In recent years, there has been a severe shortage of apartments in the fall semester. We suggest that you book your apartments earlier this year by paying the deposit to the housing agency through wire transfer, or ask a trusted friend in Blacksburg to do it for you

The best time to book apartments is 4-5 months before you arrive or immediately after you decide to attend VT

How to find roommates :
1. Yahoo groups (Available from http://www.isa.org.vt.edu/?page_id=47)
2. Orkut communities(Available from http://www.isa.org.vt.edu/?page_id=47)
3. VTOCH website

Once you decide on your roommates, contact the leasing agencies listed below and ask them about their rates, amenities and the bus routes to the campus. You can also book the apartment by wire transfer which is very convenient and safe.

Even if you land up in Blacksburg without an apartment, dont worry as you will definitely get a place to stay however you may not be left with much choice about location and rental rates.

Most Indian graduate students choose to stay off-campus for a variety of reasons as well as flexibility with meals

The popular choices of apartments for Indian graduate students are :

The rates and amenities depend on availability, proximity to the university, number of bedrooms, number of bathrooms, laundry facilities and condition of the apartment.

Approximate estimate of expenses are  :

1. Apartment rent about $220-$250 per person
2. Electricity about $80-$120 per apartment
3. Water about $40-$80 per apartment
4. Mobile Phone about $40 per person (you can get cheaper family plans)
5. Groceries, misc expenses are about $120 per person

i.e. totally about $400-$500 per person per month