University of Tennessee at Knoxville
Responses from the Student Interview
From a student who identifies as Major: Psychology
Minor: None
Student Self Identifies as: White Heterosexual Female
Summary
I volunteer at the children’s hospital in Knoxville once a week and I volunteer for a local ministry called The Walk that primarily serves UT students but also the Knoxville community. I also volunteer with Best Buddies.
Background
Gender Identity: Female
Race/Ethnicity: White
Sexual Orientation: Heterosexual
High School Experience: Public high school in Murfreesboro, TN with a graduating class of about 500 students. There was a culture of going to college.
First-Generation College Student: No
Major: Psychology
Minor: None
Extracurricular Activities: I volunteer at the children’s hospital in Knoxville once a week and I volunteer for a local ministry called The Walk that primarily serves UT students but also the Knoxville community. I also volunteer with Best Buddies.
Did any of your extracurricular activities have a particularly big impact on your experience?
Working with the ministry has because that’s where I found my community at the school. A lot of my best friends and I all go there together. I feel like it also helps us relate better because I have like-minded friends and we can share that relationship together. It’s where I’ve felt most welcomed in Knoxville.
Academic Experience
Can you describe your weekly coursework for your major?
I took Research Methods in Psychology last year and that had more work than other classes because we had readings before each class, four exams, and a big research paper. We have homework assignments but they aren’t too frequent.
Is there anything you feel that your major’s department does especially well or poorly?
I’m just starting my second Psychology class but I’ve really liked the professors I’ve had. Also, between the professor and the TAs, there are a lot of opportunities to meet outside of class for extra help. During Research Methods in Psychology, I met with the TA a lot and had review sessions before each exam.
How accessible are your professors?
They’re pretty accessible. I’ve never had trouble with getting in touch with them or setting up an appointment. I’ve also gone to work with the tutoring services and they are pretty easy to get in touch with them.
What has been your favorite part of the academics at UT-Knoxville?
Across all the classes I’ve had, I feel like I’ve had some really good professors who have made my classes really enjoyable. I also really loved living on campus and being close to the people I met.
Why did you choose your major? Are you happy with your choice?
I’m not entirely set on my major. Psychology is definitely what I’m most interested in, but career-wise, I’m not entirely positive what I’ll be doing with that. I’ve been happy so far.
Reasons to Attend
1) Most of the people I’ve met here are really nice and the community is really accepting.
2) I’ve had good professors here.
3) There’s a lot of school spirit. People are really passionate about UT football.
Reasons Not to Attend
1) The University of Tennessee is in-state and a lot of people say they wish they could have gone out-of-state.
Around Campus
Where have you lived on and around campus?
Freshman: Brown Hall with one roommate. My dorm experience was really great because we had our own bathroom.
Sophomore: Off-campus apartment with three other people.
How was transitioning from your hometown to Knoxville, TN in terms of location?
I’m only about three hours away, which isn’t terrible. My sister was here as a senior when I was a freshman, so that made the transition much easier having family here.
Can you describe the level of safety you’ve experienced on and around campus?
I’ve never felt endangered or anything. Anytime I walk by myself at night I call somebody just because I feel like I should, but I’ve never worried about my safety.
Social Opportunities
What kind of weekend activities or nightlife do you like to participate in?
I usually just stay in and watch TV with my friends. I also like to go to a coffee shop with friends and do work or go get ice cream. I personally don’t have many nightlife experiences, I’m not a big party person.
What have been your favorite times at the University of Tennessee?
I try to get to as many sporting events as possible because I want to try to make the most of my time here as possible. I have a lot of fun at Volapalooza. I also just like being able to live with my friends.
How happy are you with the weekend activities or nightlife at your school? Is there anything you would change if you could?
I’ve been pretty content. I don’t know what they could offer that’s different.
Campus Culture
How did you meet your closest friends?
I met my closest friends through mutual friends. We all go to the same church together too, so we also met through that.
How would you describe the overall social scene at UT-Knoxville?
I feel like there’s a lot of people in Greek life. Because I’m not in a sorority, I don’t feel like I missed out, but it’s one of those things where it’s almost expected for you to be a part of Greek life. It’s not a big deal if you’re not, it just feels like it’s a big deal because when people have parties it’s for people in their fraternity or sorority. One of the reasons I didn’t do Greek life is because I don’t care to take part in those parties, so I don’t feel like I’m missing out. That’s just what I think of when I think of the social life at UT, but I wouldn’t say it’s affected me because I have found my social scene through the organizations I got involved with.
To what extent do people of different races and sexual orientations mix socially?
I feel like we have a pretty diverse campus racially and people are pretty open to other sexual orientations. I say that because we have the “Vol Means All” [movement] and the Black Cultural Center and other centers around campus. I see a lot of people with the Vol Means All buttons on their backpack, so I think it’s good that the school is making an effort for people to feel accepted.
To what extent do people in Greek life and not in Greek life mix socially?
I think that is a pretty good mix. I have a lot of friends who are in Greek life even though I’m not and they have a lot of other friends who aren’t in Greek life even though they are. I’m sure there are a lot of people who stick to that group of people, but the majority of people are intermixed.
How do you like the size of the University of Tennessee in terms of undergraduate enrollment? How has it impacted your experience? [There are about 23,300 undergraduate students at the University of Tennessee.]
I enjoy it being a bigger school. I thought I wanted a smaller school for the longest time because I thought I maybe wouldn’t be able to find a group of people in such a big environment. But, by getting involved in more organizations, I’ve been able to find a good group of friends.
Careers
What have you used the career office for? How helpful have they been?
I went there one time last year and took a test to help me figure out what I want my major to be. That test was really helpful because it gave me some more insight into what I could possibly be interested in for my career.
Have you learned any computer programs or languages that will be helpful to you professionally?
I’ve used Excel but I wouldn’t say I’m trained in it.