Academics
Founded in 1794, University of Tennessee—Knoxville is a large public research university. It uses its strong ties to the community—the “school, city, and state are behind this university”—to provide its 24,000 undergraduates (nicknamed “Volunteers”) “a multitude of opportunities...to further develop our minds.” Students find that it’s a pleasure to learn on this rolling 910-acre campus, and it helps to be just a short walk from downtown Knoxville. But while field trips and nearly 300 study abroad programs play a big part in providing experiential learning, many simply enjoy being on campus: “the library is beautiful and has lots of study spaces.” Professors “make the courses interesting and applicable” and “strive to make personal connections with each of their students.” Along with lectures, students “are strongly encouraged to bounce ideas off of each other in discussions” and many classes incorporate nontraditional learning methods, such as flipped classrooms, “career driven experiences during class time,” and “bigger projects that have a real world focus” (such as “writing a situation analysis for a real company”). Outside of traditional classes, there are “always either seminars we can attend or documentary showings that are informational.”
Student Body
Undergrads “genuinely enjoy being at the university” and in this community of “intentional, passionate, encouraging, and spirited students,” everyone “is exceedingly welcoming.” While the school certainly “makes an effort to keep alumni involved and truly create a Big Orange Family,” it’s one that accommodates “many different kinds of people.” In short, “there is no ’Tennessee mold’” that students have to fit into—there is a “very strong school spirit even when the teams do not perform well,” and “you can always be a Volunteer and that means so much to this campus community.” Though this is a “predominantly white institution,” there are “lots of offices, groups, and positions set up to encourage diversity and multiculturalism.” On the whole, “a good overall vibe” means that “everyone walks around campus with a smile.”
Campus Life
With over 500 student organizations, “it is easy to make this big school feel just a little bit smaller,” helped by the frequent “free programs and food on campus.” Greek life is popular but not overwhelming (only around a quarter of students are involved), “leaving room for tons and tons of other activities.” There are “clubs/fraternities for different majors and general interests” and many opportunities to “engage in community, [go] outdoors, and [spend] time with one another.” Attending football and basketball games is a fun schoolwork diversion, as is “playing in intramural sports like basketball, flag football, and kickball.” UT’s location near the Smoky Mountains means there are “lots of options for getting active and outdoors on and around this campus,” and having the city of Knoxville next door opens up a variety of “restaurants, shops, and outdoor activities.”
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