The last year of undergrad is a balance between childhood and adulthood and wanting time to slow down and accelerate.
As the class of fall 2024 and spring 2025 finalize credits and approach graduation, there are a few key UT activities to cross off the bucket list before becoming alumni.
Here’s a list of customizable and interactive experiences to complete this year.
1. Roast marshmallows on the torch
The Torch is an iconic campus landmark that symbolizes a beacon of hope and Vols “bearing the torch.” Find a new purpose for the statue and use the eternal flame to make a sweet treat to kick off the semester.
This makes for a fun photo-op or late-night excursion to cure your sweet tooth.
2. Trivia night in Old City
New2Knox publishes a weekly list of Knoxville activities happening at local restaurants and venues. This week New2Knox is bringing a series of events to the Old City, just in time for back-to-school. Farmacy is hosting a Legally Blonde Pop-Up bar on Thursday and later this week there is a cornhole tournament fundraiser at Orange Hat Brewing Company.
3. Attend a sporting event for every UT team
Yes, football is great, but UT athletics has so much more to offer. Attend a soccer game, volleyball game or tennis match in the spring, or support Vol diving. UT is coined as an “everything school,” but do students attend everything?
Take advantage of the free games and student perks, and cheer on the Vols this season.
4. Enjoy the Smoky Mountains
The Tennessee mountains border campus and make for a lively walk to class. There is so much more to explore in the Smoky Mountains. Take a day trip to the mountains to hike one of the many trails. While you’re there you can horseback ride, camp, fish, observe the wildlife or do a simple picnic.
For an easier excursion, try The Bluffs, Sharp’s Rail Trailhead or Ijams. As the weather cools and the seasons change, the hikes will get more picturesque making this a great fall semester activity.
5. Visit your freshman year dorm room
Go back to where it all began. Reconnect with your first-year roommate and make a night of going back to your UT roots. Write a card to the current residents of the room and offer advice for their college years ahead. No one knows their experience like you do — after all, you lived there too. Being able to reflect on your experience from your first year til now could serve as a great motivator to finish the year off strong.
6. Have dinner at the dining hall one last time
In the moment, dining hall food was the last thing you wanted to eat. After several years of maxing out your meal plan and avoiding the long lines at the Rocky Top Dining hot bar, one more might serve you well.
The unlimited soft serve, Power T waffles and blue Powerade are dining hall staples. Take advantage of the meals while you can.
7. Attend festivals in World’s Fair Park
Concerts, food trucks and vintage markets are just a few of the events that frequent World’s Fair Park. These outdoor activities are an interactive way to get involved in the Knoxville community. Big Kahuna Wings Festival, Knox Asian Fest and the annual Hola Festival will all take place in September.
Mark something off the bucket list early by spending an afternoon in the park.
As you take one last lap around campus, soak up every moment of fun that college offers and use this list for inspiration for your senior year bucket list.
