I wish I knew more about what Blacksburg was going to be like before I got here. I also wish I had known more about college in general. With this being my upcoming third year at Virginia Tech, here is a list of things you need to know before you make Blacksburg your home away from home.
Be ready to walk up some stairs and hills!
Blacksburg is a highly elevated town and near a ton of mountains so if you're not used to it, be prepared to work on those calves through all of the walking you're going to be doing. Plus, Virginia Tech's campus is loaded with tons of stairs needed to get through campus on your walk to class.
Blacksburg is a small town and it's going to stay that way.
Are you from a suburb and used to having a target or Walmart in town? Too bad, you'll have to go to Christiansburg if you want to go to target or Walmart.
We don't have a mall
The closest even remotely decent shopping mall is all the way in Roanoke which is like a 45 minute drive there and another 45 minutes back!
You better like the view of mountains
Blacksburg is home to a part of the Blue Ridge mountains so if you're not a fan of mountains and more of a sea level or beach girl like me then you might have a problem.
Blacksburg is dead during breaks
Blacksburg is a true college town and things get a lot more empty when students leave during winter, spring, and summer breaks.
Hokie football is a big deal in town
Blacksburg residents love coming to the football games and there's a lot more traffic in town when it's game days.
Be sure to try some of the restaurants or bars that downtown Blacksburg has to offer
The good thing about it being a small town is there are a lot of gems in town that you won't find anywhere else like TOTS or Cabo Fish Taco.
Be sure to bring some hiking shoes
The area around Blacksburg is known for it's beautiful hiking views. Virginia Tech students love going to the cascades.
Don't be an annoying college student
You have to remember that Blacksburg has residents other than the college kids so getting drunk and peeing on someone's bushes while you're walking around town is not the best look.
Blacksburg is a place where people are super friendly!
Maybe it's the southern hospitality, maybe it's the Hokie spirit but everyone will smile at you and hold doors open for you.
Everyone wears maroon and orange together.
If you're not used to Blacksburg then you probably haven't seen this awesome and unique color combination until now.
If you don't have a car in Blacksburg you will definitely have to take the bus to get around.
Blacksburg transit is a life-saver to get places when you don't have a car or can't find a ride with someone who has one.
Everyone embodies UT Prosim
A town centered around community service, we all learn to live out UT Prosim or "That I May Serve" on a daily basis.
Every year we give back to the town of Blacksburg through Big Event.
Through the past two years, I've helped rake leaves and put down mulch and pulled weeds from gardens for the sweet residents of Blacksburg.
