Reviews
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Brittany from Morristown, TN
a current student here
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Am learning a lot | I have completed a total of 34 hours at the UT campus. So far, I have learned a lot from my professors. While some classes are huge (200+), others allow for one-on-one time with other students and faculty. Even in the 200+ classes, discussion sections are set up so students can interact with T.A.s, feel more comfortable asking questions, and to learn more about the material. |
Am enjoying being here | For the most part, UT is an enjoyable place to study, live, and learn. Found in the heart of Knoxville, the campus has some urban feel to it, while still remaining true to its Southern heritage. Greek life is big on campus, but there are also many other clubs and societies to join on campus. Dorm life also helps new students find their niche. |
Bang for the buck | In-state tuition at UT is relatively cheap compared to other schools in the state. While it is not Vandy, the education is what you make of it. As I always say, My high school had drop-outs and people who ended up at Princeton, the education is what you want it to be. It is the same story at UT |
Tips for prospective students | Apply early and look for scholarship opportunities. Housing is also important. I would advise to live on campus as a freshmen. It is a great way to meet new people and friends. Continue to work hard in high school. UT keeps raising their standards as years go by. For the most part, be yourself, and let the person you are shine through on the application. :-) |
Great for these types of students | Students who enjoy a challenge. Students who want to succeed. Students who are looking for opportunities to internship and work closely with faculty. Students who enjoy social activities, and students who want to feel like they are a part of a big ORANGE family. |
Katie Walton from Lafayette, TN
a current student here
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Am learning a lot | I have learned so much more about mathematics than I ever did in high school I finally learned how to add and subtract negative numbers. |
Am enjoying being here | This time away from all of my high school friends and my family has allowed me to step outside my comfort zone and meet many new people one of which I will be rooming with next year. |
Bang for the buck | U.T. Knoxville may be a bit on the pricey side of state run schools but with the HOPE scholarship and the quality of education that is being offered the slight difference in price is not an issue. |
Tips for prospective students | The best tip for students looking at going to UT. Knoxville is to do a college visit because that is the only way you can really get a feel of the campus and the students that go there. Another great thing about U.T. Knoxville is Black board do not wait to get your user name and password straightened out because almost every teacher will post notes, homework assignments, or upcoming events that you will need to be aware of. The last tip is to make friends with your R.A it will come in very handy through the year. |
Great for these types of students | U.T. is a great option for any student who is willing to do at least half of the work to get the grade. It is an especially good option for undecided students because U.T. Knoxville curriculum is designed so that when you decide upon a major you do not have extra credit that you do not need, and U.T. career services has division especially for undecided students to help them decide upon a major. The career services also provides help when you wish to find a job on or off campus, so anyone wanting to work while in school would do well in choosing U.T. Knoxville. |
Suzanna from Knoxville, TN
a current student here
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Am learning a lot | College learning is amazingly different from high school learning in all the best ways! I just completed my first semester at the University of Tennessee and found I wanted to wake up and walk to class every day. I am an English minor and there are English classes on every topic imaginable, such as technology involved in science fiction, feminism, and detective stories. I had a very interesting math class, focused on the fourth dimension and a spectacular intro to journalism class (CCI 150) that gave me a wonderful overview of the field I hope to go into one day. |
Am enjoying being here | Knoxville is a truly eclectic city, with something for everyone. There is truly a club for every interest on campus, from clubs focusing on photography to environmental issues to LGBT rights to badminton. Things are always happening on campus, and since most freshman live on campus, it's very easy to make friends! Downtown Knoxville, a short walk or drive from the campus, has so much to offer, including a Cereal Bar, serving hundreds of types of cereal until the wee hours of the night. There are lots of music shows at many venues, especially The Valarium, around town. And, of course, there are always sports to watch! |
Bang for the buck | The university costs, all in all, about $20,000 a year. It's very reasonable for a good public school and I have not come across any hidden fees so far. UT has a well-organized scholarship section on the website, so definitely check there for official financial updates, along with checking websites like Cappex as ways to make more money. Books are expensive, and you'll need all the help you can get! |
Tips for prospective students | If you're going to take a night class, be sure you have the motivation to go to it. Make sure to sell your books back at the end of the semester, ideally at a place other than UT's official bookstore because they pay the best. The library is a great resource for information, so utilize the library and the nice librarians! Talk to your professors and go to their office hours. It's nice to get to know them, especially if they can serve as a mentor for you, and it shows them you truly care about your education. Do all your homework before going out with friends, so you can socialize without the guilt! Talk to your academic advisers often. College is definitely an adjustment, and you will grow as a person. |
Great for these types of students | The University of Tennessee is great for in-state students because of the HOPE scholarship. It's great for students who want to experience living on their own with the comfort of still being able to visit home for the weekend if they so desire. It's a school with a lot of people, so if you're looking for the most personal academic attention, it's probably not your best bet. It's wonderful for students who want to live in a moderately-sized city with lots to do. |
Danielle Woods
a current student here
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Am learning a lot | At the University of Tennessee, classes are not just a joke. I enjoy going to most of my classes. the professors are involved with their students and I feel that I have learned a lot. However, a good portion of what I have learned has not just come from classes. The experience you get here at UT is one that helps each individual grow in their own ways. I have learned more about myself in the past two years here then anything else. I do not believe you will get an experience like that anywhere else. UT has many opportunities for students to succeed, you just have to soak it all up. |
Am enjoying being here | UT has one of the most unique aspects about it that makes being a student here so enjoyable. The spirit at the University of Tennessee is like nothing I have ever seen. Everyone, students, faculty, allumni, community all have pride for the Vols. It brings us all together and once you go here you will forever bleed orange. It is just something you have to experience and it makes being a Vol so enjoyable. |
Bang for the buck | I am an out of state student and tuition is not cheap. You will never regret going here and spending the money, it is just expensive. However for an in-state student it is a pretty good match. There are a lot of aid and scholarship's for in-state students. As far as the out-of-state students go, hang in there. We will have prestigious jobs that pay well when we graduate that can help with paying back the debt. |
Tips for prospective students | Don’t waste one second being unhappy and get involved with everything that interests you. Remember that everyone is in the same boat you are. Finding new friends, being independent from your parents, living in a new place, and making your own decisions are all characteristics of every college freshman. Don’t be scared, instead, be outgoing and open to the extraordinary. Many things will change you within your first year, but always be happy with who you are and who you become. Listen as well as communicate, attend events that interest you, get involved with some type of organization, be open to new ideas and always put school work first. You are first and foremost attending college to learn. College is about the experience and at the University of Tennessee you will get that experience so long as you soak it up. |
Great for these types of students | Students that want to have fun, learn a lot, meet new people, gain memories and be apart of something bigger than themselves. These are the type of students that prosper here. There is not one type of person here. If you are a preppy type, jock, goth, gangsta it doesn't matter. You will find friends and will fit in. There are so many different types of people here. As long as you fit the first sentence the University of Tennessee is for you. |
Christopher from Maryville, TN
a current student here
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Am learning a lot | When I went to UT for a tour, I already had in mind that I wanted to go there, but the guides made the statement that they let you select your own major, basically design it how you want it, and that there are a vast number of alternative courses for core requirements. If it weren't for the alternatives, I don't think I would learn nearly as much about what I want to learn about. |
Am enjoying being here | UTK is my home away from home. I miss being there and being able to socialize with my friends, as well as just find my own personal me space to go study or practice. The music facilities are top-notch, especially since the music building is under construction and they've had to acquire makeshift facilities. The band truly is spectacular and I always recommend UT above any school because of the comfortable learning environment and the school's deep-rooted traditions. |
Bang for the buck | Compared to most universities, UT is very affordable. Room and board is relatively inexpensive as well, so for the out-of-state student, or for the in-state student that just wants out of the house, UT gives you a great living environment for what it's worth. The classrooms are set up amazingly with a lot of state-of-the-art technology. And I'm always amazed by the selection of books in the library that are just there for all of us students -- and it's free! UT is definitely worth going to because it's not just affordable, but there are so many free services available to all students. |
Tips for prospective students | -Be prepared: If you're one of those kids in high school like I was, studying isn't your favorite thing to do. College is a BIG step up and studying will make every class fly by easier. -Communicate: Don't be afraid to be that kid who answers all the questions. You're in college to learn, and it really helps the teachers to know that you're learning, not just sitting there dead like everyone else can be at 8 in the morning. -Socialize: It's college and you only live once. But do it wisely. Like your parents always warned you, watch out for the bad crowd. But make friends! College is an entirely different atmosphere than high school in that, for the most part, cliques are ignored! And having a good group of friends takes a load of stress off your shoulders when finals come around, or when you just need to talk. Plus, it's always great to be in the crowd that's going nuts on gameday. -Again, be prepared: Nobody likes 8am courses. But chances are that you might have to take them because it's the only class open and you need it. But avoid that mindset. Instead think, It's 8am. All those annoying people that distract me aren't in here. It's all the smarter students that WANT to be here, those people who have the passion to do their work and follow their career choice. This may not be my best subject, but these people can help me and it'll be a lot easier for me to learn. |
Great for these types of students | If I said all, it'd be a lie, but it would also be a lie if I didn't. UT, like any college, is a choice of preference. The teachers care, the work is as easy or as hard as you make, the environment is a prestigious, tradition-filled one. Everyone that's there has a drive to be there. If you're not a big campus person though and you want a small school, UT may not be right because the campus has a lot of walking room and a lot of hills to cover. But even then, the campus has buses running all the time. But if you can overlook the crowd and size factor, UT is a great and highly recommended learning facility, and I wouldn't tell anyone any different. |
Brittney from Knoxville, TN
a current student here
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Am learning a lot | The University of Tennessee has a grueling science program. They have one of the most challenging science programs in the South, but the teachers are willing to help you out with anything and they are very flexible. If you are majoring in any sciences or engineering, you will get the most out of your education at UT. Go vols! |
Am enjoying being here | There is always something to do a UT, wether its a club organizations, greek life, or going out on the strip. Theres is never a moment of boredom and the people that you meet on campus are fantastic as well as the staff. It is by far the most friendly campus i have been to |
Bang for the buck | The University of Tennessee's in state tuition is some of the cheapest I have researched, and with them offerin tons of scholarships to current and future students, they are fairly cheap. Most students that attend UT have their entire school paid for by aid, grants, and scholarships through UT. |
Tips for prospective students | Study hard! Ut does not mess around when it comes to academics. The professors and classes are not easy. The best thing that worked out for me was everything we went over in class that day, study the material until you feel comfortable. Another tip is stay away from the parties, alcohol, and drugs. Unfortunately UT has become a bit of a party school so do not let it interfere with your studies. Keep yourself grounded and focused, and you will come out just fine |
Great for these types of students | UT is a great school for anyone, no exceptions! Everyone can find their place at UT. They have a very diverse and intelligent student body. You do have to be able to keep yourself grounded and focused and be very responsible about your grades. Other than that everyone will welcome you! |
Kristen
a current student here
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Am learning a lot | In my first year at UT, I have already learned so much. General Education and elective requirements allow for personal choice in most subjects, so you can explore new topics that you may usually not have gotten the chance to learn about. I have found that my professors are all very informed about their subjects and cover relevant material thoroughly. Even in subjects that I thought I had little interest in before beginning, I have found myself learning a lot and enjoying the class. We have several nationally recognized programs and a huge selection of majors and minors. |
Am enjoying being here | I absolutely love everything about UT. There is so much diversity and activity around campus. There is always something to do or see, and there is an organization or group for every interest. It has been my experience that the people are generally friendly and helpful, from school officials to the custodial staff. Students are willing to lend a hand or just sit and chat. My favorite aspect, though, has to be the spirit! Knoxville is definitely a football town, and the atmosphere is always alive with Big Orange pride. Even where sports aren't concerned, everyone is proud to be a Vol! |
Bang for the buck | With reasonable tuition rates and ample financial aid opportunities, UT is an excellent value. Whether it is need-based, academic, or athletic aid, there are so many opportunities for help. There is no reason that you could not find generous amounts of money if you make an effort. |
Tips for prospective students | - Make friends. They provide reliable help in classes and friendly faces around campus. - Explore. Walk around campus in your free time and get a feel for where everything is. Be familiar with all the buildings, even if you have no classes there. You never know where you'll end up next semester, and it lowers stress to know where you're going before classes start up. - Ask for help. This applies to all aspects of UT. Struggling in class? Get a tutor! They're free! Need advice? Counselors are there for you. Making an academic plan? Advisors are available all the time. Need money for school? Talk to the financial aid department any time. - Learn the traditions. UT is rich with traditions. Learn Rocky Top, paint The Rock, and check out the Torchbearer. Learning about the meanings behind these and participating will add memorable experiences to your time here and bring you together with others, both past and present. - Have fun! Enjoy your years at UT and have a blast, but stick to your goals. |
Great for these types of students | - Outgoing: There are a lot of people on campus. Speak up for what you need and want. Also, being outgoing will enable you to make many friends. - Motivated: With so much going on around campus, students need to be able to keep themselves focused on where they need to be. - Spirited: UT is all about Vol Pride. On or off the field, life on campus is so much fun if you get into the spirit of things. Thousands of students and fans become a family while singing Rocky Top! |
Jakob from Dyersburg, TN
a current student here
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Am learning a lot | I am a sophomore this year, and even with just three semesters under my belt, I feel like I have learned a full four year's worth of material. Every teacher I have had thus far is both knowledgeable in their field and capable of teacher the material to college students. I took twenty hours this semester with great success due to my study habits and my teachers' enthusiasm to make sure each student learned. |
Am enjoying being here | I was able to attend the governor's school for the sciences before I came to UT which was beneficial in learning the campus, meeting new people, and adjusting to the college classroom experience. Now that I am a student at UT, I am enjoying that experience even more. I am in the marching band which allows me to meet new people every day. With so many different organizations on campus, I think that anyone can find where they fit in at UT. |
Bang for the buck | UT is more expensive than other public schools in Tennessee, but I feel like the quality of education you receive is far greater than other universities. As a math major, I know that the math faculty at UT is one of the best. Every math teacher I have had is making great strides not only in his teaching, but also his area of research. If the student is willing to work hard, the teachers will do whatever they can to help you succeed. |
Tips for prospective students | Anyone wishing to attend UT should make sure they are comfortable with a university having a fairly large number of students. Even though there are many students that attend UT, the class sizes are small. In fact, some of my college classes have been smaller than classes in high school. Working hard and asking questions is essential to succeeding not only here but anywhere. Take a campus tour to get to know the campus a little better. See if you can talk to a student currently enrolled to find out even more about the campus because information from other students might be more beneficial than any pamphlet you receive. |
Great for these types of students | UT is a place for students to learn and have fun. The academics are excellent for the studious type like myself. The athletics program is great for anyone interested in playing or just watching. With so many opportunities to get involved, everyone can find a group of people that might turn out to be lifelong friends. I know from my experience on campus that once I graduate, I will have many new friends with whom I will most certainly stay in contact. |
Emily from Bartlett, TN
a current student here
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In three sentences | My freshman year at the University of Tennessee has been absolutely amazing. The campus is gorgeous, especially for being in downtown Knoxville, and there's so much to do in the area. The tuition is a little steep and classes were definitely a challenge, but the staff really works with you to help you succeed. |
Tips for prospective students | Morrill Hall is definitely the nicest (not the biggest, but the nicest) but Clement Hall or Massey Hall will give you the shortest walking distances to class (unless you're going to be on the Ag campus, in which case you'll want Morrill or Carrick). Don't be too proud to ask for help- college classes are an adjustment no matter how diligent and intelligent you are, and it's better to get help from the start rather than scrambling at the end of the semester. |
Academic Rigor | The University of Tennessee is on the fast track to be a top school in the nation, so as a result, those professors mean business. They're not over-the-top or anything, but the classes (in general) are challenging. Compared to high school, college classes are definitely more demanding because there are fewer opportunities to earn grades, and you have to motivate yourself to do it all. Overall, nothing you can't handle as long as you understand some work is involved. |
Dorm Life | Honestly not bad. It's a college dorm, so it's not going to be 5-star luxury, but as far as dorms go I think UTK has some of the nicest options. |
Food and Dining | It's dorm food. It's going to suck. But there are plenty of options so you can switch things up and usually find something that isn't too cafeteria-like. Just go easy on the Dining Dollars- make sure you ration them out. |
What to do for fun | Anything and everything. There's more sporting events than you'll know what to do with, and they're all fun to go to because the school spirit is through the roof. There are lots of concerts that come through, many even on campus in Thompson-Boling Arena. There are two malls nearby (driving) and every kind of restaurant you can think of (at least 20 within walking distance). Market Square and World's Fair Park are two things every UT student MUST experience. And there are countless parks and stuff nearby for the outdoorsy people. |
Bang for the buck | It's expensive, no doubt. But the education you get combined with all the social opportunities is simply a steal. Plus they are constantly working to make the campus and classes better, so you see your money being put to good use, not just spent on staff salaries. |
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus | Well there's a big rock (aptly named The Rock) that students paint to announce everything from football games to wedding proposals. |
Great for these types of students | Everyone. The campus is the perfect mix of city (it's downtown) and country (you're in the Appalachian Mountains so some good open greenery is never far away). There are some easier majors but also plenty of challenging ones with plenty of research/internship opportunities. |
Clubs and Activities | There are more clubs and groups than you'll know what to do with. Definitely something for everybody. Academic, college-specific (Nursing vs. Engineering, etc.), political, fine arts, and of course tail-gating are just a few options. |
Greek Life | Greek life is huge at UTK, but you don't have to join to have a social life like at some other SEC schools. |
Campus Safety | Certain areas near campus can be rough, but nothing too scary. You're in the downtown area of a major city, so all things considered it's pretty safe. Just use your common sense! A free night shuttle is included in your tuition, so make use of that! Just call them up and they'll be by in minutes to take you where you need to go so you never have to go out alone at night, |
Kaitlyn from Naperville, IL
researching this school
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Will learn a lot | UT is one of the best universities to attend for a student who is undecided on their major/minor, etc. I began seriously considering UT with 3 possible majors in mind, three opposites: Law, Nursing, and Intelligence - all three of which UT offers. I have heard many times that UTK is the best place to go because of its sheer size and its generous amounts of classes/groups/majors available to each student. I have officially decided, UT is the college for me, and nursing will be my major when I apply in November! |
Will enjoy being here | The people on campus and off are amazing, I have never in my life met such kind people! Everyone at U.T. is very helpful, I am going on my official guided 'tour' in April, however, my first visit to U.T. I went on a self-guided tour with my family. My first visit was a bit overwhelming, but a few students took the time out of their busy schedules to show me some of their favorite spots! Go Vols! |
Bang for the buck | Although UTK is a bit expensive for those of us coming from out of state, the plethora of scholarship opportunities is hardly discouraging. There is an opportunity for everyone at UTK. |