Life in the U.S.
This page offers you support for living in the U.S., from meeting basic needs to navigating new customs.
Housing
On-campus housing is reserved primarily for first-year undergraduate students and undergraduate students who are part of a living learning community or program.
Virginia Tech Housing maintains over 40 on-campus residence halls and 15 living learning communities.
StarRez Portal
Virginia Tech uses the StarRez portal for on-campus housing.
StarRez is where students who live on campus:
- sign housing contracts
- find and choose a roommate
- choose a meal plan
- sign a roommate agreement
Living on campus? Make sure to check your VT email frequently for emails from Housing. These will contain information on important dates and deadlines, such as housing during breaks and when to request a residence hall or roommate for the next academic year.
Most graduate students at Virginia Tech and all D.C. area students live off campus. Virginia Tech has an Off-Campus Housing Office and maintains two separate websites:
- Blacksburg: https://offcampus.vt.edu
- D.C. Area: https://dc.offcampus.vt.edu
These websites partner with Apartment.com. They have a powerful search function to find off-campus housing in the area.
You can narrow down your search based on options that fit your needs.
They can also be used to find roommates.
Alternately, students also look at property management company websites and sometimes find off-campus housing through social media platforms.
Sub-leasing
It is quite common in a university community for renters to post that they are looking for someone to take over their lease, also called a "sub-lease." Many sub-lease offers are legitimate and result from the transient nature of student communities. For example, a student may take an internship for a semester and seek someone to rent their room or apartment while they are away. A professor may take a research sabbatical and rent their house or apartment for a full academic year. Sub-leases can have some advantages and disadvantages. It is risky to try to secure a sub-lease from outside the U.S. Why?
- A sub-lease does not always require applying and signing a whole new lease, so there can be less written protection for the renter.
- A sub-lease offer may not be genuine, as the person who offers the sub-lease may not be the property's owner.
Housing Scams
In general, new international students and employees seeking housing from outside the U.S. are more vulnerable to scams. Criminals may pose as rental agencies or apartment owners and request security deposits in advance, even sending fake rental agreements for you to sign while asking for banking information. To avoid scams, we recommend that you start with lists of legitimate rental companies and postings from the Off-Campus Housing Office at Virginia Tech.
English Language Support
The Writing Center, located in Newman Library, offers in-person writing tutoring for all Virginia Tech students. Writing Center staff also provide English conversation support sessions to practice English through informal conversations.
Please check out the wide range of services at the Writing Center.
The Virginia Tech Language and Culture Institute (LCI) has also offered support for English language learning and conversation in the past.
Finally, the Blacksburg branch of the public library from time to time offers English conversation groups.
Financial Matters
Blacksburg has several banking options including branches of major national banks as well as local and regional banks.
Opening a Bank Account
Most banks will require an appointment in advance to create an account. You will need to call or contact the bank online to schedule an appointment to open an account. The appointment will be in person and can take an hour or more to create a new account. You should check with the bank in advance to learn its costs and requirements, as this differ between institutions. Typically a bank will require that you bring the following to open a new account:
- Passport with U.S. Visa
- U.S. address and phone number
- A minimum deposit
- Employment information if you are working and intend to set up direct electronic deposit, which Virginia Tech requires for graduate assistants for example.
Some banks require fees to open an account and other fees to maintain an account; sometimes these require keeping a minimum balance each month. Read all the fine print before you decide where to bank.
Banks with Offices in Blacksburg
National Banks
- Wells Fargo (multiple locations)
- Truist
Local Banks
International students in F-1 and J-1 status who are currently engaging in or have obtained authorized employment must obtain an SSN Number. Students are not eligible to apply for an SSN unless they obtain permissible employment. Students can obtain an SSN by applying with the Social Security Administration (SSA).
For more information about requirements and applying, please visit our SSN page.
For general information about tax requirements for international students, please visit our International Tax Information page.
For information about employment on and off-campus, please see our Employment pages.
Dean of Students Office Student Emergency Fund
The Student Emergency Fund (SEF) is a last resort to support currently enrolled students who, through not fault of their own, experienced a one-time financial hardship with related unexpected expenses or loss of income and the student may be facing housing or food insecurity, an inability to continue their education mid-term, or the need to travel for a personal or family emergency. The average grant is $750.00. Students can apply at the Student Emergency Fund Contact Form.
Institute for International Education Emergency Student Fund
From time to to time, the Institute for International Education (IIE) calls for member universities to nominate students to receive emergency financial relief in response to when "natural disasters, war, or other crises threaten their education." When IIE opens an Emergency Student Fund call for nominations, this is shared with all students at Virginia Tech who qualify to apply, and Virginia Tech submits nominees to IIE. IIE in turn determines who is awarded emergency support.
The Market of Virginia Tech Open Hours (Food Pantry)
The Market of Virginia Tech is a food assistance program.
For Spring 2024, the Market offers Open Hours with non-perishables available at their location at 801 University City Blvd., next to the Himalayan Curry Cafe.
Transportation
Blacksburg Transit, Two Town Trolley, SmartWay and SmartWay Express buses are free to all enrolled Virginia Tech students. Together, this bus system offers reliable transportation in Blacksburg from campus to most residential areas as well as grocery stores, post offices, shopping areas in Christiansburg, and service to Downtown Roanoke, VT Carilion School of Medicine in Roanoke, and the Roanoke Regional airport. The frequency of service and distance between bus stops differ from public transit systems in major metropolitan areas elsewhere in the world. During school breaks and major holidays, service is often reduced.
The United States is known as a “car culture.” Distances between towns and cities are generally calculated by “driving time.” The spacing of buildings on campus and between campus and shopping areas is generally organized around car travel. Many sustainable transportation alternatives exist in Blacksburg and the D.C. area.
The Department of Motor Vehicles sets requirements for obtaining a driver's license in Virginia.
Upon your arrival, you are permitted to drive in Virginia using your valid driver's license from your home country for up to 6 months from your date of entry. However, the foreign license must either be printed in English or accompanied by an International Driver's License.
Once you are ready to apply for a Virginia driver’s license or learner's permit, you will need to prepare to complete a vision screening, a computer-based knowledge exam, and a road skills exam. Study guides are available for the knowledge exam through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website.
When applying for a driver's license or learner's permit, you must present documents proving your eligibility. The acceptable documents and proof requirements are outlined in the DMV's Obtaining a Virginia Driver’s License or ID Card handout. As a student or scholar, you must show the following:
- Unexpired foreign passport containing a U.S. visa
- F1/F2 applicants must present a USCIS student or dependent SEVIS I-20
- J1/J2 applicants must present a U.S. Department of State form DS-2019
- Proof of Virginia Residency – See www.dmvnow.com for a complete list of valid Residency documents. The following are the most common documents presented:
- Monthly bank statement not more than two months old.
- Residential rental / lease agreement. Contract must be signed by Landlord or Leasing Agency.
- Utility bill, not more than two months old, issued to applicant. Examples include gas, electric, sewer, water, cable or phone bill. (Cellular phone and pager bills are not accepted.)
- Proof of Social Security number. Social Security number must be provided if one has been assigned.
Determining Driving Test Requirements
If you hold a license from another US state, Canada, Germany, France, or the Republic of Korea, you may simply apply to exchange your current driving privilege. Your foreign driving privileges will be verified through your home country; the verification process may take up to 30 days. If your driving privileges are successfully verified, all tests will be waived and you will be issued a Virginia driver’s license.
If you hold a license from Taiwan, you may apply to exchange your driving privilege. Your foreign driving privileges will be verified through your home country; the verification process will take up to 30 days. If your driving privileges are successfully verified, you will complete a vision exam and computer-based knowledge exam. The road skills exam will be waived.
If you hold a license from any other country, the DMV will attempt to verify the license. However, the foreign license must either be printed in English or be accompanied by an International Driver's License. In the event this verification can be made, you will be required to complete a computer-based knowledge exam and a road skills exam. You will not be required to hold a learner’s permit and will be issued a Virginia driver’s license.
If you do not hold a verifiable foreign license, you will be required to complete the vision exam and computer-based knowledge exam, hold a learner’s permit for at least 60 days, and then complete a road skills exam. After completing the exam requirements, you will be issued a Virginia driver’s license.
Applicants age 18 or older may choose to complete a course of driver’s education at a driver training school approved by DMV or the Department of Education. If this course consists of both classroom and behind the wheel instruction, the 60 day holding period and the road skills exam will be waived.
Information about Learner’s Permits
- Possessing a learner's permit allows you to operate a motor vehicle when a licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age is seated beside you. This person must hold a valid driver's license from the US, be legally permitted to drive, and be alert and able to assist you.
- Your licensed driver should complete the In Car Maneuvers Observation Record (CSMA-19) form that must be presented at the time of your road skills exam.
- If you obtain a Virginia learner’s permit, you are no longer eligible to drive on your home country’s license.
Important Testing Information
Knowledge Exam
The two-part knowledge exam is taken on a computer at DMV and tests your knowledge of traffic signs, motor vehicle laws, and safe driving techniques. All ten traffic sign questions in Part One must be answered correctly before you can take the general knowledge exam in Part Two. You must score at least 80% on these questions to pass Part Two.
The two-part knowledge exam is available in the following languages:
- English
- Japanese
- American Sign Language (ASL)
- Korean
- Amharic (Ethiopian)
- Mongolian
- Arabic
- Nepali
- Chinese/Mandarin
- Pashto
- Chinese/Mandarin (Traditional)
- Punjabi
- Dari
- Russian
- Farsi
- Spanish
- French
- Turkish
- German
- Urdu
- Haitian Creole
- Vietnamese
- Italian
If you fail the knowledge exam:
- If you are under age 18, by law you must wait a full 15 days before you can retake the exam.
- If you are age 18 or older, you must pay a $2.00 re-examination fee if you retake the exam within 15 days.
- Regardless of age, if you fail the two-part knowledge exam three times, you must complete the classroom portion of a Virginia-approved Driver Training School program and present the Driver Education Certificate. To be eligible for re-examination, the course completion date must be after the date of the third exam failure.
Road Skills Exam
When taking the road skills exam:
- You must provide a vehicle for the exam. The vehicle must have a valid safety inspection sticker, license plates, registration card, as well as working brakes, safety belts, horn, lights, turn signals, mirrors and speedometer.
- An In Car Maneuvers Observation Record (CSMA-19) form is required at the time of testing.
- Only the applicant and the DMV representative are allowed in the vehicle during the road skills exam.
- This test will only be administered in English.
- Please contact the DMV to schedule an appointment for this test. You can schedule in person at the DMV location or by phone, (804) 497-7100.
If you fail the road skills exam:
- There is a mandatory two-day waiting period after a failed road skills test before the test may be administered again.
- Regardless of age, if you fail the road skills exam three times, you must complete the behind the wheel portion of driver education from a Virginia-approved Driver Training School and present the Driver Education Certificate with a completion date that is after the date of the third test failure. A complete list of Virginia approved Driver Training Schools can be found on the Virginia DMV website.
The Department of Motor Vehicles also has a DMV 2 Go Mobile Customer Service center that occasionally visits Virginia Tech's campus. Click here for more information.
When taking the road skills exam:
- You must provide a vehicle for the exam. The vehicle must have a valid safety inspection sticker, license plates, registration card, as well as working brakes, safety belts, horn, lights, turn signals, mirrors and speedometer.
- An In Car Maneuvers Observation Record (CSMA-19) form is required at the time of testing.
- Only the applicant and the DMV representative are allowed in the vehicle during the road skills exam.
- This test will only be administered in English.
- Please contact the DMV to schedule an appointment for this test. You can schedule in person at the DMV location or by phone, (804) 497-7100.
If you fail the road skills exam:
- There is a mandatory two-day waiting period after a failed road skills test before the test may be administered again.
- Regardless of age, if you fail the road skills exam three times, you must complete the behind the wheel portion of driver education from a Virginia-approved Driver Training School and present the Driver Education Certificate with a completion date that is after the date of the third test failure. A complete list of Virginia approved Driver Training Schools can be found on the Virginia DMV website.
Life and Customs
The U.S. is a large and culturally diverse nation. People across the U.S. celebrate holidays from many traditions. Below is a list of major U.S. secular and non-religious holidays that affect either the official academic calendar at Virginia Tech or the unofficial social calendar of many students, faculty, and staff.
Virginia Tech's Dean of Students Office also maintains an inter-faith calendar.
Martin Luther King's Day (3rd Monday of January)
This federal holiday honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the iconic Civil Rights activist. At Virginia Tech, MLK Day is commemorating with programs that focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion and our Principles of Community.
St. Patrick's Day (March 17th)
The holiday has evolved into a celebration of Irish culture with parades, special foods, music, dancing, drinking and a whole lot of green.
Memorial Day (the last Monday in May)
A national holiday set to remember those in active military service who have died.
Juneteenth (June 19th)
Commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans in the United States; a state holiday in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Many local organizations and offices at Virginia Tech observe Juneteenth with gatherings and parades.
Independence Day (July 4)
A federal holiday in the U.S. commemorating the Declaration of Independence of the United States, often called the Fourth of July.
Labor Day (September)
Celebration of working and the U.S. labor movement; often treated as the unofficial last day of summer (for example when outdoor swimming pools close). U.S. Labor Day in September was established as a federal holiday in the place of May 1st.
Election Day (first Tuesday in November)
Elections for national, state, and some local public office are held on this day. In the U.S., this is not a paid or unpaid holiday. Classes still take place as usual on Election Day.
Veteran's Day (November 11)
Veteran's Day a tribute to military veterans who have served in the U.S. armed forces; it was established to commemorate the end of the First World War.
Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November)
Thanksgiving is a national holiday in the U.S. and is a traditional time when families and friends gather for a meal and focus on gratitude. Its origins and traditional practices have also made it a focus of debates about the importance of indigenous peoples of the Americas.
U.S. or American English is an incredibly diverse language with many regional expressions and terms.
Curious about regional varieties of U.S. English? The American Heritage Dictionary and the American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms are a great resource. Both are available through the Virginia Tech library. Other online resources, such as the Dictionary of American Regional English, are great ways to learn about the variety of words and usage across the U.S.
Below are common phrases you will hear on campus:
- pulling an all-nighter = staying up all night studying
- piece of cake = something is easy
- under the weather = not feeling well
- on the house = free of charge
- to cram = to study last minute and all of your notes at one time
- to ace an exam = to pass an exam easily
- to bomb an exam = to fail or not do well on a exam