Utk C/o 2012

[puppydogtails]

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Congrats to all those who will be starting in the Fall!!! Looking forward to meeting all of you. 🙂 Don't know about you, but I'm starting to think about three big things: fin. aid, housing, new computer (laptop?). Anybody else on this wavelength?

 

[SillyFilly]

So I am not 100% on UTK (have to wait on Auburn waitlist before I am sure), but I am pretty sure at least that I will be there in the fall! SO excited.

I'm hoping the coming 2nd/3rd years or something send out a "places to live" sheet - I'd love to live with someone in VS, but maybe someone not in my direct class....

 

[puppydogtails]

I'm with ya on that one..roommates searches are hard when you need a place to live before you get there, but can't really meet anyone until you start! kind of a catch-22. I see you're in NC...where? I'm in Carrboro near Chapel Hill.

 

[Kat0303]

Yay for UTK class of 2012! I am so excited to be coming to UT.

I'm starting to think about financial aid too 👎 And I really want to get a rental house instead of renting an apt., but I guess I'll have to wait until it is closer to the time to move since rental houses come and go so quickly. I searched online for rental houses, and it seems like there are quite a few that are reasonably inexpensive. Hopefully it will stay that way until it is time for me to move!

 

[shemari]

Does anyone know of some good websites with listings of apts to rent? Even though we got that apartment booklet at the interview, I want to look online.

Hooray for UTK 2012!!

 

[Moonpaw]

I'm definitely starting to think about where to live, but I also need to figure out my automobile situation...I'm so not used to having a car, but apparently it's necessary down there.

Also, has anyone ever considered buying vs. renting? Any thoughts on that?

 

[Lola Lover]

I'm also starting to look for housing down there. I hear it might be beneficial to invest into buying a condo as opposed to renting an apartment for 4 years. I don't really know what would be best, I just want to live in a nice place and save as much money as possible.

 

[Rae]

I've also been looking around at some housing options. Leaning towards either renting a house or possibly buying. Basically looking into more pet friendly options( Can't leave them with my mom!) . Luckily my father lives about an hour away from the campus so he's already scoping things out for me.

 

[Dodge64]

I'm super excited to be exploring a new place but am a bit anxious as well. I don't know anyone in TN and am concerned about finding living arrangements.😕 I was told that UTK usually sends out info about upper classmen looking for roommates but I’m also of the mind frame that buying a condo/house would be a cheaper option. Unfortunately I have no clue how to do that from so far away. If any of you are interested in finding a place with me I’d be really excited about it! 😀 Otherwise, good luck to everyone and I can’t wait to meet you all!

 

[Moonpaw]

Dodge, where are you from? I was talking to my parents about buying, and they told me that unless you know the area really well, it would probably be a better idea to rent, but that's just them. There's also the issue of how difficult it might be to sell in four years (if you don't plan on staying in TN).

 

[SillyFilly]

It seems like more of us join every day! I'm starting to freak out/get excited more and more... EEEEE! 🙂 🙂

 

[KitKat71]

I sent in my acceptance letter to UTK last week and am excited to be part of the class of 2012 and to meet all of you!
I am from PA and am a little nervous that I don't know anyone from TN. I am also unsure how to find a place to live when I am so far away from TN, but I'm sure everything will work out. I will also be looking for roommates for the fall. Dodge- PM me and we can talk 😀

 

[BME24]

hi everyone! I sent in my acceptance letter last week also and will be joining the Class of 2012! I am soo excited. I'm from PA also Kitkat! so don't worry, you aren't alone! I am definitely nervous about looking for a place since I go to school in St. Louis and can't come down to knoxville easily to start looking. hopefully being able to talk to everyone on here will make the process easier! I'm also definitely looking for roommates!

 

[puppydogtails]

I'm not sure what to think of all these responses...I hope we all don't buy/rent all our options out from underneath each other! 😉 I'm living in Chapel Hill, NC, so I can get to Knoxville without too much effort, but it sounds like we're all in the same boat... When is everyone thinking of moving?

 

[pressmom]

Just FYI, Knoxville is full of townhouses and single story garden-home-like condos. Some of these that I was looking at last year, you own the land around it and can fence it if you wish. One of the ones I looked at, already had a fence high enough to hold in a great dane. Anyway, up in North Knoxville, last year at least, some were as little as $90k-$110k to buy. Most are relatively new and seemed nicely kept up. The commute to vet school from them is about 10 minutes. (These were in the Merchant Drive area.)

Anyway, there are also some nice condos in West Knoxville off Middlebrook Pike, but generally it is more expensive to live in the West than the North.

I ended up in an apartment in West Knoxville just south of Kingston Pike. If anyone wants info on my apartment complex, PM me.

Also, there have been some safety issues in some of the complexes off Papermill Rd., so just be cautioned about that.

 

[puppydogtails]

Thanks for the caution, pressmom, and the advice. very helpful!

 

[BME24]

Has anyone tried to contact the admission office? I've been trying to call Deborah Shephard to verify that they received my acceptance letter but I haven't been able to get hold of anyone since Thursday.

 

[BuckleyGirl]

Hi everyone! Congrats on getting into UTK!! I am applying this fall and don't have Cell Bio but other upper division science courses. I've emailed Ms. Shepherd to ask if they will let that slide, but haven't heard back yet...was curious to see if any of you didn't hve cell bio but something else to replace it...thanks!

 

[dyachei]

Hi everyone! Congrats on getting into UTK!! I am applying this fall and don't have Cell Bio but other upper division science courses. I've emailed Ms. Shepherd to ask if they will let that slide, but haven't heard back yet...was curious to see if any of you didn't hve cell bio but something else to replace it...thanks!

I tried that last year, it didn't work. Good luck.

 

[shemari]

Hey everyone!

How's the housing situation coming along? I've been looking up places online and in that apartment guide we got at the interview...There are so many options but I won't have a car down there and I would love to live in a place that allows pets (you never know what you'll end up adopting over the next 4 years!) Those limits really deplete your options. I've been looking at Crown @ Campus Point, Highland Terrace, Woodmeade, and Barclay House. Any other suggestions?

Plus I'd be rooming with my good friend from undergrad, but she's still waiting on Tufts and is putting the whole finding a place to live in TN on hold til summer...I don't think I can wait that long!

 

[Dodge64]

Hi everyone! Congrats on getting into UTK!! I am applying this fall and don't have Cell Bio but other upper division science courses. I've emailed Ms. Shepherd to ask if they will let that slide, but haven't heard back yet...was curious to see if any of you didn't hve cell bio but something else to replace it...thanks!

I didn't even realize that I didn't meet that pre-req until a few weeks ago and when I called to see if I could just supplement it with a MicroBio class I'm in right now they said no go. So I'm taking Cell Bio this summer at a small college close to home 🙄 oh well. So I'd take care of that sooner than later if you can.

 

[dyachei]

I didn't even realize that I didn't meet that pre-req until a few weeks ago and when I called to see if I could just supplement it with a MicroBio class I'm in right now they said no go. So I'm taking Cell Bio this summer at a small college close to home 🙄 oh well. So I'd take care of that sooner than later if you can.

I'm pretty sure UTK offers it in the last summer session if anyone needs cell bio. But I agree with you, get it done as soon as possible. I almost didn't find a cell bio course and would have had to reapply if luck hadn't come through.

 

[Dodge64]

Dodge, where are you from? I was talking to my parents about buying, and they told me that unless you know the area really well, it would probably be a better idea to rent, but that's just them. There's also the issue of how difficult it might be to sell in four years (if you don't plan on staying in TN).

Good point. I'm from FL and finding an apartment, let alone buying a house seems pretty scary. Pressmom was giving some advice about affordable housing North of campus, I wonder if she knows anything about how easy it is to sell afterwords... Anyone else have any idea how the house market is in Knoxville?

 

[critterfixer]

I think the market is slow but steady. I bought a single family home in the north Knox/Powell area, and I am very confident I will be able to sell in 3 years for a modest profit. I've bought and sold enough homes, and also happen to have been a realtor, by way of my "credentials" to make this judgment. And if I can't sell it, I KNOW I can lease it to some nice vet students or residents. 😉

If anyone is indeed thinking of buying, I know a SUPER realtor and would be happy to pass along her contact info.

 

[puppydogtails]

I think the market is slow but steady. I bought a single family home in the north Knox/Powell area, and I am very confident I will be able to sell in 3 years for a modest profit. I've bought and sold enough homes, and also happen to have been a realtor, by way of my "credentials" to make this judgment. And if I can't sell it, I KNOW I can lease it to some nice vet students or residents. 😉

If anyone is indeed thinking of buying, I know a SUPER realtor and would be happy to pass along her contact info.

I in fact am exploring the buying option...can I have her info?? And...any particular advice? I've never bought a house before, and I feel a little like a sheep in the wood, so to speak. Thanks!!😀

Also, this is for anyone out there who is thinking of renting...I'm sure I'd be needin' a roomie!

 

[critterfixer]

I'll PM you.

 

[Dodge64]

I in fact am exploring the buying option...can I have her info?? And...any particular advice? I've never bought a house before, and I feel a little like a sheep in the wood, so to speak. Thanks!!😀

Also, this is for anyone out there who is thinking of renting...I'm sure I'd be needin' a roomie!

I like the idea of living in a house but don't know if my parents I would be able to buy one this year sooo... I'm interested to see what your housing search turns up as I'm looking for a place to live and someone to live with 🙂

 

[puppydogtails]

I like the idea of living in a house but don't know if my parents I would be able to buy one this year sooo... I'm interested to see what your housing search turns up as I'm looking for a place to live and someone to live with 🙂

Well, I'm still waiting on my fin aid info before I begin searching in earnest. Has anyone received anything yet??) But I've just been looking at random sites on the internet, and have found some interesting things...are you far away, Dodge?

 

[Dodge64]

Well, I'm still waiting on my fin aid info before I begin searching in earnest. Has anyone received anything yet??) But I've just been looking at random sites on the internet, and have found some interesting things...are you far away, Dodge?

Far away...from UTK? Yes, I'm in Florida 😎
What fin aid are you waiting on? I still haven't turned in my FAFSA yet and didn't really get around to finding any other aids...

 

[puppydogtails]

I turned in my fafsa 3/7, and the fin aid office said that they would send out their letter about loans, etc. ~1 week after receipt of the fafsa in their office...it's been more than a week, and I'm not feeling very patient. 🙁 my own fault, but I want to get started on...well...everything! Any input?

Also, if there are any facebooker's out there, there's a utk c/o 2012 group out there. Check it out! 😀

 

[dyachei]

I just got my fin aid stuff. Last year, I got it sometime in May for the first year. You have to have your FAFSA complete to get it though. You can then mail them back the info or do it on the CPO web (if any of you have been on UTK.edu and been exploring, this is under current students, then financial aid). You can call and ask (probably not immediately) the tech people for your netID and password and sign in that way. DO NOT FORGET TO FIND A LENDER. I was lucky enough for my parents to pay for undergrad and never had done fin aid before and you have to make sure you do the promissary note thing. The lady that does it for the vet school really doesn't give you much info.

 

[SillyFilly]

I can only find the general UTK C/O 2012 group - not a CVM group!

We get our packets later this summer, si? I am sure they are super busy w/ graduation looming... but...

I'm a planner, I can't help it!!!!!

😎

Mainly I'd love my fin aid stuff... I turned in my FAFSA 1 March... so hopefully we get it soon! I have freaking no idea what I am doing, so I need all the time I can get!

 

[dyachei]

I can only find the general UTK C/O 2012 group - not a CVM group!

We get our packets later this summer, si? I am sure they are super busy w/ graduation looming... but...

I'm a planner, I can't help it!!!!!

😎

Mainly I'd love my fin aid stuff... I turned in my FAFSA 1 March... so hopefully we get it soon! I have freaking no idea what I am doing, so I need all the time I can get!

Fin aid comes separate in a small envelope. Like I said above though, its all there online. Just gotta ask for the netID and password from the tech people (there's a number somewhere).

Yes, this summer.

 

[puppydogtails]

I can only find the general UTK C/O 2012 group - not a CVM group!

We get our packets later this summer, si? I am sure they are super busy w/ graduation looming... but...

I'm a planner, I can't help it!!!!!

😎

Mainly I'd love my fin aid stuff... I turned in my FAFSA 1 March... so hopefully we get it soon! I have freaking no idea what I am doing, so I need all the time I can get!

I know EXACTLY what you mean!!! I'm nearly ready to freak out, which is totally unwarranted, I know. But hey, what else can I do? It's like we keep playing one waiting game after another, but at least the big one's gone! 😛 heard anything from auburn yet?

 

[SillyFilly]

Thank GOD we are all this way! 😛

Nope, not heard anything... I am getting more revved up for Tenn every day!

 

[Moonpaw]

Would anyone (probably students already there) happen to know what date classes start in August, and when our winter break is? My parents are trying to arrange some trips to see family, and they've been bugging me to find out for weeks (which is pretty much since I was accepted).

 

[pressmom]

Here's the general calendar, which the vet school tends to follow as well.

http://registrar.utk.edu/academic_calendar/0809YAG.shtml

 

[Moonpaw]

Thank you! That' really helpful.

But dang, that's an odd winter break...I'm so used to have finals right up to the day before christmas, and then not starting again until the end of January.

 

[Dodge64]

Here's the general calendar, which the vet school tends to follow as well.

http://registrar.utk.edu/academic_calendar/0809YAG.shtml

Thank you for the calendar! I'm assuming there is going to be an orientation at some point before classes start, but how far ahead is it? What would you say is the earliest we would need to be there?
Also, I know they are making this years class larger, so how are they going to work out assigning "bigs" if there are less of them then us?

 

[dyachei]

Thank you for the calendar! I'm assuming there is going to be an orientation at some point before classes start, but how far ahead is it? What would you say is the earliest we would need to be there?
Also, I know they are making this years class larger, so how are they going to work out assigning "bigs" if there are less of them then us?

Not sure when orientation will be this year. last year, it was the weekend before classes started.

As to the big sibs, there are always more first years, and they compensate by giving some people more than 1 little.

 

[SillyFilly]

My fin aid stuff came this weekend to my permanent address - so my mom scanned it for me...

HOW am I going to pay for this???

😱

 

[puppydogtails]

My fin aid stuff came this weekend to my permanent address - so my mom scanned it for me...

HOW am I going to pay for this???

😱

I've been talking to some vets I know, and I got some good advice I will share: Borrow as little as possible (duh!), borrow from as few different lenders as possible (consolidate), and check out www.nelnet.net and www.graduateleverage.com
Basically we're all going to be in debt up to our ears, but so are all the other vets out there; so at least we're not a lone!😛 A vet I work with is $200,000 in debt right now! ouch.

 

[friendofdogs]

Hi everyone... I'm in UTK's class of 2012 as well! ...I just joined the group on facebook "UTK Vet Med 2012" so hopefully I'll meet some of you on there!

Curious to know if anyone else in our class is over 25 or moving to Knoxville from California?

See you all soon!

 

[CandiceOttone]

oops i'm in the wrong forum....sorry

 

[nhy201]

I am in San Diego and I am planning to drive to UTK. I am trying to figure out which lender is good for Stanford and GradPLUS loan. Does anybody have suggestions on how to pick lenders?

 

[dyachei]

I am in San Diego and I am planning to drive to UTK. I am trying to figure out which lender is good for Stanford and GradPLUS loan. Does anybody have suggestions on how to pick lenders?

They have a list of lenders that are on the finaid web with the pros for each lender.

http://web.utk.edu/~finaid/loaninfo

I'm not sure if this list has been updated since the recent issues with loans or not, but I would start there.

 

[SillyFilly]

I'm considering either Bank of America (since I bank there and my mom works there), State Employees Credit Union [NC] (since I work for the state now), or College Foundation, Inc.

Though I still feel like I have a mountain of info to wade through!

 

[puppydogtails]

So last week I got most of my loans together. if you're looking for some help understanding exactly what you're getting into and how to do it, I HIGHLY reccommend contacting nelnet. I posted their website earlier in this thread. they were soooooo helpful, and I decided to go ahead and borrow both my stafford AND gradplus loans from them. they've been in business for a long time, so they're pretty stable, and I can't say enough about their customer service. They talked to me as long as I needed, they were friendly, and even looked up UT's financial aid requirements/info to help me out specifically. they made it a pretty enjoyable experience, if that's really possible. 😉

 

[nhy201]

So last week I got most of my loans together. if you're looking for some help understanding exactly what you're getting into and how to do it, I HIGHLY reccommend contacting nelnet. I posted their website earlier in this thread. they were soooooo helpful, and I decided to go ahead and borrow both my stafford AND gradplus loans from them. they've been in business for a long time, so they're pretty stable, and I can't say enough about their customer service. They talked to me as long as I needed, they were friendly, and even looked up UT's financial aid requirements/info to help me out specifically. they made it a pretty enjoyable experience, if that's really possible. 😉

I am considering Chase because they just started a program called "Chase Health Education Program" that have interest rate at 5.8%, which is lower than the rate set by the government (6.8%)
http://www.chasestudentloans.com/medical/index_chep.html

I am going to call the UTK's Financial Aid office to ask about it. Will report back. If not, I am going to go with Bank of America, but I am concerned that they don't do private loans anymore, so I will have to go to another lender if I need additional funds, but hoping, desperately, that I will not have to take out private loan at an interest rate of 9% .

Also, Anyone considering living in a house with a yard instead of an apartment? It would be nice to have a yard for my dog and a place to grow some vegetables. Nothing beats homegrown tomatoes and summer squash. Last summer, I harvested and ate so much squash that I had squash coming out of my ears and I could not look at another squash for 3 months. The good thing is that I lost 6 lbs on the all squash diet. Maybe some of us can rent a house together. It might be cheaper too. Thoughts, anyone?

 

[dyachei]

I am considering Chase because they just started a program called "Chase Health Education Program" that have interest rate at 5.8%, which is lower than the rate set by the government (6.8%)
http://www.chasestudentloans.com/medical/index_chep.html

I am going to call the UTK's Financial Aid office to ask about it. Will report back. If not, I am going to go with Bank of America, but I am concerned that they don't do private loans anymore, so I will have to go to another lender if I need additional funds, but hoping, desperately, that I will not have to take out private loan at an interest rate of 9% .

Also, Anyone considering living in a house with a yard instead of an apartment? It would be nice to have a yard for my dog and a place to grow some vegetables. Nothing beats homegrown tomatoes and summer squash. Last summer, I harvested and ate so much squash that I had squash coming out of my ears and I could not look at another squash for 3 months. The good thing is that I lost 6 lbs on the all squash diet. Maybe some of us can rent a house together. It might be cheaper too. Thoughts, anyone?

There are lots of nice little houses with yards. Some are even currently owned by other vet students that are looking for roommates. They are relatively inexpensive and a great option. Just have to make sure all the pets mesh well together.