Whenever August rolls around it can only mean one thing: it's back to school time in Tennessee. Pretty much every student in the world knows what that phrase means and dreads hearing it, but here on Rocky Top, a new school year brings some annual unique struggles of its own.
1. The parking ratio goes from free for all to approximately negative three spaces per student.
Any day you don't come home with a little orange and white ticket on your windshield is a good day.
2. There's no such thing as "stopping at Chick-Fil-A really quick."
Why not stop in early for some chicken minis before class? Too bad the other 20,000 people had the same thought.
3. The construction had three whole months to become even worse.
All of the bright orange signs and cones really bring out our Volunteer spirit.
4. Making the mistake of turning onto Cumberland.
Congratulations, you're now 15 minutes late to wherever you were going.
5. The University Commons Wal-Mart is sold out of literally everything you need.
"Oh you're out of 11 of the 12 things I had on my list? That's fine."
6. Getting to the Student Union two hours early for lunch unless you want to end up sitting alone in the bathroom.
7. Timing your Panda Express visit just right to get the fresh orange chicken and watching them scoop the old stuff out from the bottom just for you.
8. Running after the bus.
"BUT MY APP SAID I HAD EIGHT MINUTES!"
9. Getting stuck behind at least 47 people actually crawling down the sidewalks whenever you need to be somewhere quickly.
10. Even though it has six whole floors of seats, not a single spot is open in the library.
11. Spending the entirety of your Friday night waiting in the Cookout drive-thru.
12. Walking to school uphill both ways just like our grandparents did before us.
13. Not being able to get anywhere on football Saturdays because 100,000 people invade campus.
14. Trying to avoid people handing out pamphlets every time you walk down Pedestrian.
15. And everyone's personal favorite: attempting to not run someone over with your car whenever you drive on campus.
Back to school means back to crowded sidewalks, long lines, and many afternoons spent in unbearable traffic, but if anyone is equipped to handle all the madness, it's UT students. We are trained in the art of avoiding hills, taking back roads, and finding other hidden food alternatives so we don't have to waste our lives away in the Chick-Fil-A line. August on Rocky Top brings its struggles, but something always keeps us coming back to Big Orange Country with a smile. Happy Back-To-School, Vols, and good luck out there.
