Question 1

How can I obtain an I-20 form?

Accepted Answer

After your PID is generated and you have accepted the admission, request the I-20 form from Virginia Tech to apply for a US student visa.
Create an account on intlHokies and log in with your PID and password.
Complete the immigration information form for new international students.
Once your I-20 is generated, you will be informed through your Virginia Tech and personal email IDs.

Question 2

What is the visa procedure?

Accepted Answer

Obtain your I-20 from Virginia Tech.
Pay the SEVIS Fee online.
Complete the visa process at https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/.
Schedule dates for Biometrics and Visa Interview.
Complete the Visa Interview (if your visa is approved, your passport will be submitted at the interview location).
If you opted for home delivery, wait for it to arrive. Otherwise, once your passport is ready, collect it from the specified location.

Question 3

What documents are required for immigration?

Accepted Answer

Passport with USA visa (carry all new and old passports).
Signed I-20 form (keep 3 copies).
SEVIS receipt.
University admission offer letter.
Financial documentation showing enough funds to cover costs as listed in the financial section of your I-20 form.
Previous university transcripts to show educational eligibility (if undergraduate, then high school transcripts).
Address proof of Blacksburg (lease document or dorm residency letter).
Relieving letter/experience letter (for working professionals, if applicable).
Keep copies of all original documents.

Question 4

What are some common questions asked during an immigration interview?

Accepted Answer

What university are you attending?
Where will you stay during your time at the university?
What is your course?
How many years is the course?
What is your major?

Question 5

Where can I obtain a customs declaration form?

Accepted Answer

The declaration form is provided during the flight.
Immigration takes place at the port of entry in the US.

Question 6

How do I get my Hokie Passport?

Accepted Answer

Visit the Hokie Passport Services office in the Student Services Building.
Fill out an ID Request Card available on tables in the building lobby.
Take the card, along with a valid U.S. driver's license or international passport, to the ID window.

Question 7

What are the most convenient flight routes to Blacksburg?

Accepted Answer

Dulles - Washington D.C. (IAD)
Newark - New Jersey (EWR)
New York - John F. Kennedy - NYC (JFK)

Question 8

What is the best way to get from Roanoke to Blacksburg?

Accepted Answer

SmartWay Bus: Departs from ROA and drops off at Maroon Loop Bay #1, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg.

Question 9

How do I travel from Washington Dulles Airport to Blacksburg?

Accepted Answer

MegaBus
OurBus
Amtrak Train: The closest drop-off is Roanoke.
Check their websites for more information on timings.

Question 10

How do I travel from Newark (EWR) to Blacksburg?

Accepted Answer

Amtrak: Departs from Newark (EWR) and arrives at Roanoke Station.

Question 11

How do I travel from New York (JFK) Airport to Blacksburg?

Accepted Answer

Amtrak: Departs from Penn Station - New York and arrives at Roanoke Station.

Question 12

What hotels are available near Washington Dulles Airport?

Accepted Answer

Residence Inn Dulles Airport at Dulles 28 Center
Fairfield Inn & Suites at Dulles Airport
Courtyard by Marriott Dulles Town Center
These are some hotels which provide free airport shuttle.

Question 13

How much buffer time is recommended between arriving at the entry point and connecting to the next flight to Roanoke or any other connections?

Accepted Answer

Have at least 3-4 hours of buffer at the point of entry for your next connection to Blacksburg/Roanoke/Other locations.
Consider time for Immigration/Customs, checking in your luggage for the next flight (domestic), and security.

Question 14

Do I need to apply for a transit visa?

Accepted Answer

Check the country’s transit visa policy if you have a layover. For example, a layover of more than 12 hours in Saudi Arabia might require a transit visa.
The airline you are traveling with is the best source of information for transit visa requirements.
If you cannot satisfy the transit visa requirements, it would be wise to change the layover.

Question 15

What all things should I pack for my trip?

Accepted Answer

We have arranged the packing list (click here) according to the following categories. :
Clothes and accessories
Personal care
Kitchen appliances
Food
Medicines
Stationery items

Question 16

What documents should I include on my packing list for my trip?

Accepted Answer

Maintain a separate folder for all important documents and keep it in your carry-on bag. Keep the carry-on bag close during your journey. Include the following:
Original and photocopy (2 copies) of Passport (new and old)
Original and photocopy (2 copies) of VISA
I-20 (signed) - double-check your name, course name, and course start date
Original and photocopy (2 copies) of Air-ticket - double-check the time, date, and name on the ticket
SEVIS fee receipt (2 copies)
Original and photocopy (2 copies) of Offer Letter
Original and photocopy (2 copies) of Marksheets + Degree certificates
GRE + TOEFL/IELTS + SAT results (2 copies)
Recommendation letters (2 copies each)
Carry a doctor’s prescription and the pharmacy bill for the medicines you are carrying
Original and photocopy (2 copies) of Aadhaar Card
Original and photocopy (2 copies) of PAN Card (if applicable)
Original and photocopy (2 copies) of Driving License (if applicable)

Question 17

How many bags am I permitted to bring?

Accepted Answer

Typically, 2 check-ins (23 kg) + 1 carry-on (7 kg) + 1 laptop bag (5 kg)
Additional laptop bags are not allowed in some airlines. Please check with your airlines before you reach the airport.
Check the luggage policy, including dimensions, with your airline.
Check if the airline offers an extra bag to students.

Question 18

Are there any student discounts or offers on baggage policies?

Accepted Answer

Many airlines offer extra bags for students. For example, Air India allows 3 check-in bags for students.
Check out more such offers from different airlines that suit you.

Question 19

Can you provide me with any tips before traveling to the United States?

Accepted Answer

Refer to the travel guide (click here) for all the necessary information.

Question 20

What are some options for off-campus housing?

Accepted Answer

Stonegate
Foxridge / Hethwood
Smith’s Landing
Terrace View
Park Place
The Hub
Refer to the housing guide (click here) and https://offcampus.vt.edu/ for more information.

Question 21

What are some options for on-campus housing?

Accepted Answer

Refer to the following website for on-campus housing options:
Housing and Residence Life Website - https://housing.vt.edu/
Living Learning Programs (LLP) - https://llp.vt.edu/
Residence Halls - https://housing.vt.edu/experience/YourResidenceHall.html
StarRez Portal - https://vt.starrezhousing.com/

Question 22

What meal plans are available?

Accepted Answer

Minor Flex Plan: $1389 per semester
Major Flex Plan: $2613 per semester
Mega Flex Plan: $2803 per semester
Premium Flex Plan: $2999 per semester
Visit meal plan’s website (click here) for more information.

Question 23

What is the best way to find roommates?

Accepted Answer

Complete details and roommate preferences at the form on https://www.isa-vt.org/roommate-finder.
Once your preferences match, contact potential roommates.

Question 24

Where can I connect with more people for housing purposes?

Accepted Answer

Join the Blacksburg Facebook Housing group (click here) to learn more about housing options.
Note: This Facebook group is not managed by the Indian Students Association at Virginia Tech.

Question 25

Which bank account should I choose for opening an account? Checking or Savings?

Accepted Answer

You must have a checking account.
Savings accounts are optional based on your needs.
Debit cards offer contactless payments and ATM access.
You can avoid the monthly service fee by having the primary account owner be 17-24 years old (available in most banks).
Minimum age to open an account is 17 years or older.

Question 26

Which banks are located in Blacksburg?

Accepted Answer

Wells Fargo Bank
Address: 920 University City Blvd, Blacksburg, VA 24060
Phone: +1 (540) 951-7100
Truist Bank
Address: 902 Prices Fork Rd, Blacksburg, VA 24060
Phone: +1 (540) 808-1200
Atlantic Union Bank
Address: 601 N Main St, Blacksburg, VA 24060
Phone: +1 (540) 951-0180

Question 27

How can I pay my tuition fees at Virginia Tech?

Accepted Answer

Virginia Tech uses two payment systems for tuition and fees: FLYWIRE and CASHNet.
To make a direct transfer to the university, contact the Bursar’s Office at bursar@vt.edu (they provide bank account details only in extenuating circumstances).

Question 28

What is the Budget Tuition Plan?

Accepted Answer

Pay part or all of your tuition, fees, dining, and housing in monthly installments during the semester.
Payable through a U.S. domestic bank account only, no credit cards.
$45 application fee per semester (non-refundable).
Automatically adjusts for credits and charges placed on the account.
Can be combined with financial aid, loans, or scholarships.
Go to Hokie Spa to enroll.

Question 29

How do I get my Social Security Number (SSN)?

Accepted Answer

Apply for an SSN in person at the nearest Social Security Administration (SSA) office.
The nearest SSA office is in Roanoke.
When applying for your SSN, bring your passport, I-94 card, offer letter from your employer, and an SSN request letter from the university, which can be applied for through the International Hokies Portal.

Question 30

What on-campus jobs are available?

Accepted Answer

Dining Services: 800-1100 jobs annually. Learn more and apply by clicking here.
Math Department: Jobs include Grader, Tutor, or Math Emporium employee (grader/proctor). Learn more and apply clicking here.
UTA/UGA/GTA: Check your College Department’s website for this.
Recreational Sports: Jobs include Customer Service Attendant, Field House Monitor, Supervisor, Manager Assistant, etc. Learn more and apply clicking here.
Residence Life: 200 residence advisor positions annually. Learn more and apply here.

Question 31

How can I secure an assistantship?

Accepted Answer

Assistantships may offer partial or complete tuition fee waivers and might provide students with funding during the semester.
Most assistantship opportunities are managed at the department/program level. Interested graduate students should contact the program of interest.
GA positions are available on job portals such as Handshake and department website.
Current students seeking funding are encouraged to monitor Handshake for assistantship and wage openings that administrative offices share with the Graduate School.

Question 32

Which SIM card should I purchase?

Accepted Answer

Explore all the plans; joining a family plan is very economical. (Only available in postpaid plans)
NOTE: Postpaid plans require you to have a social security number (SSN). Prepaid plans do not require you to have a social security number (SSN).
Recommended Carrier Websites:
Mint Mobile - https://www.mintmobile.com/
US Mobile - https://www.usmobile.com/
AT&T - https://www.att.com/
Verizon - https://www.verizon.com/
T-Mobile - https://www.t-mobile.com/
US Cellular - https://www.uscellular.com/
Visible - https://www.visible.com/
You can visit the carrier websites directly for an eSIM to have a SIM before you travel if your phone supports it. You do not need to get SIM cards using services like Zolve if your phone supports eSIM.

Question 33

Is Blacksburg a safe place?

Accepted Answer

Blacksburg is generally safe, with various public safety operational units.
Emergency Management
Environmental Health and Safety
Police Department
Rescue
Local Agency Contact Information:
Blacksburg Police: +1 (540) 443-1400
Christiansburg Police: +1 (540) 382-3131
Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department: +1 (540) 382-6915
Virginia Tech Police: +1 (540) 231-6411

Question 34

What are the requirements for the immunization form?

Accepted Answer

All immunizations must be uploaded by following instructions at the links below before July 31, 2024.
Required Immunizations - https://healthcenter.vt.edu/new_student/required_immunizations.html
Uploading Immunization Forms - https://healthcenter.vt.edu/content/dam/healthcenter_vt_edu/assets/docs/IM_Health_Instructions.pdf

Question 35

Which is the best health insurance plan available?

Accepted Answer

Health insurance is provided by multiple companies in the United States. We have partnered with Student Medicover (click here) to provide international students with affordable, high-quality health insurance.
Review the plans provided by these providers based on your visa, age, deductible, and co-payment.
Important: If you choose to buy insurance other than the one provided by VT, you will need to fill out a waiver form, which can be found on your chosen insurance provider's website. The deadline for applying for the waiver is August 31, 2024.

Question 36

What pharmacies are located in Blacksburg?

Accepted Answer

Blacksburg Pharmacy
CVS Pharmacy

Question 37

Can you recommend some good grocery stores in Blacksburg?

Accepted Answer

Oasis: Some Indian food items are available.
Kroger
Walmart
Food Lion

Question 38

Can you suggest any good restaurants?

Accepted Answer

El Rodeo Restaurant
Hamro’s Kitchen
India Garden Restaurant

Frequently asked questions