Weather

The weather is insane—bring everything you own from a bathing suit to a parka. You think I’m kidding? I came to visit the school in mid-April before my freshman year and it was snowing. January on a good day you could probably lie out and tan, or on a bad day, you’ll be buried in a foot of snow. You just never know.

Local Atmosphere

I love Blacksburg! Since Blacksburg is a relatively small town, it feels like Tech is the center. As a freshman, the campus felt like a town within the town. I was so scared because Tech is so huge, but as I learned where the buildings were, and the hangouts, and met more people, the campus became smaller. I see familiar faces on practically every inch of the campus. There’s a downtown part right off campus, with neat shops and yummy restaurants, and a great night life. There are a handful of fun bars and places to hangout, maybe play some pool or darts. And within 30 minutes of this place, there are so many outdoor things to do, like go to the New River and go tubing or hike up the Cascades or go camping or rock climbing. Radford University is 20 minutes away, too, and lots of people go there to visit and party.

Nightlife

There aren’t very many parties on campus, unless you consider Oak Lane (the Greek housing) to be on campus. But apartment parties are scattered everywhere. There is always something going on somewhere. The bars that are really popular downtown are Hokie House, Champs, Big Al’s, and TOTS (Top Of The Stairs). These are my personal favorites. Hokie House, Champs, and Big Al’s have pool tables and darts, and TOTS has karaoke once a week.

Off-Campus Dining

Blacksburg has pretty much whatever you want to eat, and if it doesn’t, Christiansburg does. Most of the restaurants downtown are really good. Sharkey’s and More Than Coffee are my favorites. Most of the fast food restaurants are right off the edge of campus. If you go a little ways from campus, there is a Five Guys, which rocks. Macado’s is great for deli sandwiches.

Off-Campus Housing

Apartments are the best. If you can get an apartment after your freshman year, it is worth it. The dorms are great to meet people, but it is a lot better to have some of your own space and a happy place to come back to. Tech can tend to get slightly depressing living on campus all the time, especially if it is a gray day on the Drillfield. So if you can, get an apartment, there are many that are close enough to walk or drive to campus from and they are easy to find.

Overall Experience

I have been here for four years and am now a graduate student here. I enjoy it. I am from Connecticut, in a town about an hour outside of New York City, so at times, I feel very isolated here—especially since Roanoke is considered the ‘big city.’ Who are they kidding?

Parking

Parking is my least favorite thing about Tech. I have spent many a dollar on parking tickets and the like. Good luck trying to find a spot in the commuter lot if it is five minutes before class and not a Friday. My best advice is going early and scouting out your spot. And don’t just throw out those little orange pamphlets they give you when you buy your parking pass. They contain the secret legal hours of parking around campus. Good luck finding parking hours posted anywhere else.

Safety & Security

If you’re smart, you’ll be safe everyday of your four years at Tech. For me, the most dangerous place is crossing this one street, since you sometimes can’t see cars until they are really close to you, but this isn’t a problem if you’re careful. Sometimes, girls go to parties and get really drunk and then trust some complete stranger to take them home—that’s never a good idea. Ninety percent of assaults are alcohol-related, so basically, as long as you’re responsible, you’ll probably be fine. There are blue phones located all over campus that are connected to the campus police, so you could use one and have someone come get you quickly if you were ever in trouble.

Transportation

Public transportation has got to be the best in the nation. While talking to others who go to other schools, I found I am very lucky. They have free student buses running to every part of town, and a bus stop is located about every half block. Also, there is plenty of student parking if one does decide to drive.

Academics

For the most part, the teachers are all good. You run into your occasional boring lecturer, but most of the teachers I have encountered are both understanding and encouraging. Many of them are so excited about their area of expertise that their enthusiasm is catching.

Athletics

One of the reasons I came to this college is to watch a good football team on the weekends. That is about the only sport I go to watch, except for the occasional basketball or baseball game. I play IM sports every year. They are easy to join and very fun, plus you get a free T-shirt if you win.

Campus Dining

Food is decent. There is a lot of variety, and the atmospheres of the dining centers are all very interesting. Sometimes, the food can get old because, although there are many dining centers, they offer most of the same food every day.

Campus Housing

Dorm life here can either suck or rock, depending on what you’re like. They’re generally small and loud, and you have to share showers with the whole hall. If you get along with your roommate, have a decent pair of headphones, and aren’t bothered by someone taking a shower next to you, you’ll probably like it. The close quarters make it easy to meet your neighbors. Stay away from Thomas Hall. It’s way on the edge of campus, away from everything, and it’s right next to the power plant.

Campus Strictness

The police are pretty strict on drinking in the dorms. If you are discrete about it, you will probably be fine, but if you decide to have a large party in your room, you will most likely get caught. The thing to remember is that your roommate gets punished for it, too, even if they are not involved. So don't forget to consider others if you are going to try and get away with something.

Computers

We are known for having some of the best technology nationwide. We have a math emporium that is open 24 hours a day and has more than 500 brand new Mac computers for students to use. Still, it's always a good idea to have your own computer. Students will find that at any college however.

Diversity

I’m not sure about the actual statistics, but I think that there is a lot of diversity and acceptance here. There are a lot of students from other countries (international students), and students of different races and backgrounds, sexual orientation, and interests. Diversity is celebrated and encouraged through organizations and activities.

Drug Scene

I haven’t heard or seen much of anyone doing more than alcohol and marijuana. It’s going to be there, but no one will pressure you into doing it. If you’re uncomfortable with people doing it around you, there is plenty of stuff to do that doesn’t involve drugs or alcohol.

Facilities

Outside, many sand volleyball courts are placed among the dorms, and there is a central basketball park in the residential area. Two gyms are located on campus: War Memorial, an old-but-still-equipped gym with no air conditioning, and McComas, which is currently expanding an entire new area. There is also a large indoor basketball complex being built. Food courts and dining halls are very delicious, and West End was even nationally ranked.

Greek Life

Greek life is pretty big at Virginia Tech, but if you don't go Greek, people don't care. I am a part of Greek life, and I think it is amazing. I have met people who I know are going to be lifelong friends and have had plenty of good times with my sorority. Fraternity parties are a lot of fun here, though some are a lot better than others. Most people tend to just go out to their friends' apartments on weekends and maybe every now and then go to a fraternity party.

Guys & Girls

Being a guy, I guess you could say most of the girls here are hot. Okay, they’re really hot, and they’re usually open to talking. It’s different from high school. They’re more mature, and they actually respond to respect. Nice guys don’t always finish last.