New UT students, restaurants prepare for new school year

A cheer of "Go Vols!" Tuesday afternoon welcomed in the next generation of Vols, the class of 2018. Some have been waiting to call themselves volunteers for years. "I've been dreaming of coming to Tennessee sinceI was 8 years old to play softball here andI love the atmosphere. I love the people here. They're so nice," said Catherine Holmes, aUTfreshman.

Others are eager to explore a brand new city.

"I'm excited to make new friends and be on my own since I'm so far away from home. It's going to be different but I'm excited for it," said Erica Shin, another UT Freshman.

As students are walking on campus, many will see some new buildings, but both new and returning students will see construction across campus including the UTStudent Union. That's supposed to be finished in a few years. So far mostly freshmen have seen the newest additions on campus like the Fred Brown Residence Hall, but they aren't the only ones new to Knoxville.

It's the first year for some restaurants on the strip like BurgerFi. Managers say they're up for the challenge of feeding Vol Nation.

"Well we're excited and hope we get it right," said Alan Regenbrecht, General Manager of Burgerfi Knoxville. Still for some freshmen, they've got some adjusting to do.

"I have one class on the other side of campus and then another class 15 minutes later to the other side of campus," said Holmes. UT is in the middle of its welcome week.It shows students how to get involved on campus and make them feel comfortable.

It will wrap up Saturdayat 8:00 p.m.with an Orange and White movie night.

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New UT students, restaurants prepare for new school year