Frenchman in TN (Sewanee: university, to move, bars)

[guetto]

Hi everyone,

My name is Johann and I'm coming to Sewanee next year from France. I would like to know if, in the TN "social life", there is any "inner rules" that i would need to know. Do you have specific laws about tobacco for eg? Is it allowed to smoke in the streets?
I wanna know everything about TN to ease my adaptation.
Thank you very much for your help, I cannot wait to be there.

[alleycat]

You can't smoke in public buildings or in most workspaces in Tennessee. Smoking is allowed in bars IF the bar has declared itself open only to those 21 years old and older. You can generally smoke in the street; however, try to be polite about it and only smoke where your smoke won't affect anyone else. Most areas that don't allow smoking will have No Smoking signs posted.

It would be hard to tell you everything you need to know about local customs. The best thing to do is to meet a few Americans when you get here and let them guide you.

Sawanee is a nice area, but it is a little off the beaten path. I've known a few people who have gone there from larger towns and felt like they were in the middle of nowhere. For others it's great to be away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It depends on the individual.

I hope you enjoy your visit. If you have any additional questions, feel free to ask them.

[guetto]

Thank you alleycat! I'm reading the different posts concerning life in TN and I learn a lot of things but you're completely right, it's by meeting people there that I will have an easier adaptation. I'm just checking the differences between French laws and TN's ones, it's good to know.
I know that SW is really isolated and I don't know yet how I will react to that. I need to move and to visit the country but, finding a job in SW appears to be difficult. Actually I'll give french lessons in exchange for a free charge year in the University.