New International Student Orientation & Arrival
New International Student Orientation
Virtual Orientation:
- After you pay your matriculation fee, check your official Virginia Tech email for registration information. Virtual Orientation is required for all first-year and transfer students. During Virtual Orientation, students will learn about academics, support services, policies and next steps in the transition into Virginia Tech. Fall students should complete Virtual Orientation between May 1-July 31.
Cranwell Pre-Arrival Orientation:
- All new international undergraduate students need to complete the Cranwell online Pre-Arrival Orientation. Students need to review the information, watch the videos and obtain 100% on all the quizzes. Information regarding the Pre-Arrival Orientation will be sent from international@vt.edu.
International Undergraduate Student and Family Orientation (in-person):
- You and your family will be invited to participate in an orientation program on Monday, August 14 and Tuesday, August 15. This in-person experience is offered to international students in F-1 and J-1 status. It covers information that assists your transition such as immigration topics, academic navigation, cultural considerations and university resources.
- Register for New International Undergraduate Student Orientation. (Please log in using your VT username and password if you are unable to access this page.)
New International Undergraduate Student Pre-Arrival Webinar Series:
- July 14 8-9:30 a.m. - Arrival in Blacksburg Webinar for new international undergraduate students. We will cover information that prepares you for your arrival to Blacksburg.
On-campus housing early move-in:
- If you are a first-year international undergraduate student who has an on-campus Housing contract for Fall 2023, you will be able to move in early on Sunday, August 13 starting at noon. Additionally, paid temporary housing will be open in Mid-July in StarRez (on-campus Housing portal) for you to register, which will allow you to stay on campus as early as Tuesday, August 8 prior to your move-in. Information regarding the Housing contract, temporary housing, and move-in will be sent from housing@vt.edu.
Academic Advising:
- Academic advising for new international undergraduate students is coordinated by each college, so please look out for emails from your academic college and department. You will meet virtually with your academic advisors and choose classes during the advising sessions.
Cranwell Pre-Arrival Orientation:
- All new international graduate students need to complete the Cranwell online Pre-Arrival Orientation. Students need to review the information, watch the videos and obtain 100% on all the quizzes.
New International Graduate Student Pre-Arrival Webinar Series:
- May 2 8-9:30 a.m. and June 5 8:30-10 a.m. - Off-campus Housing Webinar (Blacksburg campus and D.C. Area students) We will cover things that you need to know about living off-campus, including the search for off-campus housing, legal considerations, living with roommates etc. Slides from this webinar can be downloaded below.
- July 11 8-9:30 a.m. - Arrival in Blacksburg Webinar (Blacksburg campus students) We will cover information that prepares you for your arrival to Blacksburg.
- July 12 8-9:30 a.m. - Arrival in D.C. area Webinar (D.C. area students) We will cover information that prepares you for your arrival to D.C. area campuses.
International Graduate Student Orientation:
- August 16 9 a.m.-1 p.m. - (Blacksburg campus students) You will learn important information from staff from the Cranwell International Center, Graduate School, and multiple campus resources to help you navigate life at Virginia Tech as an international graduate student. You will also meet with current international graduate students and socialize with other new students at lunch.
- Register for New International Graduate Student Orientation. (Please log in using your VT username and password if you are unable to access this page.)
DC area International Student Orientation Session
- August 17, 18, 19 10-11 a.m. - (D.C. area students) Please register for one of the days. You will learn about immigration, programs and services from staff from Cranwell International Center.
- Register for New International Student Orientation - D.C. Area Student Session.
Graduate School orientation and welcome events
The Graduate School will offer orientation to all new graduate students at both the Blacksburg and DC area campuses.
- Blacksburg students – In-person orientation on August 18. Please register for this session.
- DC area students – A virtual Q&A session on August 15 and in-person open house on August 19. Please visit their website for more information.
Departmental orientation:
- Each academic department will hold orientation; dates and times vary. Please check with your department to confirm.
Welcome Activities For New International Students
(Graduate And Undergraduate)
Between August 9 and August 13, stop by the Cranwell Welcome Tent on the Harper Hall lawn. We have planned various welcome activities inside of the tent, as well as off-campus shopping trips and excursions each day. Capacity is limited, first come first serve.
WoW is an extended orientation and transition experience. The event schedule can be accessed on Hokies on Track app, as well as on the WoW website.
Cranwell International Center usually offers a Global Dance Party in August at Commonwealth Ballroom in Squires Student Center as a featured event during WoW. Join us to celebrate cultural diversity on campus with a night of global dance!
Other Requirements For New International Students
All new students are required to submit a completed Immunization History Form to the Schiffert Health Center, by July 31 (If your form is not received by the due date, you may be subject to a late fee of $100). For additional questions regarding this requirement, students may contact the Schiffert Health Center at +1.540.231.6444 or at health@vt.edu.
*Please note, your Aetna student health insurance will cover the month of August once you enroll, however, you will pay out-of-pocket for the immunizations at the clinic and receive reimbursement from Aetna later. If you have other health insurance plans, please check with the insurance company.
If your immunization history is missing or not meeting the requirement, you will need to get immunizations after you arrive in Blacksburg. You can call Schiffert Health Center to make an appointment starting early August, or Schiffert will offer a one-day Immunization Clinic at Squires Student Center, Commonwealth Ballroom B on Monday, August 14, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
University policy requires that international students in F-1 and J-1 status, as well as any accompanying dependents, maintain adequate health insurance coverage during their time at Virginia Tech. Students may select a policy or insurer of their choice, as long as the coverage meets or exceeds the minimum requirements. Students who do not comply with this requirement will receive a registration hold on their record.
VIRGINIA TECH POLICY: Students who are enrolled full-time are encouraged to purchase coverage through Aetna, which provides a plan through Virginia Tech that meets the minimum university requirements.
NON-VIRGINIA TECH POLICY: Students may choose to purchase a policy not associated with Virginia Tech; however, it must meet the minimum university requirements (see below) and students must submit a waiver to the Student Medical Insurance office.
Preparing For Your Travel To Blacksburg
Airports
- Roanoke Regional Airport (ROA) is the closest airport to Virginia Tech; ROA is located about 38 miles (61 km) from campus. ROA is a local airport that only receives domestic flights within the US; the nearest international airports are:
- Dulles International Airport (IAD) - located in Washington D.C. (254 miles / 409 km from campus).
- Regardless of which airport you choose, make sure you allow 3-4 hours between connecting flights from your Port of Entry (the airport to which you first arrive in the US) to your next flight to allow for important immigration processing with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Ground Transportation
Once you have arrived at your final airport destination, you will need to arrange for ground transportation to campus.
From Roanoke Regional Airport (ROA):
- Smart Way bus service: This service drops students off at the Squires Student Center on campus. Smart Way is an affordable and convenient choice for most students who plan to arrive Monday through Saturday. The bus does NOT run from the airport on Sundays. Be sure you are aware of scheduled stop times prior to arrival at the airport. Travel time to campus is just over an hour.
From Dulles International Airport (IAD):
- If you plan to arrive via IAD, please visit their Parking and Transportation website for available options.
- Virginia Breeze Bus Lines - You may also choose to use the Virginia Breeze Bus service. This service drops students off at the Squires Student Center on campus. Tickets can be purchased online ahead of time.
Local Transportation
Blacksburg Transit (BT) buses can take you around campus, Blacksburg and nearby town Christiansburg. Download the BT app to check bus schedule and routes ahead of time. BT service is currently free to Virginia Tech students.
In case of emergencies, please be sure to reach out to the correct responders.
Non-Emergency
- Virginia Tech Police Department: 1-540-382-4343
- Blacksburg Police Department: 1-540-443-1400
Emergency
- Dial 911
When to call 911:
- Medical Emergencies
- Fire
- Injury
- Assault
- Crime in progress
- Vehicle Crash with injury
- Suspicious activities
Do NOT call 911:
- For information
- When the power is out
- To pay a fine
- As a prank
For more information regarding emergency situations and Virginia Tech’s status during inclement weather or other emergencies, you can visit the University Status website.