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New Student Handbook, Blacksburg Campus

Relocating to Blacksburg

About Blacksburg

 

About Blacksburg
Blacksburg has received considerable media attention throughout the last decade. Reader's Digest claimed Blacksburg was the Most Wired Town in America. Outside, a major outdoor recreation magazine, recently picked Blacksburg as one of 10 U.S. dream towns, not only for the abundance of outdoor activities, but also its character, quality of life, low-cost of living, and high tech jobs.

Climate
Blacksburg is located 37 degrees northern latitude and 80 degrees longitude west of Greenwich. Due to the town's altitude--approximately 2200 feet above sea level--summers are more moderate, while winters are a bit more severe than can otherwise be expected for a southern location. Generally, the climate is quite pleasant and permits outdoor activities throughout most of the year.

The average temperature for the summer is 80 degrees Fahrenheit (30 C), but high temperatures can reach into the 90's. In the winter, the average temperature is 34 (1 C) degrees; however, during the winter nights, temperatures have occasionally dipped as low as -10 degrees F (-23 C). Rainfall is moderate throughout the year. Snow accumulation during the winter may be heavy and force temporary closing of public schools. Do not get your hopes up, however. Virginia Tech rarely closes!

The National Weather Service provides a comprehensive forecast to help you plan and pack.

Exploring the Area
The New River Valley has a great deal to offer newcomers with a variety of recreational activities, social organizations, and community offerings. Here are a few tools to help you explore the area.

The Blacksburg Relocation Guide provides an overview of what life is like for singles and families in Blacksburg.

The Relocation Professionals provide a nice overview of Blacksburg's offerings and attractions at their Welcome to Blacksburg, Virginia website. They also offer a free relocation package.

The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce provides a list of places to explore in the Blacksburg area.

The Montgomery County website provides information about county services and programs.

The Roanoke Times newspaper is a great way to familiarize yourself with the area. They also publish special sections to help new students and other newcomers familiarize themselves with the area and its offerings.

Shopping, Dining, and Services in Blacksburg

Blacksburg and the neighboring town of Christiansburg provide a variety of options for shopping, dining, and other services.

The Blacksburg Electronic Village includes comprehensive listings of various types of shops, restaurants, and service businesses in the area. It also includes information about community events and programs.

To explore Virginia Tech students' favorite dining and entertainment options, check out the Collegiate Times' Best of Blacksburg section.

The closest mall is the New River Valley Mall in Christiansburg, approximately 10 minutes from campus. Valley View Mall and Tanglewood Mall make for a fun day of shopping in Roanoke.

Pictures

A picture is worth a thousand words. Get a glimpse of your new home at Virginia Tech.

You may also view a Virginia Tech campus webcam at the Virginia Tech News webpage.

Continue to Housing Options


   

 

New Student Handbook

Welcome from the Dean

Moving to Blacksburg

Academic Preparation

Financial Matters

Campus Life and Resources

Caring for Yourself and Your Family

International Students

Important Tools for New Students

Topic Index A-Z

   
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