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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.

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

Optional Add-On Orientation Experiences

If you’re planning to use accommodations or want to learn more about accessibility at Virginia Tech, you’re invited to an optional Summer Orientation add-on experience! This experience offers an opportunity to:

  • Meet Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) staff
  • Learn about accommodations and support processes
  • Build connections in a relaxed setting

SSD will be available during lunch and will host an information session from 4–5 p.m. on June 22 and July 9. How to register:

  • Step 1: register for an orientation session on either June 22 or July 9.
  • Step 2: complete the SSD Orientation add-on experience form.

At Virginia Tech, a student is identified as a first-generation college student if neither parent/guardian has earned a bachelor’s degree at a four-year college or university. Student Affairs is committed to the ongoing development of resources and tools that contribute to first-generation college student success.

If you are a First-Generation college student at Virginia Tech, you’re invited to an optional Summer Orientation add-on experience! This experience offers an opportunity to:

  • Meet First-Generation College Student Support staff
  • Learn about services and unique programs for first-gen students
  • Build peer connections in a relaxed setting

The First-Gen staff will be available during lunch and will host an information session from 4–5 p.m. on July 11. How to register:

  • Register for an orientation session on July 11.
  • Complete the First-Generation College Student add-on experience form.

    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

    • Whether you're grabbing a quick bite, enjoying an outdoor location, or settling in for an elevated dining experience, Blacksburg and the local area offers a vibrant mix of Southern comfort food, classic American favorites, fresh vegetarian fare, and global flavors.

    • 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!