<p>bandgy, Congratulations on your son’s admittances. Two great schools. Not too many students frequent this board as a whole, mostly alums or parents, but that goes for many of the schools I look at on cc. I have a 4th yr (out of 5 - arch program) who has really enjoyed his time at VT. He said just the other day that he is glad he is in a 5 yr program so he doesn’t have to graduate for another year. 
He really wants his younger sister to go there, too because he knows she will just love the atmosphere. </p>
<p>Regarding housing, he has stayed on campus all of his time there so far and loves it. I have been in been in two of the nicer dorms, New Hall West and Cochrane, when visiting him and our neighbor’s kids. The quietness factor of Cochrane depends on which floor/suite you end up in. New Hall West is like a Marriott. Honestly. Ceramic separate shower for the two roommates, granite counters in the sink area, wall to wall carpet, AC, larger than usual sized room with built in closets/cubbies, a very nice dedicated lounge with TV and kitchen facilities, the works. I believe it is reserved for juniors and seniors, but you don’t have to be in the honors program to be housed there. </p>
<p>I really like the looks of the new dorms that are opened up this fall and will next fall, too. If our d is admitted and decides to go there, she would have even more options in terms of nice dorm space than he did. I think VT is trying to keep their aging buildings up to a high standard. My s didn’t place a lot of emphasis on the dorms when he was looking at schools, but she certainly is! </p>
<p>Good luck with everything!</p>