All students may belong to the Horticultural Society, a departmental club promoting student involvement and excellence in all aspects of ornamental horticulture and landscape design. The main source of club funds is plant sales organized and run entirely by students. Activities have included trips to botanical gardens, competition in national events, presentation of papers at regional and national meetings, guest lectures, scholarship funding, community projects, and parties. Pi Alpha Xi, the national floriculture, ornamental and landscape horticultural society, recognizes undergraduate, graduate and professional commitment to achievement, excellence, and leadership. The UTK Chapter has participated in plant sales, hosted guest lecturers, and raised scholarship and travel funds.
Membership is by invitation only.
Because UT Knoxville is a large university, there are many leisure and educational activities available, including sports clubs, fraternities and sororities, and religious organizations. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities because they help develop leadership skills which are beneficial in the job market.