6 tips as University of Tennessee students return: parking, coffee, textbooks and more!
As the University of Tennessee at Knoxville welcomes its largest student body yet, the Vols are back in town and in need of a refresher on how to succeed for the semester, navigate campus, find parking and study, study, study.
For more campus news, from UT sports and new buildings on campus to classroom policies about artificial intelligence, check out Knox News' ongoing UT coverage all semester long.
Students are all moved in and ready for classes to begin Aug. 23, so we put together tips and tricks for returning to or starting out on Rocky Top.
Don't buy textbooks right away
Wait until the first day of classes before buying textbooks. Some classes won't ever use the textbook, or only for specific portions of the lectures. Teachers will tell you if a textbook is required for their courses, and it's always worth asking.
Some classes include digital textbooks factored into tuition as part of UT's Inclusive Access. It can be useful to have the online version to save on space. Otherwise, this can be opted out of in case students can get the textbook for cheaper by renting or buying it used.
Only a few classes have specialty textbooks designed for those classes, which is why checking the syllabus first helps.
Utilize the TRECS at the University of Tennessee
Students get a gym membership to UT's RecSports facilities, which gives access to equipment, courts and fields.
All you need is a valid UT ID.
The facilities:
TRECS at 2111 Volunteer Blvd.
Student Aquatic Center at 2106 Andy Holt Ave.
RecSports Fields at Sutherland at 3620 Sutherland Ave.
RecSports at the Health and Physical Science Building at 1914 Andy Holt Ave.
Parking for commuters can be key at the University of Tennessee
If students pay for a parking permit, there are tons of ways to utilize campus parking.
UT created its own map online to find individual lots and garages you can find at parking.utk.edu/campus-maps/. There are five parking garages for commuters:
Terrace Avenue garage
White Avenue garage
11th Street garage
Neyland parking garage
Volunteer Boulevard garage
For non-commuter students who have cars, the Terrace Avenue, Volunteer Boulevard, Lake Avenue and West Campus garages have available spots.
Strategize your parking based on where your classes are rather than taking the first available spot. Try parking closest to your final class. You'll be relieved at the end of a long day.
Allow yourself at least 20 minutes to park in case your usual spot is full.
It's wise to consider safety. Walk with a buddy, keep valuables hidden and stay aware of your surroundings.
Work and study spots around the University of Tennessee's campus
Even amid the hustle and bustle of campus, there are quiet study spots to get work done.
John C. Hodges Library at 1015 Volunteer Blvd.: Plenty of floors with quiet corners to discover. You might need to hunt for a spot during exams.
Humanities and Social Sciences building - near McClung Tower: The top floor has a surprisingly good lounge and study location.
Amphitheatre - near Hodges Library: Weather dependent, but this can either be a good spot to eat and study or great to wind down outside.
Most buildings have lounges and study areas, so find a quiet spot that works for you wherever you frequent. Some extra outdoor locations include Circle Park, the courtyard at Presidential Court and near Ayres Hall. Most outdoor locations include hammock setups.
Coffee shops near campus to work and caffeinate
Knoxville has coffee shops everywhere, and there are several nearby that offer different working environments for those needing a campus break.
There are Starbucks locations on campus, including in the Student Union, Hodges Library and Stokely Hall. These are good for quick caffeine fixes, but not the best for studying.
Coffee shops near campus and moving outward:
The Golden Roast on Melrose: The best spot within walking distance. It can get crowded, but good for studying, meeting friends or student events.
Starbucks on the Strip: Good for a quick cup, and there's room to sit and work. Main issues are tight parking and nearby construction.
Poindexter: Did you know there’s a coffee shop in the Graduate Knoxville hotel?
Capybara Coffee: This coffee shop is near Publix close to campus.
Treetop Coffee Shop: This secluded coffee shop in Sequoyah Hills features a cozy vibe and great coffee.
Coffee & Chocolate: Heading downtown, this late-night coffee shop is a good spot to hunker down if you can find a seat.
Mahalo: Spacious and cool, Mahalo has seats perfect for a study session.
K Brew Downtown: A decent spot, but it’s hard not to feel like you’re in a hotel lobby (because you are, same with Starbucks across the street).
Jacks: The Central Street shop offers quality coffee in a quiet atmosphere. Parking can be a challenge.
Awaken Coffee: This Jackson Avenue coffee shop is spacious and comfortable for those looking to study and relax for a bit.
Old City Java: Perhaps the quintessential café, this is a great study spot in a location in the Old City.
Honeybee in South Knoxville: Honeybee is a great place to focus on your work.
South Press Coffee: The farthest on this list, this coffee shop is a safe space for those in UT's LGBTQ community.
Other coffee shops farther away include Seed Coffee, Remedy, Common Place, K Brew, Partial Coffee & Wine, Likewise, Perk City and Intrepid Nitro Coffee & Tea Bar.
Establish a schedule
Along with checking textbooks, going through each class syllabus is a great way to get organized.
Students can use the Canvas calendar to find out when and where their classes take place, the breaks they have between classes and what time they are done each day. In turn, students with part time jobs can update their schedules so everything flows together.
After the first week, students will settle into their routines of attending classes, completing homework and working part time. It's a good way to test and understand your limits. Just remember to pace yourself and take breaks to avoid burning out.
Keenan Thomas is a higher education reporter. Email keenan.thomas@knoxnews.com. Twitter @specialk2real.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: University of Tennessee tips for finding parking, coffee shops
