Here is a list of things you might want to do when you arrive in Knoxville:
University housing is assigned on a first-come-first-serve basis. If you apply early, you can get a room by the time you arrive at UTK. You can get the housing information and apply online at: http://web.utk.edu/~reshalls/
The first month's rent must be paid on the first business day after you check in. You should make the payment in person at the Bursar's office either at 128 University Center or at 211 Student Services Building.
Once you get the room offer, fax KUB (the utility company) immediately and arrange for the utilities connection. (You will get the fax form from the housing department.)
You can open a bank account at the two closest bank branches on Cumberland Ave. These branches are First Tennessee and AMSouth.
If you are an international student and do not yet have a social security number (SSN), you can open a checking account with your temporary UT ID (000-xx-xxxx). But once you get your SSN, notify the bank right away. You will also need the SSN to open a savings account.
It is hard for a new comer to apply for a credit card. But you can apply for a Visa debit card (a debit card with a Visa sign) at the bank when you open a checking account.
If you live in the university apartments, you can apply for local telephone service at the Volunteer Connection. The web site is: http://oit.utk.edu/phone/.
If you do not live in the university apartment, then you can apply for local phone service using your temporary UT ID. The local phone company is Bell South.
If you are an international student, Bell South requires you to bring your SSN card within 30 days of starting service. If you cannot get your card within that time frame, drop by their office in person and pay in advance two months fees, so that you can wait for a longer time.
You can apply for a UT ID card immediately after your arrival. Go to the Volcard office at the Neyland Stadium at Gate 13. With the card you can enter university apartments after normal hours and can also deposit money to do laundry. The VolCard web site is http://web.utk.edu/~volcard/.
1) You need to see Dorsey Bottoms and fill out a few forms to be put on the payroll. If you are an international student remember to get one memorandum letter from CIE and submit it to the department. This letter entitles you to work on campus according to INS regulations.
2) You also need to see Donna Bodenheimer to get an office assignment and keys, and get your computer accounts.
3) Talk with your mentor about course selection and other problems you might encounter.
The department orientation is very helpful and it is also mandatory. It gives you a quick introduction to the department, the program, and teaches you how to survive in graduate school.
If you will work as a TA, you are also required to attend the TA meeting at the beginning of the semester. You will be informed of the dates for the orientation and GTA meetings at a later time, although the GTA meeting is typically held the Monday before classes start and the general orientation session is held immediately afterward.
This all day-orientation for new students provides you with an introduction to issues that you are likely to encounter as a GTA. More information, including date and time, is available at http://web.utk.edu/~gsinfo/temp_gtaorient.
If you choose DSL, apply for it at Volunteer Connections (the same office you apply for your local phone service) if you are living on-campus or at Bell South if you are living off campus.
If you choose cable, see the next line.
If you want either, contact Comcast (you can find the number in the yellow pages of the phone book that you will get when you get phone service).
You can get the bus schedule at the University Center, University Housing office, or Central Ticket office. If you need to buy a bus pass, you can also get one for a whole semester at the central ticket office at the university center.
You should get a Tennessee drivers license. To obtain one, you need to go to the licensing center within 30 days of your arrival. Bring with you your old license, two copies of documents that prove you live at your current residence (rental contract, KUB bill, and telephone bills will be ok), and your passport or birth certificate. If you are an international student you can use your temporary ID as well, but need to show them your SSN card as soon as you get it.
For more information about where to go, what to do, and what to take with you to the drivers license office, see http://www.state.tn.us/safety/listinfo.htm.
1) At the university center, you will find a post office, UT book store, and a computer store. There is also a food court.
2) Along Cumberland Avenue you can find some fast-food restaurants and a Walgreens pharmacy (drugstore).
3) Near Sutherland and Golf Range apartments there are some produce stores and a couple supermarkets to do grocery shopping conveniently.
If you are an international student, here is an additional list of things that you will want to do:
Upon arrival, each international student should go to the Center for International Education to open a file. Bring with you your passport, I-20, and I-94. They will give you a detailed orientation schedule. The CIE web site is http://web.utk.edu/~globe/.
If you will work as a TA, you should register early for the SPEAK test. Sending an email is ok. SPEAK test information can be found at http://web.utk.edu/~germslav/SPEAK/SPEAK.html.
After you open a file at CIE, they will notify you of the date of the English Placement exam. You must take this exam regardless of whether or not you are a TA. After you take the exam, they will give you a PIN number, with which you can register for courses. Only after registration can you get the enrollment letter from CIE, with which you can apply for a Social Security Number.
After registration, go to CIE to get an enrollment letter and go to the SSN office which is located downtown to apply for your SSN card. You can get a detailed information sheet from CIE telling you how to go there by the free trolley service.
This is very important. The 3-day orientation is intensive but very helpful. They will let you know what you need to know as an international student and can answer many of your questions. Also it is a good chance to get to know new friends who feel the same as you about the new environment. Go for it and have fun!
You need to obtain a new VolCard and notify the following offices and businesses:
This is also very important! Within 10 days of your arrival, you should notify INS of your address. You can get the AR-11 form and the instructions for filling it out from CIE. You should mail one original copy to INS, send one photocopy to CIE to put in your file, and keep one photocopy for yourself.