University of Tennessee - Knoxville opinions?

Hi, I’m researching universities and would like to hear opinions of UT-Knoxville. I don’t really know what to think about it. It looks nice, has good rankings and Knoxville looks like a fun town to study in. But then I read comments of people that think Knoxville is “sketchy” and there’s “nothing to do there”. People, in my perspective, are biased on this University. I would like to read honest opinions about it, since I’m considering applying there. I’m latino and will like to study Industrial Engineering. Would you recommend UT-Knoxville? Is the student population friendly and accepting? Is this university good academically and socially?

knoxville and nashville are two cities in america that are destinations for people looking for opportunities and quality of life improvement. I would go to ut-knoxville in a heartbeat if you like it and it is a place you can stay after you graduate. do not listen to people who know nothing…they plug silly stereotypes based on nothing. always think for yourself!

I would recommend UT-K to you without hesitation, especially for the study of engineering and sciences, which is one of the strong areas of the university (along with logistics/supply chain management in the Haslam College of Business). The College of Engineering is well-funded, and has lots of fairly new construction. The university has an Honors program if you qualify academically.

I would say that the student population is friendly and accepting; but it is certainly large enough for you to find “your group.” If you can visit the campus, I encourage you to do so.

I am familiar with Knoxville, and you can send me a personal message if you wish to ask more detailed questions about the university and/or the city.

First off, for full disclosure, I am a parent of a Freshman at UTK, and we’re not Tennessee residents. I can tell you unequivocally that it was the best decision we’ve ever made. My son is having the time of his life. He is an Engineering student, and has quickly made a great circle of friends, immersed himself in campus life, and he loves all his classes. UTK is without a doubt the friendliest campus we visited in our college search. We had random students come up to us during our visits and offer any assistance to us we might need. He applied (and was accepted) at Purdue, Penn State, University of Maryland, and NC State, and hands down UTK was his first choice. I can’t imagine him being as happy anywhere else.

I would also add that he got accepted within one week of submitting his application a year ago. Tennessee does not mess around like other schools. Their Engineering school has a pretty simple formula - GPA x 10 + ACT score must be > 60, and you’re in.

Nothing to do in Knoxville? Where do these people think there IS a lot to do?

This is a campus with a lot of happy students. Nothing to worry about.

Thanks for all the responses! I’m definitely going to apply to UTK!