10 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Went To UTK Orientation

Wish you had some advice before orientation? Here are some tips that will help you survive UTK Orientation. Check it out!

Hey! GBO and all that jazz. I am super excited to be attending UTK in the fall, but there are for sure some things I wish I knew before I dove right into UTK orientation.

1. Get a good sleep the night before UTK orientation.

You may be excited, terrified, you may not want to even go, but whatever state your mind is in, the most important thing you can take with you is a good nights sleep.

2. Make sure you have all of your documents and information needed.

Immunization forms, any questions you have, write them down. Know your student ID number as well as your UTK ID. If you don’t know them, someone can help you but you don’t want to be that person that doesn’t have their shit together.

3. You need to be ready for your photo I.D. picture.

If you haven’t already sent a photo in, then they will take it right after you get to orientation. Do your hair, wear a cute top, but just know your face will be documented.

4. Looking cute isn’t the most important thing.

I wore a jean skirt and a cute top with some Chacos. Big mistake. You will be so much more comfortable in cute running shorts and a cute top. It will be hot and you will hate it if you even think you will be uncomfortable.

5. You won’t be stuck with the first group you were put in the whole time.

If you don’t vibe with the people in your group, have no fear! After lunch they sort everyone into groups according to your major. If you did have friends in your first group, don’t worry! Y’all will hang out more than once.

6. Comfortable shoes are a must.

It’s called Rocky Top for a reason y’all. It is hella hilly.

7. Making friends during orientation is totally cool, but you might not keep up with them.

Kudos to you if you do, but you will all be on campus soon enough. Don’t fret. You will see them again.

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8. Orientation is long. Really long.

It’s all fun and games until they make you listen to a lecture about your financial package, sex and drugs, drinking on campus and their on campus policies, etc. Try your best to pay attention, but I assure you, there will be at least two people with their eyes closed.

9. You can go out after the day is over and explore.

At the end of the first day of orientation, you go to an activities fair of sorts. You can walk around and see some of the clubs on campus, but you can also explore and go grab food if you feel like it. I went to CookOut, and if you haven’t been there I highly recommend it. Make sure you stay safe and bring a buddy.

10. They give you useful information. Don’t lose your packets.

The lectures may be long, but they are helpful to some capacity. If you don’t remember something, it is most likely in a packet that you or a parent got. You can always call campus for help, but a lot of the information you will need to know has already been given to you.