If you attend school on Rocky Top, you’re most likely aware of most of the benefits of being a student at the university. However, there are a few lesser-known opportunities waiting to be taken advantage of by students. Here’s my list of six benefits to students that often go under the radar.
1. Free Online Movie Streaming
Netflix doesn’t always have the best options for all the movies. For more recent movie options, the Library has two free online streaming bases. One streaming site, Criterian-On-Demand, can stream movies anytime, anywhere, as long as students provide their Student ID. Similarly, the other streaming base, Resident Life Cinema, provides an endless assortment of popular movies to stream while on campus. Visit http://libguides.utk.edu/streaming to view both of these streaming websites.
2. Free Go Pro Rental
Having student expenses with a long wish list of electronics is sometimes frustrating. To make it easier, the library uses the technology fee expenses to offer students free rental of popular electronics. Whether for school projects or for personal use, students have access to digital video cameras, lighting kits, audio-recorders, digital SLR cameras, and even Go Pros. All rentals take place in the Commons in Hodges Library.
3. Field of Greens
Though this isn’t entirely the best-kept secret, all students aren’t aware of this dining option. In the University Center, on the third floor, there is the infamous “Field of Greens”, or better known as “FOG”. In the spacious Heritage dining room, students can sit at round tables with peers while enjoying a healthy, yet delicious, wrap or salad. This dining option is only open from 11-2 PM Monday-Friday, but also does meal equivalency during that time. Also, “FOG” is known to have some of the friendliest dining staff on campus.
4. “The Downunder” Bowling
If you’re ever in need of a study break in the afternoon/evening, the Down Under provides a great way to bond with your friends and a centralized place to hang out. Located on the lowest level of the University Center, the Down Under is a recreational center that houses pool games, electronic games, and even in-house bowling. Students can easily access these facilities, including a game of bowling, by paying with their All-Star account on their VolCard.
5. McAlister’s Deli on Campus
Another dining option that is not as well known is McAlister’s Deli on campus. Located in Thompson-Bowling arena, McAlister’s has different hours than most of the other on-campus dining options. However, this is a great option if you’re a student who wants a little bit of a different food selection. The deli is opened on weekdays as well as game days.
6. Outdoor Equipment Rental
The final benefit for students is the equipment availability that is provided by the UT Outdoor Program. Students have access to bikes, ski gear, camping supplies, and even kayaking supplies. Using their VolCard, students can rent all recreational equipment for up to a week. To find a full list of outdoor gear and price, visit http://recsports.utk.edu/Programs/Outdoor%20Rec/Equipment%20Rental/availability.php or the UT Outdoor Program, which is located on the lower level of the TREC.
I hope this list helped all fellow Vols. Afterall, Vols help Vols. I also hope you, as a student, can now find yourself benefiting from more student accommodations on campus.
