The University of Tennessee, part of the UT system, is a public land-grant university located in Knoxville, Tennessee. Home to a large population of approximately 22,000 students, the campus occupies an ideal location, bordered by the Tennessee River and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Knoxville lovingly referred to by its residents as “The Scruffy City” is in the middle of a mini-renaissance. The once run-down downtown is now bustling with restaurants, bars, and shops.
Visitor Information: Tour UT
Transportation: The closest major airport to University of Tennessee is McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS / KTYS). This airport is in Knoxville, Tennessee and is 12 miles from the center of campus. There is no Amtrak service to the area, though Greyhound buses travel in and out of the Knoxville Bus Station.
Stay: In Knoxville check in to the upscale, boutique hotel The Oliver, located right in the middle of downtown. Don’t miss the Peter Kern Library for cocktails during your stay, one of Knoxville’s most popular bars. Other hotel options in Knoxville include Four Points by Sheraton Knoxville, Hilton Garden Inn and the Hampton Inn and Suites.
Coffee: Our local friends steered us towards Old City Java for a cup of poured over coffee in a minimalist spot downtown. Students love to study at Remedy and close to campus at The Golden Roast .
Breakfast: For a proper Southern meal with a Latin flair head to Olibea. Chef Jeff DeAlejandro’s small restaurant in the Old City district immediately became a landmark when it opened. The weekly torta, using vegetables available seasonally is a must!
Lunch: Laid back Asian, Kaizen from Chef Jesse Newmister is a tasty spot that will not break the bank. The Tomato Head is a hip pizza place that also serves sandwiches and salads. Other good lunch options include Nama Sushi Bar, Tupelo Honey, and The French Market Creperie.
Dinner:
Casual: Cru Bistro and Wine Bar features a small plates menu with an extensive selection of wines by the glass. Chef Matt Gallaher’s Knox Mason has been a top must-eat-at in Knoxville since it’s opening and his new establishment Emilia showcases Gallaher’s own heritage with classic Italian dishes from the Emilia-Romagna region.
A Step Up: Chef Joseph Lenn, who put Blackberry Farm on the map as a culinary destination opened J.C. Holdway last year, and the crowds and acclaim have been coming ever since. Serving elevated southern cuisine in a beautifully designed space complete with wood-fired ovens, this is Knoxville’s best restaurant—book well ahead.
Tradition: We sure are suckers for dives and just off the Strip; nothing beats Gus's Good Times Deli. One parent tells us: “Gus’s is a UT tradition that's still going as strong as when we were in school 30 years ago. It's a must before every football game. Get a deli sandwich - steamed to yummy, gooey perfection.”
Worth the Drive: Splurge on a mini vacation after your tour with a stay at Blackberry Farm. This destination resort is just 30 minutes away in Walland, set on a 4,200-acre ranch at the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. Check the schedule for special weekend events such as photography workshops, wellness weekends, food and wine experiences and concerts in the barn.
Local Attractions: Wander downtown’s Market Square, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The square is a lively blend of restaurants, bars, shopping areas, an outdoor theater, gardens, and pedestrian walkways. Explore Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness at Ijams Nature Center, a 300-acre urban green space where you can hike, bike, zip line or float on a canoe on Meads Quarry Lake. Visit the Knoxville Museum of Art or tour the historic homes of Knoxville.
— QUOTES FROM CAMPUS —
“UT is on the rise, this is an up and coming school and my education has been outstanding.
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“The campus is beautiful with great school spirit. I have found my professors to be engaged and available, something I was not sure would be the case at such a big school. ”
UT FAST FACTS
Established
1794
Mascot
Smoky
School Colors
White & Orange
Acceptance Rate
77.3%
Common Application
Yes
Supplement Essays
Yes
Early Action/Decision
Priority Admission, Rolling
Type
Public
SAT - AVG
1230
ACT - AVG
27
Size
Large - 20,700 Undergraduates
Website
Region
Admissions Office
320 Student Services Building
Knoxville, TN 37996-0230
(p) 865-974-1111
admissions@utk.edu
Sports Divisions
NCAA Division I
Southeastern Conference
Greek Life
Yes
Noteworthy Alumni
Peyton Manning
Henry Cho
Bob Corker
SHOP
UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE
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