Virginia Tech
- Local Atmosphere

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Virginia Tech - Local Atmosphere - College ProwlerCollege Prowler3.85

Local Atmosphere

Quick Stats

Points of Interest
  • Appalachian Trail
  • Cascades
  • Chateau Morrissette
  • Huckleberry Trail
  • New River
  • Radford University
  • Roanoke

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

Living in Blacksburg combines the convenience of being able to walk everywhere with the familiarity of knowing most of the shops and restaurants in town. The town’s size and location do leave some students feeling like they’re in the middle of nowhere. On the plus side, there is a downtown area that caters to college students’ tastes. Also, a variety of restaurants surround the campus, many of which are priced to fit a student budget. Students who come to Virginia Tech from big cities may miss the hustle and bustle. But again, many students enjoy living in a town that revolves around their university. Even the locals feel like Hokies—going to games, hanging VT banners in their windows, and going to school events. Blacksburg is mostly self-sufficient, with numerous grocery stores, restaurants, shops, and services. The town is also a 15-minute drive from Christiansburg, where students can find a Super Wal-Mart, Target, and a mall with a movie theater.

If you’re a nature lover, there’s plenty for you to do in and around Blacksburg. There are hiking trails, the New River, and campsites close by. Students who are less of the outdoors type can go downtown and find restaurants, movies, and bars. Though many students find the small town atmosphere and close-knit community enjoyable, there's a limit to how much a small town can offer. For some student, by their fourth year at Tech, they might be ready to get out of Blacksburg and see something new.

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Virginia Tech Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Local Atmosphere at Virginia Tech

mcaitlin

'12

Education

4.6
A

Unique, Artsy, Fun

There is always an event going on, and many different options to pick from. There are art exhibits, plays, concerts (a few times a semester), cultural events, and tons of sporting events. Students are embraced in the community, making it feel like a big extended family. People are very nice and supportive of VT.

Jan 08, 2012

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Local Atmosphere at Virginia Tech

ajchoi

'15

Biological Sciences

4.2
A-

True College Town

Everything is a walk or bus ride away, but most times I hitch a ride with my friends. I love that everything is really close to each other and there is always something to do.

Jan 03, 2012

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Local Atmosphere at Virginia Tech

aljurejd

'15

Mechanical Engineering

5.0
A+

Atmosphere

Every person I have met at Virginia Tech is extremely friendly and everyone is willing to lend a hand in any way they can. The atmosphere is highly comforting.

Dec 24, 2011

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Photos of Virginia Tech's Local Atmosphere

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Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

Rate the local atmosphere on the following topics

What is the local atmosphere like at your school?

What is the proximity to other universities? Is there much interaction?

Can you see yourself living here after graduation?

Facts

Shopping Centers New River Valley Mall
Major Sports Teams None:
City Web Sites
Distances to Nearest Major Cities
  • Richmond: VA: 3 hours
  • Washington: D.C.: 4 hours
Did You Know?

5 Fun Facts about Blacksburg:
• Around 40 percent of the land in Blacksburg is undeveloped. That means lots of open fields and clean air.
The town has festivals downtown throughout the year, including Steppin’ Out, where local artisans and vendors sell their work, and the International Street Festival, where dozens of cultures share food and dance.
• Virginia Tech was listed by Outside magazine as a top 10 “dream town” for outdoors enthusiasts.
• Mountain Lake Hotel is a few miles down the road from Tech, and it is famous for being the setting of the film Dirty Dancing.
Blacksburg has a farmers’ market twice a week. Local farmers bring fresh vegetables, fruit, and more.

Famous People from Blacksburg:
William Black – founder of Blacksburg

Local Slang:
Ya’ll – Two or more people
Poke – Bag
Tech, VT – Virginia Tech
NOVA – Northern Virginia

Movie TheatersWhat's This?

The Lyric Theatre
135 College Ave.,
Blacksburg
(540) 951-0604

Radford Plaza Cinemas
7472 Lee Hwy.,
Radford
(540) 633-2460

Radford Theatre
1043 Norwood St.,
Radford
(540) 639-0772

Regal New River Valley Stadium 14
110 New River Rd.
Christiansburg
(540) 381-0854

StarLite Drive-In Theater
305 Starlight Drive
Christiansburg
(540) 382-2202

Valley View Grande Roanoke
4730 Valley View Blvd.
Roanoke
(540) 362-8989

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Most Recent Student Author

College Prowler guides are in the hands of students throughout the entire process. Because you can't make student-written guides without the students, we have students at each campus who write, edit, and survey their peers for every guide that we publish. Thanks to our most recent student author at VT

Name: Heather Priestley

Hometown: Toano, VA

Major: Wildlife Science

see all student author bios > Become a student author to help update the guide for this school