Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Top Questions

The best thing about VT? The FOOD! Let's be honest, you think you're parents' cooking is good? Just you wait. We won first place in the nation this past year for College Campus Food, and believe me, it was well-deserved. Also, unlike a lot of other Virginia schools, our meal plan works like a debit card, which lets us eat whenever and wherever we want (as opposed to pre-determined, set meal times with limited selection). Unfortunately, this results in many incidences of the classic Freshman 15. Whatever, the food's so good you don't even care. And we have excellent running trails and gym facilities if you really want to work off those extra calories. If I could change anything about the school, it'd be the artic winds you'll face crossing the drillfield in the dead of winter. It gets so cold. So, so cold. Make sure you bring lots of layers in January/February. Otherwise, you may just find yourself campaigning to help perpetuate global warming. Anything to get away from those winds. When I lived on campus, I spent most of my time hanging out with friends. We could usually be found in the sand courts playing volleyball, over on the tennis courts, at any of the rec. fields or gyms for intramural sports like football, softball, basketball, wallyball, etc. When we weren't playing, we could usually be found in the stands supporting the real VT teams. Otherwise, we spent a lot of time enjoying the dining halls. You'll soon discover the wonders of 2:00am DX trips (the late-night go-to place for food). Some experiences I'll always remember happened while I was at work. There are many job opportunities on campus, I chose food services- Catering, specifically. If you want a really laid-back, well-paying part-time job, look into working with the Catering company on campus. Great people, good times, free food, and lots of chances to interact with rich people and the football team.

Our administration is awesome, our professors are great, and my fellow students are the best. It's hard to find an unfriendly Hokie! Our school spirit and events of April 16th have helped everyone find respect and love for one another. The ONLY complaint is the Math Emporium.

I would say the best thing about Virginia Tech is the diversity. I like how diverse the campus is and how friendly ever can be. It's really comforting. If I could change something, I think I would change the Blacksburg climate. It's constantly changing and sometimes hard to keep up with (health wise). It's challenging to deal with and I wish sometimes that VT was nearer to warmer climates. I think VT is the perfect size. It's not too large nor too small. It's perfect. Whenever I tell someone I go to VT, they always ask me about the April 16th shootings and such. Unfortunately, I can't give them too many personal memories from that since I wasn't a student then. I must honestly say I spend most of my time in my residence hall. There's just so many people to mingle with and I also prefer studying in my room to studying anywhere else. I would say that Blacksburg is a "college town". Aside from VT, there's not anything else to do in Blacksburg. I hear it also dies in the summertime when students return home. I think VT has an amazing administration. It's very diverse like the students and they offer some great knowledge of their own experiences. The biggest controversy on campus was probably anything dealing with the security at VT post April 16th. It's still pretty prevalent here---the security. There is a TON of school pride here at VT. It makes everyone feel so together as a university. I love the pride. I wouldn't necessarily say there's anything unusual about VT, but perhaps the graveyard that is visible from the entrance into VT. It's something different, not unusual. Football games. That's an experience of its own. The most frequent student complaints would probably so much heightened security here at VT. It's difficult to see friends in other buildings without having to wait for them to open the doors for you. I think students should have the freedom to enter any residence hall with a school ID.

The best thing about Tech is the small town atmosphere. We're such a community. If I could change anything I would make the hokiestone a slightly different color. I love that all our buildings are from this same material and that it is unique to Blacksburg, but when it rains the grey is a little dreary. The size of our campus is perfect. There's plenty of people to meet but not so many that you feel lost. When I tell people I go to Virginia Tech, since what happened last April I feel like most people either associate the thought with that event or with football. I feel like people also automatically think I'm an intelligent person for being here. (Yay!) I spend a lot of my time walking through campus to get to class. I like to sit around outside in the quads, but since I live off campus this year I spend a lot of time at my apartment right near Lane Stadium. Blacksburg is definitely a college town! Being from the area I see how it turns into almost a ghost town in the summer. Everyone looks forward to all the students coming back--we are the heartbeat of this town. I don't have to tell you what the biggest controversy on our campus has been. Last year began and ended with gunshots. Despite the incidents we have tremendous school pride! It's like in The Grinch--he came and stole Christmas but the Whoos in Whooville still sang. It happened; life was taken from us be we still sing the praises of our town, our campus, and each other. This might make us unusual but I wouldn't have us be the norm if it meant being afraid.

Best thing is the food and academics. I would make more courses available to students. It is just right. They think its a really good school. In class or working at the financial aid office. It is a college town. VT administration is a large buerocratic machine that is confusing and at times strays from good intentions. Shootings. Yes alot of school pride. Nothing is unusual. Partying freshmen year. Complain that classes are getting too large.

I'd say football is definitely one of the best aspects of being a VT student, but there are academic and social opportunities as well that can't be found anywhere else. Virginia Tech may be too large for some people to handle, but for me it's just right! Nowadays, when I tell people I go to VT, it's inevitable to hear a comment about April 16th. That's no fun, but I wouldn't trade my experiences here for anything. When on campus, I spend most of my time either walking to or sitting in class. Occasionally I hang in the library between classes to study. It's most definitely a college town! If you can't hang in one, I wouldn't recommend Blacksburg. The school pride is absolutely of epic proportions!

Best: The people and the great education. Change: Parking Services Town:Just right Reaction: People think that I am really smart. Time: I spend most of my time at work Admin: It is Ok Controversy: 4/16 Pride: TONS! Unusual: Just that it is so small but still fun. Experience: The candle light vigil for 4/16 Complaints: Parking Services

Best thing about VT is the familial essence. I think that VT is too large when it comes to administration. The fact that we have to register so early for classes is nerve racking. There are times when the administration simply fails to inform people of really important things, such as course request being open the past two years (except this year). Also, VT gives entirely too much attention to its largest programs engineering and business, while completely ignoring its dying counterparts (fashion). People usually have a positive reaction when I say I go to VT. They also automatically assume that I am an engineer, which is incorrect. Spend most of my time in the Wallace dungeon and the dining halls and Squires/GLC for salsa practice. Definitely college town. Administration needs to step it up, even though I commend them for doing the job that they have. The inherit screwing over of the greek communities for minor issues. Also, reporting every single incident that could potentially lead to an epidemic (muggings etc.). VT could never contain its exuberant amount school pride. It's unusual that they don't try to have more concerts in Lane stadium weather permitting so that we can attract larger bands, and not just Vanilla Ice. There are too many experiences I will always remember, but that's a good thing. Most frequent student complaints are that the dining halls were not designed to accommodate the plethora of students that attend this school. Also, that the dorm doors should go back to 10pm to 10am locking.

One of the best things about VT is the atmosphere. Most people here are friendly. VT also has a beautiful campus. I love to just sit outside when the weather's nice and do homework, or just relax. The campus is the perfect size. It's not small by any stretch, but I like that because I see buildings or people that I've never noticed before. There's tons of school pride. Everyone that I ask is proud to be a Hokie. Blacksburg is definitely a college town, and I love that. I can walk to most places easily, and everything else is accessible by bus (which is free for VT students!). The whole town shares our school pride. Most shops have at least one VT-themed decoration. Of course, the most recent controversy at Virginia Tech is the April 16th shooting. When i announced I wanted to go to VT, most of my friends and teachers gave me strange looks, as if to say, "Why would you voluntarily go there?" That reaction's slowly died down, and now people just treat me like I've said any other college.

I love Virginia Tech! Something that struck me immediately about Tech and greatly attracted me to it, was the school spirit. Everyone wears maroon and orange around here! And of course, especially during football season, the enthusiasm, tailgating, and "Let's Go Hokies!" creates a fun and inspiring atmosphere. I am proud to go to a school who has so much pride in themselves! The thing that worried me most about my adjustment to Tech were the people. I was worried that they would be unfriendly, fake, conceited, etc. It is true that in comparison to Liberty University, where I transferred in from as a rising sophomore, the atmosphere is not as friendly. But Liberty is more like a bubble. Tech introduces you to a small taste of what the real world will be like. You find all kinds of people here, but that's the great thing! There's so much variety! Because of the large size, there are so many groups and activities you can get involved in, and to make the most out of your time here, you should! Be careful, I have definitely overloaded myself before and had to remove a couple commitments from my busy schedule. There are just so many ways to have fun here and to gain lasting experience and memories, that it is hard to pick between them all! Try a little of a lot and see what fits you. Connect with the people on your hall, and in your major to avoid becoming lost in the crowd. Tech is big and overwhelming, and all the buildings look the same, but you can forge your own path with just a little effort and enthusaism and create a wonderful college experience!