life. Here are some places around campus that will be important to survive your first year of college. 

CARL S. SWISHER LIBRARY

Located in the heart of campus, the Swisher Library is a three-story building, over 50,000 square feet looking over the St. Johns River. The library is named after Carl S. Swisher, the former chair of the Jacksonville University Board of Trustees who contributed money for the library from 1953 to 1971. Swisher’s devotion to the college was honored with Swisher Auditorium, Swisher Gym, and the Swisher Science Building.

 The mission of the library is to provide quality resources and services that support academic programs. Swisher Library can also be accessed through the online platform, where different books and articles are provided for students. The library also offers students a quiet place to study, with access to computers and printers. Swisher Library is open 7:30 am – 9 pm during the work week for students take advantage of all that Carl S. Swisher Library offers.

CAMPUS CUISINE

The JU campus offers many cuisine options for students. The Riverview Dining Hall is the main Cafeteria on campus, serving buffet-style meals from breakfast to dinner. Each buffet has different styles of food like a salad bar, pizza station, sandwich station, and pasta bar. The campus also has fast food restaurants as well such as Starbucks and Chick-fil-A. These dining places can be found throughout campus in the Davis Student Commons Building and Kinne University Center. There are also other restaurants on campus, such as Cantina Rio, located in the River House. This offers Mexican Cuisine and a real sit-down restaurant. Students over the age of 21 can also purchase alcohol. All of these dining options take Flex, which is prepaid money that can be used to purchase food. Your own personal money is expected at all of these establishments as well. 

POD MARKET

The Pod Market is located in Davis Student Commons, this is a convenient store on campus. The store sells different kinds of food, snacks, and other merchandise. Things like travel size medicine, pencils, candy, and even skateboards can be purchased. The Pod Market also takes Flex and Dolphin dollars so students can use prepaid cards to purchase any of these goodies. Bento sushi can also be bought in the store as well, a good on the go lunch. The store is open Monday through Friday 10am – 8pm. 

HOWARD ADMINISTRATION BUILDING

While this may just look like a boring building, a lot of important task happen in the Howard Administration Building. This is where security, and all student relations happen. Financial aid and other resources are located throughout the building, but all of these resources can also be accessed through your JU portal, email, or a phone call. 

JU BOOKSTORE

The JU Bookstore is a very important place to know as a freshman. This is where all books needed for classes can be bought and picked up. It’s located in the Kinne Center near the dining hall. At the bookstore, apparel can also be bought so you can represent JU. Other materials needed for classes can also be purchased there as well, such as, pencils, notebooks, and folders. Giving easy access for students in need of supplies. The bookstore is open Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm. 

Going to a new school is always and adjustment. Knowing where key places are located is also very important to making your way. Jacksonville University has a lot to offer new students and that’s why, making yourself comfortable on campus is vital to a successful first year. 

REFERENCES

“Apparel, Gifts & Textbooks: Jacksonville University Official Bookstore.” Jacksonville, ju.bncollege.com/. Accessed 26 Aug. 2024. 

“Food & Dining.” Food & Dining | Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Fla., http://www.ju.edu/campuslife/living/dining.php. Accessed 26 Aug. 2024. 

“Swisher Library: About the Carl S. Swisher Library: Home.” Carl S. Swisher Library at Jacksonville University, library.ju.edu/about. Accessed 26 Aug. 2024. 

“Campus Student Services Green Pages Student Handbook.” Campus Student Services | Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Fla., www.ju.edu/greenpages/campus-student-services.php. Accessed 26 Aug. 2024.

 “Hall of Fame: Carl S. Swisher.” Jacksonville University, judolphins.com/honors/hall-of-fame/carl-swisher/14#:~:text=The%20father%20of%20Jacksonville%20University,the%20foundation%20to%20build%20upon. Accessed 27 Aug. 2024.