Virginia Tech
Reviews

Not Being White

Virginia Tech is mostly a White campus. Although there are many different kinds of people within the campus, you don't see them too often and being someone who is a minority, this can sometimes be intimidating. More so if you come from an area where white people make up not even half of the percentage of the population.

V Parking

I don't actually have a car myself, but many of my friends do. Apparently, your choices range from getting a spot in the Cage and walking all the way to campus, or risk wasting your time driving around and finding a closer spot. I just ride my bike, although we'll see how that works in the Blacksburg snow.

Take the Bus If You Can

Permits for students are expensive (but not really compared to other VA schools), about $100/semester. We have lots of construction going on and many parking spaces were taken away. The new parking garage helps, but not enough. Depending on where your classes are, you may have to walk pretty far from you car. Also, game days are the worst. Don't drive or park on campus if you can help it. Freshman have to park in "the cage". It's not too bad. Plus, freshman don't really need to drive much.

Love It

Would choose to come here all over again for the football, parties, people, and yeah challenging academics in my major

Something for Everyone

I think that Blacksburg is a great place, although a quaint quiet town at times, the nightlife can be very exciting. There are lots of parties for anyone on campus or off to enjoy, ranging from small get-togethers with close friends, house parties, or fraternity parties. Our downtown area is a great place for people 21 and over. We have a large variety of local bars that serve amazing food! Our buses run all night until 2 am and run from campus to all of the major apartment complexes, downtown, and even as far as the next town over! One thing Blacksburg really does lack is a good club. We don't have many clubs that are that popular unless a student organization is holding and event there, so that could be one area Virginia Tech could improve their nightlife.

If you're not a fan of partying there are tons of different things to do on campus at night! Residential halls and student organizations will organize movies, free food, and events just to socialize! And if you just really need to study on some weekends, we have buildings open 24/7 with quiet study rooms and tables for anytime when you need to crack open a book.

Fantastic Tech School

For students attending Virginia Tech for any sort of STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) related field, they will get a very solid education. It is less so for liberal arts areas, but just because it isn't know for those programs doesn't mean they still aren't great values.

Architecture

I am taking architecture in the College of Architecture and Urban Studies and it is the best major ever. I have never related anything I have learned in school to my daily life as much as I have here. It makes me feel important.

Accessible Outdoors

Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, Virginia Tech is within an hour-long drive of some of the most beautiful hikes in Virginia, including large portions of the Appalachian Trail. The New River is only a few miles away and when the weather is nice it is a great place to go tubing, canoeing or kayaking. The town of Blacksburg is small, but between the stores and restaurants in Blacksburg and the town of Christiansburg 10 minutes away there are plenty of options and you can find most of the things you will ever need (except for the things you would normally buy on the internet anyway!).

No Better Place to Be

There is a huge variety of very active student groups on campus. It is easy to meet people and easy to find a niche. There is a campus wide volunteering day that helps people all throughout the community doing a wide variety of things. Football games are a crucial part of the school year. There are picnics, parades, and GREAT concerts on various occasions. As cheesy as it might sound, the community is like a big family. Once a Hokie, always a Hokie. They have a great ROTC, as well. The intramural sports are a huge part of school life, too, for many people. There are many many sports that one can participate in. Campus is not far from many hiking trails and the river.

If You Don't Go Greek, So What?

Though the guys and girls of the social greek circles wouldn't agree, going greek doesn't matter necessarily a lot at Tech. There are tons of other groups that students can join and other greek organizations that don't have houses. While frat parties are fun, if you don't go to them your life as a student won't be forever doomed.

Oh My

Our undergraduate area is filled with complex after complex and full streets aligned with kids enjoying their night times. The downtown is unmatched because its so clumped with a variety of local favorite places and plenty of late night yummies.

Menus

AMAZING food. I love Virginia Techs food. They have a lot of healthy choices and a wide variety of places to eat.

Excellent but Repetitive

VT has a reputation of being one of the best schools in the country when it comes to dining services. However, coming from central New Jersey, I would like to see a bit more diversity than the typical "American" pasta, pizza, subs, burgers, etc.

Not Number 1 for Nothing!

There are a lot of dining halls on campus with a lot of options! Being a vegetarian it narrows the options a little more, but not too bad! I love the food! When I first came to school I felt like I was eating at a restaurant for all my meals! Delish!

VT, Heaven on Earth

VT is the best school ever. Academics are great no matter what your major is and professors are always willing to help. The school of Architecture is number one and Engineering is not far behide. Also Westend is rated number one food court in the US and the entire on-campus food is great as well. Some dorms may be hot in the fall but if you apply for themed housing you may get a awsome suite dorm (im in the leadership dorm). Off-campus housing and food are both one-of-a-kind. Tech is really friendly compared to others. During a football game at Lane Stadium the all the tech students encourage our team to victory. Overall Tech is awsome, hence the A+. Hope to see you all there, GO HOKIES!

Peddrew-Yates

There are so many living options to on campus. In the Residential Leadership Community (RLC), where I live, the people are so friendly and so inviting. The rooms are suite style and are larger than the average dorm room and have high ceilings and walk-in closets. One is forced into a situation where you must get to know your neighbors and it is very inviting and exciting!

Owens, West-End, Hokie Grill, D2, DX

There are numerous dining halls at Virginia Tech. They range from an express food place with many cheap items to a sit-down diner where one can order a fillet or lobster. They have a large variety and the cost of all of them are affordable with your Hokie Passport (Student ID Card).

Gym Power

Virginia Tech recently remodeled one of the gyms on campus. The new gym is bright, clean, and welcoming to all. All the equiptment is up to date and numerous so one does not have to wait around for a machine. Staff work hard to train and assist people when there is a need.

Downtown

The town of Blacksburg is almost entirely made up of Virgia Tech as there's not much else around. There is a little downtown area with a few good bars if you're over 21 but other than that there's not much to do.

Great Experience

Virginia Tech has shown me a great experience. The faculty have been very kind and helpful. Just work hard when you get here and learn how to manage your time and I guarantee a great and memorable college experience.

Great Athletics

Virginia Tech has some great athletic programs. Our number 1 sport is probably football. Our team is ranked nationally every single year top 25. Our fan support is huge. Everybody is always in support of our teams. They have a great feel for school spirit.

Great Options

Virginia Tech and the town of Blacksburg always have something to do. Whether you attend a concert or event at the Lyric Theater, shop for local produce at the farmer's market, or go late night bowling at Squires, you literally have limitless options. The atmosphere is great too. Everyone is so friendly and courteous!

Delicious

Virginia Tech has been nationally ranked several times for it's dining programs, and was ranked 1st in the nation for a while. The food is great. Lot's of options as well from quick and convenient to nicer more expensive and cheap buffets.

Parties or No Parties... Its Always a Party

Not to Condone the act of underage drinking, but being at college, and a big college to say the least, its inevitable, that some of us students who yearn to be the age of 21 and just cant wait, will be participating in the acts of typical parties. Some feel the need to get a fake to enjoy the Bar Life, but i say why not enjoy what Virginia Tech has to offer, which is a great group of students, who are all diverse thus creating the best time ever, wherever that may be. It could even be that courageous, not to mention unique, individual taking their stereo out to the drill field (center of campus), blaring the music, and jamming out, and i can guarantee there will be people following suit, and having the time of their college careers that will always be remember, despite it not being inhibited by certain substances. Here its always a party, no matter if there are drinks or just kids goofing off. Its the students at Tech who create the nightlife, because they are living life to the fullest.

Architecture at VT!

Virginia Tech is top notch when it comes to Architecture. It is based on the same principle as the Baushaus. Basically, the school wants you to explore all aspects of design. Our first year was a basic design lab, so architecture majors were working with landscape architecture, interior design and industrial design students as well. It is definitely an open, enjoyable experience aimed at working both independently and as a team. The atmosphere encourages healthy competition, but is not cut-throat like other Architecture schools.

The workload itself varies from professor to professor but you WILL pull all-nighters. There is no avoiding it!

The curriculum is pretty set in stone when you start as a freshman. Your first year design professor is your advisor, but you are only given an open elective here or there. You have to follow what they have planned out already for you pretty strictly. The first year is fairly easy, but GPAs take a nose-dive the second year. The courses definitely get harder and require more and more work, but it is all in your major so it is fairly enjoyable and interesting. The highlights of the program is traveling abroad your fourth year and your fifth year thesis. There are a couple options regarding traveling abroad. There is a residency in Switzerland or you can choose to travel all across Europe.

As far as facilities, the school is located in two buildings next to each other. Cowgill Hall underwent a renovation and reopened in 2008. Burchard Hall is the other building with is actually located underground and houses the computer lab for all the design students. You are given a desk each year, and are able to access it 24/7. Most students tend to hang around studio most of their time. Like my first year professor said, "Studio should be your first home, your dorm or apartment is just a place to sleep."

As for internships and jobs, the School of Architecture and Design puts on a "fair" of students resumes. Firms from all over come to view them and can offer these students jobs and internships.