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New Faculty Advice

  • Remember to look outside your department for research buddies; Virginia Tech is big on collaboration inside the college and across the university. Doing so will help you learn about other research happening on campus. 
  • If you enjoy the outdoors, go camping in one of the regional state parks; there are many choices. Fishing here is easy, especially as compared to chasing trout in the West. 
  • For regional travel, rent a car from Virginia Tech Fleet Services — affordable, easy, and right on campus.
  • Try to understand the culture here at Virginia Tech, but don't be afraid to push for small changes.
  • Long-time staff members are great resources for campus and community advice alike. They know everything about campus and the area!
  • Be patient.

Although junior faculty members' experiences varied, all responded that they benefited from departmental support.

  • My first semester was "super busy. I had two new preps, advising grads, etc., as was expected. There are lots of 'faculty development' workshops (help with grants, computing, teaching, etc.) and several new-faculty orientations. Eating on campus is great; I love the D2 buffet-style cafeteria!"
  • My first semester "was fairly smooth. Everyone was very helpful. The toughest things were getting used to the little bureaucratic quirks that every institution has."
  • In my first semester, I "got lots of support from other faculty in the department, so the adjustment went smoothly."
  • My first semester was "very typical. The hard part was coping with the slow lab renovations, as I was anxious to get the lab running."

A handful of the junior faculty polled had experience with the Dual Career program.

  • I was hired through the Dual Career program, and it was a positive experience.
  • I dealt directly with my home department chair, not Human Resources.

Depending on their previous locations, the junior faculty faced different challenges.

  • This was not our first move, so we knew what to expect. I don’t think there were any challenges that prevented my successful transition to Virginia Tech.
  • There is no Costco or WinCo (moved here from Reno, Nevado)! We experienced big storms during our first spring. And where are the ski slopes?  Editor's note: Most skiers in the region head to West Virginia to hit the slopes.  
  • We looked online. We rented for the first two years.
  • We contacted several local realtors and rental agencies, and they searched for apartments for us.
  • We used a realtor recommended by the department; it was nice to not have to search for one.
  • We worked through a realtor, who turned up nothing to fill our needs; then, we turned to Craigslist for rental properties.
  • We have only one car, and my wife needs it, so I wanted to be close enough to walk or bike to campus.  If you’re looking for solitude, you can still find something within 3 to 5 miles of campus.
  • Price and proximity to campus. We ended up living in Christiansburg.
  • We decided to live in Blacksburg because we wanted to be close to campus and to be part of the community. We liked the house and neighborhood best. We went on a house-hunting trip before moving.
  • We chose to live in Blacksburg because of the school system. The education of our child is a priority.
  • Bull and Bones. The brewmaster is a friend.
  • Avellino's (Blacksburg), Due South (Christiansburg), Old Virginia Smokehouse (Pearisburg), Macados, Sake House, Palisades (Eggleston), Mekong Cafe (Blacksburg), The Bank (Pearisburg), Cabo Fish Taco (Blacksburg), Metro (Roanoke), Blue Five (Roanoke), Annie Moore's (Roanoke). We asked around to learn about the best places to eat.
  • Palisades and Gillie’s (Blacksburg). People in the department took us there during visits to interview and house-hunt.
  • Zeppoli's, Boudreaux, Poor Billie's, and Sharkeys. We enjoy supporting local business and shy away from chain restaurants. As a family, we like to try as many different restaurants as possible, independent of recommendations.
  • Panera Bread
  • Bolo's
  • Our Daily Bread
  • Mill Mountain Coffee
  • Bull and Bones
  • McDonald's
  • London Underground Pub

There are many different ways to keep up with what's happening in the area.