Namaste! We are

MANTHAN

UTK's Indian Student Association

Manthan-University-of-Tennessee-Knoxville-1.jpg

Welcome to the website of “Manthan – Indian Students’ Association” at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. As the name suggests, Manthan strives to promote the ‘Amrit’ of our cultural heritage, and to exchange ideas & views between the people of India and those of USA and other countries. Apart from organizing various cultural events around the year, we strive to form community and offer support for students.

Upcoming Event

Previous Events

Committe Members

Services

Airport Pickup/ Temporary Accomadation

Roommate Finding

Information for Prospective Applicants

  • OFFICIAL MARKSHEETS AND DEGREE CONFIRMATION FROM ALL UNIVERSITIES ATTENDED:- All individual attested marksheets from each university you have attended are required. Consolidated marksheets are not acceptable. The marksheets should be from the degree-granting university rather than the affiliated college. The marksheets and final degree confirmation should be attested by an academic official of the university issuing the marksheets (Registrar or Controller of Exams). Those verified by a notary are not considered official.
  • FOR GRADUATE APPLICANTS, ALL BUT THE FINAL SEMESTER OF WORK IS NEEDED ON OFFICIAL MARKSHEETS FOR A TENTATIVE ADMISSION DECISION:- If you are enrolled in a 10-semester program, we must have a minimum of 9 semesters on official marksheets before an evaluation can be conducted. If you are enrolled in an 8-semester bachelor degree program, we must have at least 7 semesters for an evaluation. The Graduate School and academic departments do not feel an informed decision can be made when a full year of work is missing. No exception can be made. We understand the possible frustration and will make every effort to process your application as quickly as possible upon receipt of the needed marksheets and final degree confirmation.
  • FOR GRADUATE APPLICANTS WITH A TWO- OR THREE-YEAR BACHELOR DEGREE:- To qualify for graduate admission, applicants from India must present a post-graduate diploma in addition to the BA, BSc, or BCom degree. The post-graduate diploma may be a Master of Arts, Science, Commerce, or Education. The Bachelor of Technology or Engineering degree qualifies applicants for consideration for graduate school admission.
  • OFFICIAL SCORES:- On the Test of English as a Foreign Language received from Educational Testing Service.
  • APPLICATION FORM:- A completed application form accompanied by an application fee of $60.00 in U.S. currency. THERE IS NO FEE WAIVER. If there is a problem with exchange of currency, you may wish to contact a friend or relative in the U.S. who will pay this fee for you.

Information for Incoming Students

Following are a list of stuff which are highly recommended to be brought from India:

  • Dress:

    • Formals: One suit (Optional), ties (1/2), shirts and trousers (2/3), traditional saris/kurta
    • Casuals: Jeans (3/4), T-shirts & sweats (6+), cotton shirts (3+), shorts (for outdoor, indoor, sports use) (2/3)
    • Footwear: Sneakers, formal shoes, leather chappals /sandals, bathroom slippers
    • Winter wear: Sweaters (at most 2), muffler/ scarf, woolen cap
    • Undergarments: 15 sets of undergarments and socks, preferably cotton
    • Miscellaneous: Towel (2+), napkins (1/2), leather belts (2+), handkerchiefs (6+)
    • Linen: Bed sheets (double bed size, 2), pillow covers (big, 2). Get a thick blanket. Comforters (multi layered thick blankets) can be bought here
    • Winter jacket, winter gloves, caps, windcheaters, tracksuits, good sweaters, comforter are better to be bought here. Leather jackets are not needed for this place (its optional); u can buy sweatshirts (don’t worry u will get to know it soon), and other winter accessories for cheap here.
      Undergarments decide the frequency of your laundry, so make sure to bring a lot. The washing machines are quite big and u can do your laundry once in 2-3 weeks. So u can save both money and valuable time.

     

  • Kitchen:

    • Cooking Utensils: Non-stick pan (1/2), non-stick tava, pressure cooker (for 2 people)(get spare gaskets and safety valves)
    • Others: spoons, forks, knives, cups, glasses (2 each), cutter plate, a melamine (microwaveable) set (Optional) consisting of plates, soup-bowls and regular bowls (2 each)
    • Condiments and spices: garam masala, pav bhaji masala, chole masala, sambhar & rasam masala, haldi, chill powder, jeera, dhania. Dhal, coffee, tea for 1st month.
    • Others: pickles, papad, homemade snacks etc

     

  • Toilette:
    Toothbrush, toothpaste, tongue-cleaners, soap, a complete shaving kit,(all in a toiletry bag), shampoo, talcum powder etc

  • Medicines:
    A nine-digit Social Security number (SSN) remains your first and continuous link with Social Security and the US government. It helps to accurately record your activities such as employments, visa status, stay, bank accounts, etc. SSN generally are assigned to people who are authorized to work in the United States. For international students, please see here.
    Typically one does not carry SSN card and one cannot use student ID for identification purpose outside UTK campus. Passport works as the best proof of identify for city and state purposes but one does not like to carry it always. For this reason, it is always better to have a state ID which is typically a driving license issued by the US state.

  • Study Materials & Stationary:
    Your calculator, micro tip pencils + refills (2), good pens (2), eraser, stapler & staples, Indian calendar, backpack. (Most of the stationary is optional. You can also buy it here)

  • Others:
    Needles & thread, buttons, nail cutter, tool kit, umbrella, sports equipment if you play tennis, squash, swimming

  • Entertainment:
    Your favorite Indian/ Western music cassettes/CDs, walkman (optional), your favorite books
    Personal: Family photos, ‘Indian’ ethnic stuff (gifts/personal use) An up-to-date address book of all your acquaintances/ friends/ relatives in the USA – Canada region, photos of deities (if religious-minded)

  • Also, please make sure to bring your traditional attire (saris, salwar-kameezes, ghagras, kurta-pyjamas, shervanis, dhotis etc.) to add color to the Indian get-togethers. Our festivals are a great way to showcase your talents as well. So if you are a singer, dancer, musician, anything let us know and bring along any of your equipment or costumes if possible. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to flaunt your skills!

Once you arrive at UTK, we think that you cannot afford to miss the following:

  • Orientation:
    It is the single most important thing to attend once you are at UTK. If you do not attend Orientation with CIE your program will be terminated. All students whose native language is NOT English are usually required to take the exam.

  • Insurance:
    Medical expenses in US can get really expensive and it is mandatory for an international student to have an insurance. For insurance plans, clinical services and immunization requirements go through this

  • Student ID:
    Student identification card is required to access most of the facilities in UTK. It is issued by the Vol Card office

  • Social Security Number and State ID:
    A nine-digit Social Security number (SSN) remains your first and continuous link with Social Security and the US government. It helps to accurately record your activities such as employments, visa status, stay, bank accounts, etc. SSN generally are assigned to people who are authorized to work in the United States. For international students, please see here.
    Typically one does not carry SSN card and one cannot use student ID for identification purpose outside UTK campus. Passport works as the best proof of identify for city and state purposes but one does not like to carry it always. For this reason, it is always better to have a state ID which is typically a driving license issued by the US state

Living in Knoxville

 

NAMEDESCRIPTION
Auto RepairBuckner Auto (2911 Sutherland Ave, Knoxville (865)5242191)
Firestone (5601 Kingston Pike, (865)588-3531)
Wal-Mart Auto (8445 Walbrook DR, Knoxville, TN 37923 (865) 690-8986)
Autozone (Kingston Pike)
BanksBank of America
550 West Main St, Knoxville, TN 37902 (865) 541-6000
(Downtown Knoxville)
No annual fee
UTFCU (Univ. of Tenn. Federal Credit Union)
2100 White Ave, Knoxville, TN 37916 (865) 971-1971
(Behind shell gas station in Cumberland)
No annual fee and free checks every year if you have a direct deposit.
First Tennessee
1830 West Cumberland, Knoxville, TN 37916
No annual fee
Amsouth
1831 Cumberland, Knoxville, TN 37916 (865) 521-5295
Annual Fee
DrivingDriver license Information
Driver Handbook
Groceries

General Groceries
Wal-Mart – Super store (8445 Walbrook DR, Knoxville, TN 37923 (865) 690-8986)
Kroger
Food City
Farm Fresh (Opp to Sutherland Apts.)

Indian Groceries
India Markert
1645 Downtown West Blvd.
Knoxville, TN-37919

Medical InsuranceStudent Health Center
RestaurantsSitar
6004 Kingston Pike, (865) 588-1828
Tandur Indian Kitchen
4825, 6502 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919
Shopping MallsWest Town Mall
7600 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919
East Town Mall
3000a N Mall Rd, Knoxville, TN 37924
TheatersDollar Movies
Movies 7
Regular Movies
Regal West town mall 9
Regal Knoxville Center 10
Regal Downtown West Cinema 8
Regal Farragut Town Square 10
For more info – Check this Out
Used VehiclesUTK rent a car
Thrifty Nickel
Auto list
WorshipHCC – Hindu Community Center
Shri Ganesha Temple,Nashville, TN
GeneralKoxville Police Department
About Knoxville
  • Average cost of a 1 BHK is $600 and that of a 2 BHK is $800/month, most cases including water
  • Electricity charges vary from $80 – $120 per month depending on the weather conditions.
  • Average cost of groceries – $200 / month / person. Average cost per meal in a restaurant – $12
  • $150 for bus pass, per semester (as on June 2019).
  • Internet service may cost up to $50 per household.
  • Cell phone service may cost up to $50 per person.
  • Within UTK Campus : Free ride on regular routes operated at regular intervals. More information can be seen in the transit tab of UT app. Call in and request ride from points that are not covered by these routes.
  • Outside UTK campus : KAT offers a wide range of bus services in Knoxville. UT students are offered a semester pass at a discounted price.
  • Average cost of groceries – $225 / month / person. Average cost per meal in a restaurant – $9.
  • UTK students get a discounted semester KAT bus pass from ticketing office located in the university center, go to link
  • Intercity (or state) : Greyhound offers intercity and interstate bus services.
  • Renting a car is easy if you have a valid driver’s license issued by an US state or International driving license.

The climate in Knoxville is moderate when compared to most other American cities. The temperature will be about 90° F/35°C in summer and lows of about 10° F/-12°C in winter. Knoxville also gets snow for a couple of times in January. Since most Indians find it difficult to adapt to the winter climate, it is advisable to have protective clothing including jackets, glouse, muffler etc. While these are cheaper in India, we suggest that you buy them here, since these items are of much better quality here.

Disclaimer

This site is maintained by Manthan, the Indian Students’ Association at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK). The content of this website is aimed at providing general information to the students with Indian origin planning to take up studies at UTK. We take no responsibilities for any kind of completeness and reliability. Any reliance on the data is at your own risk.