Students eager to return to their favorite fall events

23 Aug 2023

Seen from above, members of the Class of 2027 form a giant "VT" on Worsham Field. — Students in the Class of 2027 take a group photo in the shape of a “VT” during the Hokie Hi Spirit Rally in Lane Stadium. Photo by Lee Friesland for Virginia Tech.

The first week of classes has officially begun and despite the stress that comes along with the beginning of the semester, students are excited to be back on the Blacksburg campus for the fall.

First-year student Audrey Stamper is majoring in elementary education and said the start of classes helped her find her rhythm after moving in. “I am honestly really excited for the first week of classes. Personally, I really enjoy school and having a routine. Having schoolwork to do has helped me get more acclimated to college life. My major is education, which makes sense, since I enjoy school so much,” said Stamper.

The semester got under way with the Hokie Hi Spirit Rally for all new students on Sunday. New students got to run through the tunnel at Lane Stadium, learn more about Virginia Tech’s history and traditions, as well as hear from multiple Virginia Tech athletic teams.

Jimmy Blunt, first-year student majoring in communication, has grown up around Virginia Tech sports and was excited to experience the Hokie Hi Spirit Rally as a student.

“The Hokie Hi Spirit Rally is a really cool event. Virginia Tech has always thrived off pride and love for the school, and all the freshmen coming together to experience maroon and orange together is an experience like no other,” said Blunt.

Athletics are a staple

The Hokies’ football season opener is one of the biggest games of the year. This year, it is a home game under the lights against Old Dominion University. Kickoff is at 8 p.m. Sept. 2.

Mythri Challuri, a senior majoring in philosophy, politics, and economics, is excited to return to Lane Stadium. “Even though it’s bittersweet because it’ll be my last season opener as a student, I’m so excited to make new memories with all my friends and jump to 'Enter Sandman’ this upcoming football season. The energy is always so electric and fun and reminds me of how much I appreciate this school and its environment. The season opener is one any VT fans don’t want to miss,” said Challuri.

Explore the farmers market

The Blacksburg Farmers Market is held from 2 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays through October, when the schedule adjusts for the fall, with vendors from the all over the New River Valley. There are so many goods to be found at the Market Square at the corner of Draper Avenue and Roanoke Street.

Ben Durham, a senior majoring in food and health system economics, goes to the farmers market almost every weekend. “I get most of my produce from there because it seems to be higher quality than the grocery store and they have the best chocolate croissants,” said Durham.

Go to Gobblerfest

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Gobblerfest is from 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 1 on the Drillfield and is a great time for students to explore all the clubs and organizations on the Blacksburg campus.

Mary Frances Crain, a senior majoring in accounting and finance, voluteers at Gobblerfest for her sorority. “I love Gobblerfest. I really enjoy being able to promote the organizations I am in and support and encouraging younger students, especially freshmen to get involved and enjoy the time they have at VT because it goes by so quick,” said Crain.

These events and organizations are here to help students find home and community at Virginia Tech. Find a complete list of events and student organizations on GobblerConnect.

Written by Caroline Reed, a senior and a student writer for Communications and Marketing.