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.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
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!
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
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!
Do you have any 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.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.