Virginia Tech® home

Orientation (in-person)

Optional Summer and Spring Programs

a new student visit tour group

Visit the Virginia Tech Blacksburg campus in-person before the start of your academic journey!

Summer Orientation (in-person)

Orientation is the optional, in-person part of the orientation experience that takes place on campus over the summer. These visits are for new undergraduate students beginning in the fall semester, including transfer students. Families are also invited to join! This day-long experience is where new students and their family members are invited to get acclimated with campus, learn more about Virginia Tech resources, and connect with other students before the fall semester.

Note: Registration for Orientation (in-person) must be completed at least 24 hours in advance. To register, students must use their Virginia Tech PID and password.

Register for Summer Orientation

Sessions will be hosted on select days from June 20 to July 13, 2026.

Optional on-campus lodging will be made available for students/families wishing to stay in residential facilities during Orientation. Please check back here in late-spring for on-campus booking information.

Check out the “Plan Your Visit” section below for to learn more!

Spring Orientation (in-person)

Spring Orientation is for new undergraduate students joining us in the spring semester, including transfer students. This is an in-person, afternoon program on the Friday before the first day of classes in January. You’ll be able to connect with your peers, resources, and services on campus. This is an optional program but highly encouraged. Registration opens late in the fall semester and will be emailed to you.

Registration for Spring Orientation (in-person) is closed. Registration will open in the fall semester.

Plan Your Visit

Smart Way Bus – Roanoke to Blacksburg and back daily

  • Lodging in Roanoke, Salem, or Christiansburg? The Smart Way Commuter Bus links the Roanoke Valley to Virginia Tech. The start/end point is the Virgina Tech Transit Center transportation hub at Perry Street on campus. Between the Smart Way and the Smart Way Express, getting to Virginia Tech from Roanoke is easy and inexpensive (and free for children ages 0-5). The Smart Way Bus website offers a live map of routes, a schedule for all days of the week, and any changes due to events or repairs. Once you’re in Blacksburg, use the free Blacksburg Transit.

Blacksburg Transit

  • The Blacksburg Transit is a free and easy public bus system with multiple stops on campus, in Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and the region. The “BT” is free during Family Weekend to ease your travel to, through, and from campus. Routes can be accessed via the BT app or the BT website, including a live map of every bus route, plus updates or changes to schedule.

Parking On Campus

  • During Orientation visits, you will be provided with one parking pass which will be emailed a few days before your Orientation session. If you are parking on campus outside of the Orientation program, you will need to follow Virginia Tech visitor parking guidelines.
  • The Park Mobile app is helpful for on-campus parking, with step-by-step instructions on how and where to park. See the Parking Services website for further information on Visitor Parking, a guide and map, Accessible Parking, and special football game-day parking information, or contact 540-231-3200.

Parking Off Campus

  • We recommend using the free-and-easy Blacksburg Transit, but if you choose to drive to and from Blacksburg, you should plan ahead for parking options. Visit the town of Blacksburg’s Parking Website to find available parking lots, garages, and street parking, plus a parking map including a list of streets that allow public parking.

Dining On Campus

  • During Summer Orientation complimentary lunch will be provided to registered students and families. Please see your on-campus dining options here.

Dining Off Campus

  • From Cajun to vegetarian, ethnic to homestyle, fast-food to fine-dining, the local area including the Blacksburg food scene have plentiful and diverse options.

Note: Vacancy is limited, and this list is NOT comprehensive.

  • The beautiful New River Valley is excited to host you! To find places to go, things to do, local events, itineraries, and other travel resources, please explore the Virtual Visitors Center!