Pre-Arrival Information
Travel to Roanoke College
The easiest way to travel to Roanoke College is to book a flight to Roanoke Regional Airport. Roanoke College is located approximately six miles from the airport and transportation to the College is available by taxi for around $20. Depending on student staffing availability, the International Student Services Office can arrange to pick up international students at the airport on their initial arrival. Please refer to emails from the ISSO for details.
It is also possible for you to travel to Roanoke by bus from any major American city. Bus travel is less expensive but generally much less convenient than travel by air. The Greyhound Bus Terminal is located in downtown Roanoke and taxi services are available to the College. Maps and parking information can be found here.
Packing
The Roanoke Valley in southwest Virginia experiences all four seasons in a mild climate. The summer is usually warm, with daily high temperatures in July and August between in 85ºF and 95ºF, while fall and spring are moderate, with high temperatures between 50°F and 80°F. Winter lasts from December through February and there is infrequent snowfall, though skiing is only an hour from campus in nearby mountains.
Remember not to pack too much! You have to carry your luggage all the way from your home country so you don't want more weight than you can handle. Every residential hall has laundry facilities, so you can wash your clothing frequently. Casual dress is appropriate for classes, but you may want to bring more formal dress for special occasions. A sweater, gloves and a warm jacket are usually sufficient for winter weather.
If you bring any electrical appliances, don't forget to purchase a converter and an adapter in your own country. It will be much more difficult to find the appropriate converters here. Remember that the U.S. uses 110/120 volts instead of 220/240.
International Student Orientation
Read more about orientation here- specifically under "International Student Orientation."
The Roanoke Valley of Virginia
Roanoke College is located in the beautiful Roanoke Valley, surrounded by the Appalachian mountains. These are the oldest mountains in North America, stretching along the Eastern seaboard of the United States from Maine to Georgia. The Blue Ridge Parkway follows the spectacular mountain ridges and affords panoramic views only 20 minutes from the campus. The Appalachian Trail is a 10 minute drive from Roanoke College as it winds through the mountains, providing a wilderness trail that is traveled by hundreds of ambitious hikers each year.