Navigate JHU Life
Welcome to Your JHU Journey!
Welcome to Johns Hopkins University (JHU), where your academic and personal journey begins! This comprehensive guide is your roadmap to thriving at JHU, covering everything from academic resources to campus facilities, student life, support services, and exploring Baltimore. CAMP-US, your student partner, is here to support you with housing and community resources to make your experience seamless and enriching.
Study Spaces
With the MSE Library closed, JHU offers alternative study spaces to suit various needs:
- Brody Learning Commons: Offers group study rooms, a quiet reading room, and whiteboards for collaborative work.
- Mudd Hall Atrium: A cozy spot with a café, rocking chairs, and tables, ideal for both solo and group study.
- AMR I Common Room: Convenient for residents of AMR I, providing a quiet study area.
- Welch Medical Library: On the East Baltimore campus, it offers silent and group study areas for medical students.
- Hopkins Student Center: Opening in August 2025, it will provide modern spaces for studying and socializing.
Research Opportunities
JHU, America’s first research university, encourages undergraduate research, with 70% of students participating.
- Hopkins Office for Undergraduate Research (HOUR): Connects students with research opportunities and funding, including the Provost’s Undergraduate Research Award (PURA), which offers $3,000 grants for independent projects.
- Faculty Collaboration: Students can work alongside world-class faculty, contribute to journal articles, and present at conferences.
- Fields of Study: Opportunities span biology, engineering, medicine, and more, starting as early as your first year.
Learn more at Undergraduate Research.
Academic Resources
Libraries
JHU’s libraries are hubs of knowledge and collaboration, offering extensive resources for your studies.
- Brody Learning Commons: Connected to the Milton S. Eisenhower Library, it features a quiet reading room, 16 group study rooms, teaching spaces, and the Daily Grind Café. It also houses the Department of Special Collections for rare books and manuscripts.
- Milton S. Eisenhower Library (MSE Library): The main library is closed for a $130 million renovation until early 2027. It typically offers over 3.7 million books, electronic journals, and specialized collections in humanities, science, and engineering.
- Other Libraries: The Albert D. Hutzler Reading Room in Gilman Hall, John Work Garrett Library at Evergreen, and the iconic George Peabody Library provide unique collections and study environments.
For more details, visit the Sheridan Libraries website.
Tutoring and Academic Support
The Office of Academic Support provides free programs to enhance your learning:
- Learning Den: Offers drop-in tutoring, help rooms for specific departments, and personalized tutoring for courses in the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences and Whiting School of Engineering. Sessions begin the second week of classes and run through the last week, except during university holidays.
- Study Consulting: Provides guidance on study skills, time management, and academic strategies.
- PILOT (Peer-Led Team Learning): Facilitates small group learning led by peers to deepen course understanding.
Register for these services via the Penji platform at Academic Support.
Academic Advising
Each student is assigned an academic advisor to guide course planning, degree requirements, and resource connections. The Office of Academic Advising offers:
- Drop-In Hours: Available for quick questions, typically on Mondays.
- One-on-One Meetings: Scheduled for in-depth discussions.
- Newsletters: Regular updates on academic deadlines and events.
For advising support, visit Undergraduate Advising.
Fitness and Recreation
The Ralph S. O’Connor Center for Recreation and Well-Being is JHU’s primary fitness facility, offering:
- Fitness Spaces: Cardio and strength training equipment from top brands like Technogym and Hammer Strength.
- Group Fitness Classes: Over 50 weekly classes, including F45 Training and yoga, accessible to all fitness levels.
- Intramural Sports and Clubs: Opportunities for competition and camaraderie.
- Outdoor Activities: Organized trips and events.
The Denton A. Cooley Center on the medical campus provides additional fitness options. Visit Recreation Center for details.
Housing
JHU requires first- and second-year students to live on-campus or with a parent/guardian. Residence halls foster community and personal growth. For off-campus options, CAMP-US offers student-friendly housing near campus with amenities like high-speed internet, quiet study areas, and furnished apartments. Explore CAMP-US housing at CAMP-US Housing.
Campus Facilities
Dining Options
JHU’s dining program, managed by Hopkins Dining, emphasizes sustainability and variety, offering gluten-free, vegan, and kosher-friendly options.
| Location | Description | Menu URL | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hopkins Café | All-you-can-eat dining hall with stations like Passport (global cuisine), Woodstone (pizza), and Root (vegan). | Hopkins Café Menu | Dining Hours |
| Nolan’s on 33rd | Features B.Y.O.B. Concepts, Nourish, and Scratch Fired for diverse dining. | Nolan’s Menu | Dining Hours |
| Charles Street Market | Grab-and-go meals, sushi, and The Bun Shop for coffee and salads. | Market Menu | Dining Hours |
| Levering Kitchens | Lunch and dinner with Mosaic Global Kitchen and Levering Taco Kitchen. | Kitchens Menu | Dining Hours |
| Levering Café | Fair trade coffee, teas, bagels, and pastries. | Café Menu | Dining Hours |
Explore more at Hopkins Dining.
Health Services
Student Health & Well-Being (SHWB) Primary Care operates clinics at Homewood, East Baltimore, and Washington DC, offering:
- Medical services for illness, injury, and chronic disease management.
- Preventive health and health education programs.
Mental Health Services provide counseling, therapy, and psychiatric care, accessible via the MyHealth portal. For appointments, visit Student Health & Well-Being.
Transportation
JHU provides shuttle services connecting campuses and nearby areas, trackable via the TransLoc app. Public transportation includes:
- MTA Buses: Extensive network across Baltimore.
- Light RailLink: Connects north and south Baltimore.
- Metro SubwayLink: Runs from Owings Mills to Johns Hopkins Hospital.
- MARC Train: Commuter rail to Washington, D.C.
- Charm City Circulator: Free downtown bus service.
For shuttle and public transit information, visit JHU Transportation Services and MTA Maryland.
Volunteer Opportunities
The Center for Social Concern connects students with volunteer opportunities in Baltimore, such as tutoring, mentoring, and community service. Programs like the Johns Hopkins Tutorial Project support local elementary students. Learn more at Center for Social Concern.
Cultural and Diversity Resources
JHU fosters an inclusive environment through:
- Office of Diversity and Inclusion: Oversees the Second JHU Roadmap on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion with 24 goals to enhance DEI.
- Center for Diversity & Inclusion: Offers programming and support for underrepresented students.
- LGBTQ Life: Provides resources, Safe Zone training, and support for the LGBTQ+ community.
For resources, visit Diversity at JHU.
Student Life
Clubs and Organizations
JHU hosts over 400 student-run clubs, ranging from academic societies to cultural groups and recreational clubs. Notable organizations include:
- The HOP: Organizes campus events and co-sponsors student initiatives.
- Foreign Affairs Symposium: Hosts speaker series with prominent figures.
- Octopodes: JHU’s oldest all-gender a cappella group.
Find and join clubs at Hopkins Groups.
Events and Activities
JHU’s vibrant event calendar includes:
- Blue Jay Opening Day: A tailgate with rides, games, and community resources.
- Hoptoberfest: Fall festival with music, food, and activities.
- Lighting of the Quads: A spectacular lighting ceremony.
- Spring Fair: A major campus event with entertainment and food.
Check upcoming events on the university calendar.
Student Government
The Student Government Association (SGA) advocates for student interests, with weekly Senate meetings open to all. Get involved at SGA.
Mental Health and Counseling
Mental Health Services offer high-quality care, including:
- Counseling and therapy sessions.
- Psychiatric services.
- 24/7 crisis support via the Behavioral Health Crisis Support Team (410-516-9355).
Schedule appointments at Mental Health Services.
Disability Services
Student Disability Services (SDS) ensures accessibility with accommodations like note-taking and assistive technology. Register at SDS.
Support Services
International Student Services
The Office of International Services (OIS) supports over 11,000 international students with:
- Immigration and visa guidance.
- Cultural adjustment resources.
- Webinars on housing and employment.
Contact OIS at OIS.
Career Services
- Career counseling and workshops.
- Handshake platform for job and internship postings.
- LinkedIn Learning for skill development.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
JHU meets 100% of demonstrated need for undergraduates through grants, scholarships, and work-study. Notable programs include:
- QuestBridge Scholarship: Covers full cost for eligible students.
- Davis UWC Scholars Program: Supports international students.
Contact the Office of Student Financial Support at Student Financial Support.
Dining and Shopping
Dining:
- Wicked Sisters: American cuisine in Hampden.
- R. House: Food hall with diverse vendors.
- The Food Market: Upscale comfort food.
- Dear Charles: Casual dining near campus.
- Tamber’s Restaurant: Indian and American dishes.
Shopping:
- Mondawmin Mall: Large mall with major retailers.
- The Shops at Canton Crossing: Outdoor shopping center.
- Harborplace: Shopping and dining at the Inner Harbor.
- The Village of Cross Keys: Upscale boutiques.
Safety Tips
Stay safe in Baltimore with these tips:
- Avoid distractions like smartphones while walking.
- Lock vehicles and secure belongings.
- Use well-lit areas at night.
- Utilize JHU’s safety escorts and security services at JHU Public Safety.
Navigating Baltimore
Local Attractions
Baltimore, known as Charm City, offers rich cultural and historical experiences:
| Attraction | Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| National Aquarium | World-class aquarium with diverse marine life. | Mon-Sun: 9 AM–6 PM, Fri until 9 PM |
| Fort McHenry | Historic site of the Battle of Baltimore. | Daily: 9 AM–5 PM |
| Maryland Science Center | Interactive science museum for all ages. | Tue-Fri: 10 AM–4 PM, Sat-Sun: 10 AM–5 PM |
| Baltimore Museum of Art | Free admission to a vast art collection. | Wed-Sun: 10 AM–5 PM, Thu until 9 PM |
| The Maryland Zoo | Home to over 1,500 animals. | Daily: 10 AM–4 PM |
| Top of the World | Panoramic views from the 27th floor. | Wed-Sun: 10 AM–6 PM, Fri-Sat until 7 PM |
Public Transportation
Baltimore’s transit options include:
- MTA Buses: Over 80 lines serving the 67 million riders daily.
- Light RailLink: Connects north and south Baltimore.
- Metro SubwayLink: Runs from Owings Mills to JHU Hospital.
- MARC Train: Commuter rail to D.C.
- Charm City Circulator: Free downtown bus.
Access schedules at MTA Maryland and Charm City Circulator.
CAMP-US: Your Partner in Thriving at JHU
CAMP-US is more than a housing provider—we’re your partner in thriving at JHU. Our properties offer student-focused amenities like high-speed internet, study spaces, and community lounges. We host resident events, maintain a Discord server for connection, and provide resources like move-in guides and local tips.