Collegiate Times

West Ambler Johnson, home to residential college students, recently reopened after renovations. In order to live here, students must apply.

Virginia Tech is alleviating stress for those still seeking lodging for commencement weekend by offering on-campus residence hall rooms for visitors to rent.

“We normally have between 1,200 and 1,400 guests that stay in the residence halls,” said Eric Wininger, assistant director for Conference Services, the department that coordinates the rentals.

Tech has been renting rooms to commencement travelers since the 1980s. The university rents rooms vacated by students who will not remain on campus for commencement. Rooms in New Hall West, Peddrew-Yates Hall, New Residence Hall East, Slusher Wing and Lee Hall will be offered. However, while there have always been sufficient rooms available to meet demand, availability of rooms with certain modern comforts is limited, said Wininger.

Rates vary depending on the type of room rented. A "traditional" room — a room without a private bathroom, in a building without air conditioning — starts at $220 for the Friday before graduation through the Sunday after. Those planning to arrive on Thursday can pay an additional fee for an extra night.

Guests who win the lottery for newer rooms will pay a premium for the upgrade. Air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms start at $292 for a Friday through Sunday stay. Some two and three-room suites — with air-conditioning and separate bathrooms — will also be made available, starting at $566 and running to almost $1200 depending on length of stay and number of bedrooms desired.

All room packages include sheets, towels, local phone service, and Internet access may also be available. 

The prices listed include breakfast and dinner meal vouchers for two at D2. Rates are based on double-occupancy in each room, though an additional adult guest may sleep on the floor and children younger than 16 may stay for free. Limited handicapped-accessable rooms are available. Once reserved, fees for lodging are non-refundable.

The lottery for air-conditioned rooms is currently open. All other reservations can be made beginning April 1. Those interested should visit housing.vt.edu for more information and to make arrangements.

Follow this writer on Twitter @KulakCT

A version of this article appeared in the Mar 20 issue of the Collegiate Times.