Welcome to the Hokie community!
It’s officially May — and that means key deadlines are approaching for first-year Hokies to set up their on-campus housing. As your student prepares for their first year at Virginia Tech, it’s important they complete a few essential steps to ensure a smooth transition into their new home away from home.
Keep reading to learn how you can support your Hokie during this exciting time!
Don’t forget to follow @vtresidential on Instagram or Facebook for more updates on the Residential Experience at Virginia Tech. You can learn about the Residential Experience on our website!
Upcoming Deadlines for First-year Housing
✅ Accept Offer & Set Up VT Accounts
Your student must accept their offer of admission by the date noted on their offer letter and submit their enrollment deposit before they can access housing selection. May is the latest this should be done, as housing contracts are due June 1, 2025!
- Once the deposit is processed, your Hokie will receive an email with instructions for creating their VT Username and email.
- Encourage your student to begin checking their @vt.edu email account daily for important information!
- Your student will need access to the StarRez Portal to set up their on-campus housing! Getting access to StarRez may take up to 72 hours after a deposit is processed and a VT Username is created.
- FERPA and Family Access: Families cannot access housing or billing information unless the student sets up FERPA permissions in HokieSPA. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects students’ rights to the access of their academic record.
✅ Complete the Housing & Dining Contract — Due June 1
Incoming Hokies for the fall 2025 semester must submit their housing contract through the StarRez portal by June 1, 2025.
- Hokies can find step-by-step instructions for completing their housing and dining contract on our website.
- Students choose their preferred building and room in the order in which they sign their Housing Contract. The earlier your student signs, the more options they will have when choosing their preferred building and room!
- First-year students must live on campus unless approved for an exemption. Encourage your Hokie to review the First-Year Student Housing Information, including the first-year housing requirement, before submitting their contract.
✅ Personalize the Experience with a Living-Learning Program: Applications open now!
Incoming Hokies can apply for up to three Living-Learning Programs before June 6, 2025, to personalize their Virginia Tech Experience! LLPs offer Hokies:
- A home to find a community that shares their interests — more than half of VT students participate in LLPs!
- Enhanced support, faculty interaction, and mentorship
- Spaces renovated with living and learning in mind - community kitchens, maker spaces, studios, community lounges and classrooms
- Increased access to social events, professional development, and academic opportunities
Your Hokie can find information about submitting their housing contract and applying for LLPs in their Admissions offer packet.
✅ Room & Roommate selection
Encourage your Hokie to check their VT email frequently for important updates on new student room selection, which will take place in June.
Remember: The earlier your student signs their housing contract, the more priority they will have when selecting a room assignment for fall 2025!
Stay Connected with VT
Looking for more information about first-year housing? Check out our previous Hokie Family Hub posts and check back for new posts coming soon! We’re excited to welcome your student home this fall, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
How else can you stay updated on the latest news, reminders, and information as move-in approaches?
- Subscribe to the Hokie Family eNews, a monthly newsletter produced by Student Affairs to help you stay connected to your student’s VT experience
- Stay connected with your student’s Residential Experience (the on-campus living experience) on @vtresidential social media channels and visit our website for more information!
- Mark your calendar for Families as Partners webinars that take place over the summer and throughout the year
- Access the New Student Checklist for more information from all departments
