Just four years ago, my son, Preston, and I sat where you are sitting now for New Student Orientation. And, then the next July, my daughter, Maggie, and I had the same experience. As you are bombarded with all kinds of information and a multitude of considerations as you pick classes, here are a few tips for your first year as a student and more tips for your first year as a Hokie parent.
Advice from a Hokie (Maggie)
Learn the BT (bus) schedule. This campus is so spread out, and when the weather is bad, it helps to know the schedule, especially if you're stuck at the Math Emporium.
Read your email. You'll probably hear this when you meet with your college or department, and it's really true. Email is the main way people on this campus, like faculty and other VT staff, share information.
Study abroad if you get the chance. You'll make new friends, learn about other cultures and change your view of the world. Find out more here.
Join a club or some sort of organization to get to know people. Gobbler Connect is your link to over 1000 student organizations.
Get to know your professors and get involved in your academic department. Then, when you have questions, want help, or need a recommendation, you know where to go and who to visit.
Advice from a Hokie Parent (me)
Buy textbooks online if you can. You will save quite a bit with online purchases.
The most expensive dining plan is probably not necessary. At least, that has been the case for many of the Hokies I know. Dining Services has created an interactive program to help your student and you figure out the best plan.
There are all kinds of resources to help your student...she/he just needs to seek them out. Academic Difficulties? Check out The Student Success Center. Roommate issues? A Resident Advisor is a good starting point. Does your student need someone to be an advocate for her/him? The Dean of Students office has trained professionals to assist. And if your student feels like he/she is in the wrong major, our Career Advisors can help students determine a different path to take.
Encourage your student to find his/her niche. This campus is SO large; it's helpful for students to find a group to be a part of. If your student played sports in high school, maybe it's a Club Sport. There are hundreds of student organizations your student can check out at the organizations fair called GobblerFest early in the fall semester. If your student wants to give back, VT Engage is a great place to start.
Taking a break from school might be just what your student needs. You've probably heard during Orientation that every student who enters Virginia Tech was a strong academic performer in high school. However, once they get here, some students falter during their first year. If your student is one of those, taking a break might be just the right choice. After your student takes a semester or two off, he/she doesn't need to reapply; check with an academic advisor about the logistics.
What questions do you have? We would be glad to help if we can, or refer you to someone else on campus who can assist you.
Best wishes with your transition to Virginia Tech and to being a Hokie Parent!
GO HOKIES! A Big HOKIE HI to all of you!
Welcome to the Hokie Nation!
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