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Big City Events With Small Town Charm
The heart of campus is located just 3-5 minutes away from downtown. You can easily drive, bike, take a bus, or even walk there. Downtown there is a cute place to eat and shop called Market Square. They also tend to hold free concerts there in the Spring and Summer along with free movie screenings every Friday in the Fall. There is also a Farmer's Market every Wednesday and Saturday market in the square.
Knoxville also has a GREAT music and performing arts presence. There are always shows and concerts going on at the Tennessee Theater, Bijou Theater,The Valarium,Knoxville Civic Auditorium, and The Square Room just to name a few. You can also catch some smaller bands for free on weekends at restaurants downtown or on campus.
As far as shopping goes, you have tons of options. The mall is just 5-7 minutes up I-40 West and there is a smaller shopping center right near campus called Western Plaza (this happens to be right across the street from a grocery store!)
As far as safety, campus is very well lit and I always feel okay walking at night. However it's always good to walk with a buddy anywhere if it's super late!
And last but certainly not least, sports. Knoxville is a HUGE football town. Neyland Stadium becomes one of the largest cities in the state on game day. Football dominates campus life on Saturdays; and during the Spring semester there are always 1 or 2 basketball games a weeks that you can attend for FREE!