East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN, USA

Reviews

East Tennessee State University

Morgan from Bluff City, TN

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I have learned a lot in the classes I have taken so far. I really learned a lot in my computer class and have enjoyed my teachers thus far. After taking sociology class, I decided to take more sociology in the future possibly making it a minor.
Am enjoying being here
As of now, I commute to school but have hopes of staying on campus next year. I have met people and become involved in intramurals and other on campus activities that have helped me feel a part of the school.
Tips for prospective students
Don't hesitate to seek out advise from fellow upper class students and especially an academic advisor to help w/ your class selection towards what you are interested in majoring in. Also, know how many hours maximum you can take per semester and use them wisely in order to get your degree in 4 years.

Samantha from New Market, TN

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
All the teachers I've had so far really take the time to help you out. Granted, you have to show you want help before you receive it. The teachers I've had make it fun and easy to learn whatever subject it is that they're teaching. I haven't had a single teacher that I haven't liked.
Am enjoying being here
ETSU always has something going on! Our calender is loaded with events! There's something to do almost every single day. There's tons of restaurants and places to shop within ten minutes from campus. And the people are just great to be around!
Bang for the buck
Compared to a LOT of colleges I was looking at, ETSU was definitely the cheapest. And I feel that I'm getting a wonderful education.
Tips for prospective students
Some tips for students:
Definitely take a tour of the campus. Try to get a feel for it before you decide that's where you want to live for the next 1 - 4 years.
Ask questions! There's never a stupid question; and people are always eager to help you out!
Great for these types of students
ETSU is a great campus for anybody. It's a good size. It's close to EVERYTHING! Everyone there is so friendly and helpful.
It really doesn't take long to get into the groove of ETSU. It'll feel like home in no time.

Chris from Bristol, TN

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
This will be my third year at ETSU and I have enjoyed it thoroughly and would recommend it. The campus life is fantastic with many events taking place throughout the school year, and it is also a smoke free campus. The classes here can be challenging, however you will come across a lot of useful information once you delve in deeper.
Tips for prospective students
I messed up my first year and stopped going to classes about halfway through both semesters. I got tired of going to class because I lived a good distance away and signed up for all days of the week, So I would recommend that anyone planning on going here plan their classes to fit their schedule, and to look up professor's before taking their classes. Also something that would have been incredibly useful for me, do not be afraid to drop your classes. If someone would have told me it wouldn't affect my GPA and simply informed me of this option I would have been much better off.
Academic Rigor
As stated previously some of the classes can be pretty difficult, however they are also beneficial.
Dorm Life
Here you get to interact with many different students in their natural environment; it is a great way to make new friends.
Food and Dining
They have a pretty extensive food court in the dining area; includes a buffet and many other varieties of food to maximize students options. Anyone who doesn't like the taste of campus food can always leave and be at a restaurant in less than ten minutes since a lot of the town is centered around the school.
What to do for fun
There is plenty to do for fun around ETSU. They have a variety of intramural sports and if they don't have something you are interested in you can always get a group together to request it. There are plenty of things within ten minutes of the school; including a mall, a movie theater. and a variety clubs that many of the students frequent.
Campus Safety
This campus is one of the safest that I have seen, there are emergency buttons spread throughout the campus. Usually you won't get out of range of one of these lights, if you are in trouble you can press one of the buttons and help will be there swiftly. In major threat cases the school can be locked down in less than five minutes. As an added bonus if you are studying late at the library you can call campus police for them to drive you to your dorm or car. I gave safety 4 stars because no matter how safe anything is it cannot be perfect.

Laura from Johnson City, TN

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
ETSU is cultural, Diversified, and a true experience. We have strong pre-med programs that will truly prepare you for the medical workforce. The aid offered to students goes far beyond just finances and will allow you abundant opportunities to be successful.
Tips for prospective students
-Go to every class
- Try living on campus at least one semester
- Go to all of the events you can ( you network and might even meet a friend, plus like free stuff, why not )
-Use the free tutors either through Trio or the CFAA in the library
-Sherrod will become your home, Learn it's layout
- USE A PLANNER
- Mark reminders and stay on top of hw
- Science majors, yes you need the online code too. This has your hw.
- Quizlet is great for test prep, study blue is also very helpful
- Study with friends and make it fun
Academic Rigor
It depends on the program. I started out pre-pharmacy and had a lot of trouble keeping up, especially with chemistry.
My suggestion with these courses is you need to know the basis for the science classes. So, if you know you're going to be taking one (gen bio+, gen chem+, anat and phys, math, etc.) then go ahead and start earlier with your tutor and get help understanding the basics so that mid-semester you're not having to do double the work.
Dorm Life
I loved living on campus and ETSU has excellent places to stay. I stayed in luntsford and the dorm is nice than the apartment I have now. I found that I do better in my own space with no roommate, but I think there are lots of opportunities for all sorts of people at ETSU.
Food and Dining
ETSU has an awesome Dining hall. I, honestly, was a piece of trash and just ate in the fast food area. I hate chickfila almost every day for half a semester, but there are other fast food options or you can try and eat decently in the dining area.
What to do for fun
There are always free fun events on campus, they have magic and comedian shows every other month or so. They also have a movie night every Thursday, I believe. The most fun you'll have, typically, is just with friends goofing off. You can drive down to Bristol and eat at Blackbird bakery, aka God's gift to earth. OR you can go to the willow tree a local coffee shop. There are plenty of places to play or listen to music (especially if you're a music major). I love thrifting/antique shopping and this area of TN has a plethora of places to do that. ( I found a brand new ukulele for only 4$ last week !!) I've lived here four years now and the longer I'm here the more fun and beauty I find in this area. Also, if you're into hiking you will LOVE it here. Tons of opportunity to find awesome swimming holes/waterfalls. ( check out devil's bathtub if you're extra adventurous.)
Bang for the buck
I've gone all four semesters debt free. If you are proactive with your FAFSA and stay in contact with financial aid/ stay on top of all opportunities, you will be OK. There are tons of ways to pay for your tuition and if you're willing to work hard and keep your grades up, ETSU will be very rewarding to you.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
There are a lot of ministries right off campus that are cool to hang out at if you're looking for strong spiritual guidance. The campus house has an international night every Friday. This highlights a foreign exchange students home country, with music and typically some form of food. It's nice to get involved. not only do you meet new diverse people, but you also have Opportunites to teach someone else your own culture and help them. ( I had a fun time explaining what Walmart was/ means, hahah) I know a new tradition for the football team is touching the big rock outside of the stadium before a game. As a member of the ETSU marching Bucs we have the motto " Pride, Precision, Passion: we take care of our own people." This has given me a sense of family while I live so far from home. Getting involved in groups and clubs can give you a home away from home. I highly recommend it.
Great for these types of students
literally i've seen students from all over the world at ETSU. This university is great for all people. The science/ pre-med programs are amazing. If you don't chose to go that route I know we have great programs for fine arts, computer science, marketing, and psychology majors. ( to name a few)
Clubs and Activities
There are tons. If you don't see something make a flyer and start one! Freshman year I had a lot of fun meeting people from all of the groups on campus.
Greek Life
I am not involved in it, but, I can promise you, we have it.
Campus Safety
The safety has gradually become better as I have attended here. My freshman year we had a sexual assault/ harassment, etc. alert about once a month if not more. There are far less now and plenty of places to push a panic button if you feel you're in trouble. We even had a chance to meet with some of the officers on campus at a seminar sophomore year.

Aspen - Livingston, TN

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Tips for prospective students
Don't let anybody on campus scary you away from going here. It's an amazing school, and small area. It's so easy to learn in the small classes!
Dorm Life
Dorm life here is ten times better than most people claim it to be. I loved it my freshman year just as much as my sophomore year. It's fun and you get to know many people in your dorm!
In three sentences
East Tennessee State University is a wonderful school, full of amazing professors who genuinely love the students. I'm on a break this semester from school to raise money while working in hopes to raise $7,000 to come back in the spring 2017. I love ETSU so much and really want to come back so I can keep pursuing my dreams of being a Physical Therapist!

baley from knoxville, tn

accepted here and planning to attend soon
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
east tennessee state university is the perfect size college for me, being small and compact. my core values align with their mission statement in relation to the value of teamwork, hard work and creativity. i laud east tennessee state on their philosophy that students are the center of their essence.
Tips for prospective students
work early with financial aide.
Academic Rigor
will challenge you in the classroom
Dorm Life
exceptional
Food and Dining
good and many choices
What to do for fun
mostly "hang out" with other students.

Amy from Wernersville, PA

researching this school
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Academic Rigor
From what I've heard the sciences can be pretty hard, as well as classes in specific majors, but general classes aren't too challenging.
Dorm Life
I got to see one of the dorms and it looked kind of small. However, West Hall (an all woman's dorm) has large rooms (my tour guide said they were built to house 3 girls per room but the fire code changed and now these rooms only house 2 girls) and is one of the cheapest places to live. Everyone said that the dorms are fun to live in because most of the people who attend here are commuters, so the people who do live on campus (about 2000) are very close and plan fun activities after classes. It is priced a little steeply but the neighborhoods in Johnson City aren't too bad to move into.
Food and Dining
They had a lot of dining options but they were all a little pricy. Also, the cafe is buffet style, which is good. My guide said that breakfast is by-far the best meal. They also do not force you to purchase a meal plan, and since most housing buildings have their own kitchens, it would probably be cheaper just to do a little grocery shopping and cook for yourself.
What to do for fun
Johnson City has everything. There are so many places to go hiking, shopping, walking (despite being a city, it seemed very safe and I felt comfortable driving around the bad part of the city after dark), etc. It also isn't too far from river rafting and zip lining places. Also, the campus has so many clubs to join that I can't imagine anyone ever being bored.
Bang for the buck
Especially for out of state students, the pricing is very steep. However, there are so many activities provided for free to the students that I see it as being worth the price. There are also tons of scholarships that the school provides both to in and out of state students.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
I went on a ghost tour on campus the evening after I visited, and I heard some pretty interesting ghost stories about people who were late for class to a certain hall and encountered a man who used to work for the campus who the students apparently call Uncle Syd.
Great for these types of students
Anyone who loves the mountains will fall in love with the scenery like I did. The mountains are so gorgeous here. Also, people who aren't looking to party away their lives will enjoy it, as I did not even see one bar while I was there and from what I understand, most students do not do drugs, drink, or party. Also, anyone who likes an older campus with both traditional and unique features will love it.
Clubs and Activities
From what I've seen, there are literally hundreds of clubs and activities at the school alone. The only club I noticed that they didn't have is a knitting club. Also, the school has a HUGE fitness center and activities pretty much every day for students to partake in for free or for only a few dollars.
Greek Life
The people on the tour who asked about the greek life seemed pretty pleased with what the tour guide said, so I guess it's good.
Campus Safety
There are these pole things all over campus with buttons to hit if you are in need of any sort of assistance. There are also police officers constantly patrolling the campus, and the main areas are decently well lit. They also have a campus wide shuttle service that you can text and they will come pick you up at a stop and take you where you need to go. I felt very safe walking around there both during the day and night.

Russell from Carson City, Nevada

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Teachers are really great and not only do they teach from the book but also include personal knowledge into textual learning. Most teachers are interesting and helpful with any extra assistance needed
Am enjoying being here
Well there is a place for everyone, if you enjoy the small local community town feel with a touch of southern hospitality then this is the place for you. Their different school clubs to join and many different campus ministries.
Bang for the buck
Paying out of state tuition is pretty high and increasing but for the price is decent for the local students compared to other state schools. Different types of scholarship are available so apply early.
Tips for prospective students
Visit the school before making a final decision. Look at your major and see if it fits well with the school curriculum. School has a good nursing school and blue grass program. Yeah Kenny Chesney attend this school and was part of the blue grass program.
Great for these types of students
If your an outdoor person who likes hiking, biking, kayaking in the summer time. While skiing, snowboarding, and tobogganing in the winter time. You will definitively enjoy this place

James from Johnson City, TN

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
It's cheaper than most colleges. It's the only college to offer a degree in Bluegrass. It recently celebrated its 100th anniversary.
Tips for prospective students
Familiarize yourself with a map of the campus. Get things done early to avoid lines. Parking is hardest to come by in the first couple of weeks, so arrive early, or pick classes later in the afternoon. A parking garage is being added (2012-ish), so parking may get better.
Academic Rigor
Depends on the teacher.
Dorm Life
Didn't live in a dorm, but rating this was required by the asterisk.
Food and Dining
Surrounded by a few restaurants like Wendy's, McDonald's, and the local favorite: Cookout.
Campus Safety
Incidents are rare, and usually overblown.

Selena from Johnson City, TN

accepted here and planning to attend soon
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
East Tennessee State University is a university full of people who care about your future, and will help you achieve your goals. While there are a ton of students enrolled here, they still make you feel at home and very comfortable.
Tips for prospective students
I would encourage prospective students to:
-Apply EARLY!
-Once accepted, apply for housing (if living on campus) ASAP! I waited until the very last minute, and am stuck in the only dorm for women that has no A/C.
-Take a tour of the campus
-Talk with your advisor about which classes would be best suited for your first year, or classes that are required.
-If living on campus, tour the dorms!!! You definitely don't want to be stuck somewhere you hate and be miserable for an entire year.
-Think about doing PREVIEW. Awesome program.
-Look into the clubs and sports..etc..
that they have available. I was actually surprised at how many they had!
Academic Rigor
The classes are not that difficult if you just take time out of your schedule everyday to study. An hour or so everyday helps more than you will even imagine.
Dorm Life
Two words. SO. FUN!!!
I have to say the dorms without the A/C have more fun than any of the others. Since you have no A/C, the doors on your hall are almost always open and it's sooooo super easy to make new friends that way. There is always some kind of movie night or game night going on in the commons, due to the fact that no one wants to be in a stuffy , hot dorm. It promotes socializing. Also, dorm life allows you to interact more with others and get involved in things on campus you normally wouldn't if you lived at home. It's wonderful, and I definitely encourage you to live on campus!!!
Food and Dining
Honestly, I do not advise you to purchase a meal plan if you have other ways to get food. (microwave or kitchen in dorm) They are unbelievably expensive and the food just isn't that good. There are places such as Quiznos, Starbucks, and Chick-Fil-A in the Culp Center that are great places. I give it five stars just because they have other options for students.
What to do for fun
There is always something going on at ETSU. ALWAYS.
There are sports, movie nights, study groups, parties, socials, and random people hanging out. I guarantee that you will have no problem finding things to do here!
Bang for the buck
Being an in-state student my tuition including my dorm and fees is a little over five thousand, which, compared to the other schools I was considering, is so much cheaper. You get the same things, if not more, as other schools in the area. It is a great school with spectacular academics and opportunities.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The Cave is a fun kind of hang out/study place for the students. (which is where the Starbucks is located!!!)
Clubs and Activities
There are so many clubs and activities for students! It's unbelievable.