Runnergirl

Many Commuters

I lived on campus freshman year (as all freshmen are required to do) and I enjoyed my experience. However, upon completion of that year I was ready to move off campus. I didn't spend much time looking into apartments, but I signed a lease with Quarry Trail and love it. I've lived there ever since and am entering my senior year. I know that there are many apartment complexes within a ten minute drive of campus that offer substantial amenities to their leasees. I know that if I had ever wanted to relocate, I could have easily found a complex equitable to my desired standard of living.

Fort Sanders

Although I feel safe on campus during the daytime, I don't want to be walking around by myself after sundown. Since many students live off campus, many parts of campus shut down in the evenings, leaving campus feeling isolated. Additionally, the Fort Sanders area is known for its high rate of crime. This region is merely on the other side of the Strip from campus. Both the Knoxville Police Department and the UTPD are very visible all around campus, which is both unnverving and comforting at the same (unnerving in the fact that they feel the necessity to have such an abundant police force present). Regardless, when walking to class during daytime hours or when hanging out with friends, I feel perfectly secure. It's all about being smart and playing it safe.

In-State Great

If you're a Tennessee resident, you've got it made. The Hope Scholarship, as well as various other smaller scholarships, leave most high-achieving students with little want. UT is very generous to those exhibiting financial need, offering 500 full scholarships to incoming freshman in the fall of 2010.

If you're from out-of-state, however, you're somewhat out of luck. UT offers a small $2500 scholarship to outstanding students from outside Tennessee borders, which is a far cry from the $31,000 required for attendance.

Apply, apply, apply and hope that you fall in Financial Aid's good graces.

More for the Privileged

For the average student, UT has computer labs available in the Art/Architecture Building, Hodges Library, HSS, and Pres Court. Andy Holt and Vol Hall apartments have computer labs inside, but those are intended for resident use.

If you are a Chancellor's Honors student, you have access to a 24-hour computer lab in Melrose hall. Similarly, athlete's have access to the Thornton Center's writing and computer labs, both stocked with computers.

I would highly recommend having your own laptop and at least a printer you and your roommates can share. Especially around midterms and finals (and at peak hours of the day), an unoccupied computer is scarcely found. Wireless access is excellent, so if you have your own device, you can browse the net anytime you feel the desire to do so.