Everyone says that college is the best time of your life.  I firmly believe that Virginia Tech is the best school to spend this time at.

Like the popular quote states, “From the outside looking in you can never understand it.  From the inside looking out you can never explain it.”  Being a Hokie is a unique experience that you have to live out to understand.  During your freshman year, many experiences shape the school for you; these are just a few of the many things to look forward to.

1. Jumping to Enter Sandman in Lane Stadium. Experiencing this excitement at your first home football game is a great moment to sit back and take in the beauty of this community of Hokies.  Whether you are in the top corner of the East Stands or right in the heart of the student section in the North Stands, the rush you will get is sure to get you pumped for the rest of your time at Virginia Tech.

2. Participating in The American Cancer Society's Relay For Life. Being a part of the largest collegiate Relay For Life in the world is such a powerful thing. This event has such a great energy and spirit and everyone there is so full of hope. Helping to find a cure for cancer alongside such passionate people is something really special.   

3. Being a part of The Big Event. Helping give back to the community alongside all your fellow Hokies is such a great feeling. Some people might be doing heavy lifting, others may be just doing simple tasks for more elderly people in the community. No matter what you're doing, you are sure to make an impact.   

4. Participating in the 3.2 for 32. This Run in Remembrance is a unique event.  It is a true portrayal of the Hokie community. From the balloon release to the finish line, it's a sea of Hokie pride and an event you should be sure not to miss.   

5. Exploring the New River Valley. The New River Valley is full of new adventures and memories to make with you and your friends. Whether you're tubing down the New River or hiking McAfee’s Knob, it's great to get your dose of nature down in our beautiful Southwest corner of Virginia. Don’t forget to stop by Homeplace while you are out in Catawba.  After a long day of hiking nothing is better than their delicious home style food.   

6. Enjoying a Virginia Slice at Benny’s. If you're feeling extra hungry, splurge for the full pizza to share...but good luck fitting the box through the door. You shouldn’t walk away from this place hungry. This ritual will definitely be repeated many times your freshman year and it might never lose the excitement.   

7. Going to see a cheap movie at The Lyric. Where else can you go to see a movie for only $5? This is a college student’s dream. No one wants to have to spend over twice that to watch a movie in theaters. Make sure you go to at least one movie on a Monday and you can get free popcorn. What could be better than that?

8. Participating in the Civilian v. cadet snowball fight after the first snow. You can’t miss the opportunity to be a part of one of the oldest traditions at Tech. This snowball fight can get very intense very quickly. Thousands of students pack the Drillfield to take down the opponent.   

9. Eating in a dining hall and getting a taste of the #1 college food. Virginia Tech continues to have the #1 college food and you will quickly see why. Where else can you get a full hibachi dinner in a college dining hall?   

10. Sitting on the Pylons and looking out over the campus. This is such a beautiful view that never gets old.  Sitting on the edge of the Pylons and looking out across the Drillfield as the sun sets in the background is the definition of perfection. I don’t know what could be better to show you that this is where you are meant to be.