A Student's Perscpective: A Home Away from Home

By Krystyne Hayes

As my mom drove down Rt.460 for the first time, I couldn’t seem to take my eyes off of Lane Stadium lit in the distance. There were autumn leaves falling off the trees and dusk beginning to settle on the little town of Blacksburg, Va. This beacon of light was what first drew me to this school and to this town, and every fall as I drive back to school, I remember why I came to this small town and how it has become a home away from home for me.

Deciding to come to a school of around 26,000 students can be a big adjustment even for those who come from large cities, but for the small town natives like me, it can be downright frightening. So many small schools criticize large universities for making students feel as though they are merely a number, a student who goes unnoticed by their professors and neighbors, but Virginia Tech and the small town of Blacksburg have a way of proving those critiques wrong.  With 40,000 residents packed into a town of a mere 12,000 acres, Blacksburg allows Virginia Tech students to feel at home in their new surroundings, instead of scared by them.

The first fall semester, despite its challenges and obvious adjustments for students, provides an experience that makes even the newest Hokies feel like they’ve gained 26,000 new friends. The fall season best illustrates what Virginia Tech and the town of Blacksburg are all about. The Hokie spirit and sense of pride that takes over this town on a game day in the fall is second to none. Blacksburg residents and Virginia Tech students alike, form a sea of maroon and orange while making their way to Lane Stadium. This time-honored tradition of seeing the Hokies play unites Virginia Tech with its small town home, and gives all of Blacksburg’s residents an opportunity to interact with one another.

When Head Football Coach Frank Beamer isn’t lighting up this town with football spirit, Blacksburg is full of entertainment and adventure, sure to meet the needs of people from all ages and backgrounds.

Just a block from campus is downtown Blacksburg, which is home to a variety of specialty retailers, eateries, and of course all things Hokie. Whether shoppers are in the market for one-of-a-kind jewelry, home décor, books, a great place to eat, or an update to their collection of orange and maroon, the shops in downtown Blacksburg have it.

Whether you’re craving spicy Indian cuisine or just a good slice of pizza, this small town is sure to provide a good place to grab a bite to eat as well. The wide selection of restaurants reflect the diversity of the Virginia Tech community itself, besides where else can you order out at 3 a.m.? Only in a college town like this one.  

The small town of Blacksburg really comes alive after the sun has set. The historic Lyric Theater, a not-for-profit movie theatre and community center, provides movies, plays, and concerts to residents and visitors alike. For the older crowd, Blacksburg boasts a vast array of bars and clubs, perfect for dancing the night away or just having a good time with friends.   

For the outdoor enthusiast, there is simply no greater place to be than Blacksburg. Whether hiking, biking, or canoeing, there is always something new to try or somewhere new to explore. One of our more popular biking and walking trails is the Huckleberry Trail, which begins at the Blacksburg library, follows for six miles, and ends at the New River Valley Mall. This trail is well-travelled throughout the year.

When the weather starts to heat up in April, many locals and Virginia Tech students head for the New River. Whether sunbathing on the river’s shore or tubing down the water, the river is sure to provide a much needed break from the summer heat. For those more interested in hiking on those sunny days, the Cascades can entice both beginner and advanced hikers. Located just 23 miles from Blacksburg, the Cascades waterfalls are not only a favorite spot of Blacksburg locals and students, but of tourists as well. 

Despite all the attractions that Blacksburg has to offer, I ultimately chose to come here because this town gives off a sense of comfort as soon as you enter it. I could see myself walking down Main Street on a sunny afternoon and grabbing a bite to eat with friends. The residents here are welcoming and always willing to lend a helping hand to Virginia Tech students. And, as I walked into Lane Stadium on that first game day in the fall of my freshmen year, I knew that I had picked the right place to be. Blacksburg is not just a small town in southwest Virginia, it is truly a home away from home for 26,000 students – and when we go home for the summer, many of us wish we were back home in Blacksburg.