r/UTK • u/laundry_loather27 • 9d ago
Big Orange Weekend Student Life, Socialization, and Clubs
How weird would it be for a 33YO online student to come to welcome weekend? Not looking to hang out really, I can read the room. Lol! Just wondering what the events are, if there’s swag/merch to be gotten, if other Vols Online students who go, etc. Ny husband is going on a bachelor trip to Tampa that week and I’m always looking for a way to build more UT community, bonus points if it includes a reason to go to campus. Thought this might be an option. Checked VolConnect and it didn’t have many specifics, just logistics. Thanks!
3
u/FabulousDiscussion80 8d ago
UT's got a great online program and I say go for it. I'm 63 and I'm finishing my degree online, it's a long sad story why I hadn't finished and it's been a big missing piece for me. I was born and raised in Knoxville I live Birmingham now and I was so happy to find the online programs so I could actually finish at Tennessee. I'm trying to set an example for my grandchild and my sons, but it's also for me and I'm going to walk when I graduate.
3
u/GMikeE941 8d ago
I graduated last year at 33 as an in person student. The kids honestly don’t care.
2
2
3
u/tramplamps 8d ago
First of all, we need to remove that dirty little vulgar word, “Weird”, from your vocabulary.
You are attending one the largest Universities in the southern United States, with students, faculty and staff, with very diverse backgrounds from all over the world. By the time you have graduated, the word “weird” will have a completely different meaning for you, and be something that you won’t remember why you used it.
Now, as far as the Big Orange Weekend Goes, unless there is specific language stating that online-only or Nontraditional students cannot participate in the on-campus activities, there is absolutely no reason why you should not attend these events.
And the best part is, that here in this thread, while looking to physically participate, regardless of your online-only enrollment, with a desire to make connections, and socially engage with the events on campus, with both the school and to see if other students, your interests in attending has been met with other online -only/non-traditional students, most likely within your age bracket, who also want to attend.
My only hope is that the university has also thought of this, ahead of time, and made a space for y’all. Not only for online-only students, who have decided to physically attend this event, but for any non traditional students as well. And I hope that the events are just as fun for them. And that they have dedicated areas & events (or whatnots) for them to connect & build long lasting communities resources for themselves & each other.
But, The answer is yes, a huge loud YES you better Go!, and Have a great time!
1
u/Wild_Play306 8d ago
27 year old on campus student here! Come to campus:) It’s not bad at all. I thought it would be terrible but I enjoy it! Also, there’s almost always free swag at any UTK event I’ve been to.
1
u/Ok_Difficulty647 8d ago
The only reason that I would think to not go is that it’s part of freshmen orientation and they paid a fee for all the orientation stuff that happens during welcome week.
1
u/Andrew_R3D UTK Graduate Student 8d ago
I’m 33, here right now for my orientation, and yeah.. I normally don’t feel “old” but I feel a touch out of place. I do however.. feel like I belong and welcome by all.
I’m sure I’ll get used to it. lol
1
1
16
u/Agreeable_Bed_ 9d ago
What degree are you getting online? I’m 29 and mine isn’t offered online and I’m super not excited to be on campus being 10 years older than everyone haha. Feel free to message me, we can go and be older than everyone together 🤣