Academics
At the flagship University of Tennessee—Knoxville, students can test the variables of their education and explore the unknowns. Local affiliations, as with the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, are just one example of the “extensive opportunities for undergraduate research” that let students—especially those in engineering and life sciences—actively experiment with “really cool resources” and this availability is UTK’s “biggest hidden treasure.” Students also appreciate how UTK helps them zero in on their interests; though it’s a moderately large school, “it is easy to make it a small school by focusing on a certain field” in which they can get all the attention they crave.
These strong academics owe a lot to the “outstanding, passionate, intelligent” professors, who are “compelling and excited to teach,” though a few students note this depends on your department and recommend the school’s honors program. Ultimately, students describe how professors “ have helped me get published, navigate my academic program, and get experiences that I otherwise may not have had.” As a backstop, there are also “countless centers to help students succeed and feel at home,” like the Academic Success Center, which provides coaching and leadership workshops, academic strategies, and “true feedback” that “made me want to broaden my education.” Whether inspiration is found in the woods, lab, or seminar, students know their “creativity is encouraged and rewarded.”
Student Body
“The UTK student body is a diverse group of people waiting to be friends with you.” Selfdescribed as outgoing and “remarkably kind,” students seek out “stimulating conversations” with peers whose backgrounds contrast in culture, birthplace, sexual orientation and religious beliefs. While a number of students find pride in being a “progressive” University—asserting that “UTK is one of the most liberal schools in the South”—a few find things “very Southern, Christian, and conservative.” Still, the spirit of UTK is strong; Vols take seriously their commitment to improving their community— volunteering for local organizations like Habitat for Humanity—and working actively to understand and support their classmates: “I feel it is vital to learn the perspectives of my peers,” and to “always [be] willing to lend a helping hand.” Above all, students describe the importance of safe spaces in queer, cultural, and religious organizations: “We look out for each other.” With nearly 25,000 undergraduates, students can find the company that “does their best to make you feel like you belong.”
Campus Life
UTK students contend that their “school spirit is unmatched.” Decked in orange, they cheer with pride for their football team on game day: “The energy the stadiums and teams bring to campus is unparalleled,” and the prestigious Pride of the Southland Marching Band dazzles fans at half-time. Even those that are “not a huge fan of sports” find, “You can truly feel the energy not just in the stadiums but also just walking through campus on a normal day.”
Participation is high in clubs and intramural sports, and there are “constantly free events for students that exceed expectations,” like shows and guest lectures. The campus is “quite walkable,” so there’s no reason not to partake in the various activities, whether that’s hanging on the lawns, heading to the Student Union, or utilizing the rock climbing, tennis, and yoga of the athletic facilities. Those willing to go a bit further can sign up for the Outdoor Pursuits program or venture across the Tennessee river to hike the many trails at Urban Wilderness. Despite being a dry campus, students do note that there is a “Knoxville party scene” and Greek life, as well as a contingent of those who like “exploring downtown or having a nice night in.”
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