Simply put, there is no college like Virginia Tech (VT). Located in charming rural Blacksburg, Virginia, VT is, as freshman Aimee Fausser adeptly describes it, “a research institution with a liberal arts feel.” Virginia Tech is a popular choice not only among Virginia high school seniors, but also students from all over the east coast, with people from across the country and even the world diversifying this dynamic campus. Here’s what the aforementioned VT freshman, Aimee Fausser has to say about the college that has become her new home away from home:
*Why’d you choose VT? What appealed to you about it back in high school?
“I never considered Virginia Tech except as an in state school. I thought it was too big and did not emphasize political science, international studies, and languages enough for my tastes. Though these departments are under-funded, I have found that there are amazing professors in my field here who I have learned more from than I ever could have at a school like UVA or William and Mary. Also, the campus here is not unmanageable at all–I even walk off campus fairly often.”
*What’s the overall atmosphere at VT and in Blacksburg like?
“Blacksburg is a nice, clean city. There is everything you could want within a 15-minute drive, and usually you could walk or take the bus anywhere you would need to go. There is a great atmosphere of helpfulness on campus–everyone holds doors for each other and everyone is friendly.”
*How’s student life overall? (dorms, food, clubs, etc.)
“Food is great! We are ranked third in the country. The dorms vary greatly. I was lucky enough to get placed in an upperclassmen dorm that is really nice, and I will be in the Honors dorm next year. There are some standard huge hall style dorms but they are great because you can meet a ton of people in them. Clubs are also great–you can find something to match your interests no matter what, and if you can’t you are free to start your own club.”
*What’s your major? Would you recommend it to other students?
“My major is International Studies, and I have a double minor in Russian and Music. I love this major because the professors are all so unique. Where you can learn math anywhere, each person in our political science department has learned their expertise from experience in the field.
*What courses are you taking this year?
“Last semester I took Introductory Biology, Intro Econ, Intro World Politics, Nations and Nationalities, and Intro Russian. This semester I am taking Intro Bio, the Global Political Economy, Intro Russian, Violent Political Change, Russian Literature, and an Independent Study about the Gulags in the Soviet Union.
*Who are some of your favorite professors? Why?
“Professor Weisband and Professor Luciak are two of my favorite professors. Weisband teaches Nations and Nationalities and Intro Global Economy, among other courses. I am also taking my Independent Study with him. He is passionate about his work and a wonderful political economist, and was what convinced me that Virginia Tech was better than I had thought for political science. Luciak is the head of the PSCI department and teaches Violent Political Change, among other classes. He has incredible experience in his field and knows several leaders of guerilla movements in Latin America. His book about Cuba is coming out in the spring.”
*What clubs and activities are you in?
“I am the Treasurer for Environmental Coalition and the Secretary for my Hall Council. I also participate in the Tae Kwon Do Club, am a Student Rep to the University Committee for Undergraduate Excellence, and am a member of the Hillcrest Honors Community.”
*What are some VT stereotypes you’d like to discount?
“Everyone seems to think that this is a conservative school because of the Corps of Cadets. There is in reality a great variety of opinion, and Blacksburg is a progressive, clean town. In fact it is the only city in the state of Virginia to become a “‘Cool City,’ ratifying the Kyoto protocol.
*What are some disadvantages to studying at VT?
“Virginia Tech is frustrating because it has a huge football team and raises tuition every year, yet only has 3 years of Russian, 1 of Japanese, and is cutting Arabic from its program. The professors are dedicated, but it is hard for some of them to make a living due to part time salary.
*What advice do you have for prospective students?
“Keep an open mind–I never realized Tech would have anything like our honors program where I am able to take any class I want and still graduate in under 4 years.”
*What colleges do you think are like VT?
“I am not sure… It has a prestigious status and a great football team, but also excels in research, engineering, and even the liberal arts.”
*How do you deal with the distance from home?
“Four hours is not too far away. I can come home for all the breaks, but it is just far away enough that it feels like I have a life of my own.”
*How often do you visit your family?
“About twice a semester, at each break.”
*How often do you go into the “big city”? (Richmond, Newport News, etc.)
“Never, except when I go home.”
*What is there to do in your free time?
“Anything and everything imaginable.”
*What is Blacksburg like? How often do you go into town?
“We are basically in downtown Blacksburg. It is a cute little college town and I love living here.”
*What are the townspeople like?
“The townspeople are great and very supportive of the school. Many of them work here or are alumni, so it is really neat.”
*How important are sports in student life?
“Sports are as important as you make them. We have very good programs and enthusiastic fans if you want.”
*What are the main cliques? Are there really cliques?
“There aren’t really cliques here…it is too big of a school for that.”
*Describe the ‘average’ VT student.
“There is no average tech student!”
