Academics

The faculty at Vandy have enough brainpower to melt steel, and most of them expect a lot from us. Sometimes, I think they forget that they’re teaching an introductory course, and expect us to perform like graduate students, but it justifies our feelings of superiority over other schools.

Athletics

Vandy football has been weak the past few years, but people do go to the games. Home games are free if you pick up your pass at the beginning of the year. Lots of people dress up to go; it’s a big frat date event. IM sports are a big deal. They have lots of IM tournaments. Your hall can do it, or a group of friends can do it. The Greek houses will also compete. It’s fun.

Campus Dining

The dining here is just plain awful. If you have allergies, don't be convinced by the 'allergy accomodations.' Honestly, nearly everytime I eat at the dining hall I get sick. If you're a celiac especially, you may want to try somewhere else first or ask them about exempting you from the meal plan. I've been asking for months, and hopefully next semester goes better. **knock on wood**

Campus Housing

Take all this with a grain of salt: With the implementation of the Commons, freshmen live like kings but are brought back down to reality when they are forced to live in Kissam the next year. If you are a lucky sophomore, you will get to live in Branscomb quad.

Campus Strictness

They aren’t very strict. They have been relaxed in the past couple years. You can’t walk around with open containers or red plastic cups, but it’s not hard to drink if you’re underage. Alcohol is the most commonly-used drug at Vandy.

Computers

The computer network is fast and very accessible. There are eight computer labs around campus, and some are open all night. However, bringing a computer along is a convenience. Professors are using the Internet more and more—for readings, grades, discussion groups, and e-mail contacts—thus, having a computer in your room is convenient. Since most students have their own computer, the labs are not that crowded.

Diversity

The campus is much more diverse than it was a few years ago. While it’s still stereotyped as mostly conservative, Southern, and white, I have found a variety of people. Sometimes, you just have to look a little bit closer to find the diversity.

Drug Scene

There are a lot of drugs on campus, but that’s the same everywhere. I have been around a lot of drugs, and it’s very easy to make the decision about whether or not to partake. I, personally, never felt pressured. It’s easy to find drugs and easy to stay away from them at the same time.

Facilities

I love all the facilities except the laundry rooms. They’re always crowded, the machines are broken, and it costs two bucks a load. But I guess that’s the price you pay for four channels of HBO.

Greek Life

One major stereotype of Vanderbilt is that the Greek scene dominates the social life. Many students are not Greek. However, the Greek scene does provide a great option for everyone in weekend activities. There is always a fraternity party open to the Vanderbilt community. That, along with the fact that the houses are nonresidential, keeps the Greeks from becoming the elitists they tend to be at other colleges.

Guys & Girls

Guys are kind of full of themselves for the most part. It is hard to find some people who are down to earth, but once you do, they will become the best friends ever. Girls are okay once they get older. I think they come in on way too high a horse either morally or egotistically. After they settle down, they are much better.

Local Atmosphere

Nashville is the sort of city that needs to be given a chance. Many people from larger cities, notably New Yorkers (Yankees, in the Southern vernacular), are predisposed to disliking Nashville, and as a result, they miss out on what it has to offer. Truth be told, it is a smaller city, but that doesn’t mean it is devoid of cultural events or good nightlife. It is just on a smaller scale than San Francisco or New York.

Nightlife

There’s a great downtown scene, and it’s not too far from campus. We always take cabs because parking is a problem. Downtown is most popular for Vandy students during the week. There are lots of places to choose from—country places, clubs, pool bars, and more. I really like the downtown atmosphere.

Off-Campus Dining

They’re good. You find the ones that are convenient to get to, the ones that are in your price range, the ones that serve alcohol, and so on. Parents weekend is great because there are so many fabulous restaurants around Nashville. I love the Mad Platter when my parents are in town, but on weekends, Las Palmas or other Mexican and pizza seem to be the norm.

Off-Campus Housing

Very few of the off campus options end up costing more than what Vanderbilt charges for housing. Plus, if you’re on financial aid, like me, then Vandy gives you a credit for the amount of what it would cost you to live on campus. Since my place is less expensive, the school is pretty much paying me a couple hundred dollars a month to live off-campus.

Overall Experience

I have never once regretted being at Vandy—even for a minute. I have found a lot of very good friends here, and I have had a lot of fun partying, as well. Nashville is a fun city with a lot going on. I would definitely recommend this school.

Parking

Awful! Parking places are far away and inconvenient! Freshmen can’t even bring cars anymore. You can rent parking places from businesses or restaurants at the beginning of the year for a set fee during the year. I’ve talked to people that were successful with that.

Safety & Security

Security is a big issue, and I know that VUPD is working closely with other campus organizations to increase our safety, but it’s hard. There are services available for students, but they often get overlooked for the quick (sometimes risky) walk alone. A lot of students generally feel safe, even when walking alone at night. The most common occurrence, I think, is theft and larceny, followed by indecent exposures.

Transportation

Cabs are the main mode of transportation for students without cars. You can buy cab vouchers on your Vanderbilt Card from Munchi-Marts if you don’t have the cash. It does get expensive, though.

Weather

The weather is extremely hot from the end of August until the end of September. The fall, winter, and spring are great. I loved the weather in Nashville from October until April. It only snowed two or three times during my four years there. Nashville actually does get snow; it’s just usually in late December and early January, during Christmas vacation. You pretty much miss it.