Matthew has all the news you need this week, including information on how to get your free flu shot at Flulapaolooza and the Dance Marathon kickoff event this weekend.
Archives for September 2017
Top 5 Ways to Explore Nashville (Without a Car)
#1: Vandy Vans
Vandy Vans are the shuttle system around the Vanderbilt Campus. There are three routes:
Download the app to see the van schedule, get notifications when vans are nearby, and see live versions of the map!
#2: Nashville MTA
One of the best ways to get off campus is the Nashville bus system. With more than 10 stops within walking distance from the Commons and even more stops surrounding the main campus, riding on the buses is incredibly easy. The buses run from 6 AM to 11 PM and can take you anywhere from the Grand Ole Opry to the airport to downtown live music venues. There’s also a free app for your Smartphone to help you plan your next trip. Rides are free with your commodore card.
#3: Uber
Uber is a popular and affordable way to get around—especially now that you can pay for rides with your Commodore Card! Download the Uber app, register for an account, then go to “Payment” to link your card.
#4: VanderBIKES
If biking is more your speed, you can rent a bike through VanderBIKES! The price ranges from $90-$150 a semester OR $150-$250 a year, depending on your bike of choice, and comes with free maintenance and u-lock. Click here for more information.
#5: Walking
Last but not least, the simplest way to get around is to walk. It’s free and there are so many interesting places within a few miles of campus. The closest attraction is Centennial Park. It’s located right across the street from the Vanderbilt bookstore and features a full-scale replica of the Parthenon. The park also hosts local musicians every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. In addition Hillsboro Village and the historic Belmont Mansion are within walking distance of the school. Of course the Vanderbilt football stadium and basketball gymnasium are right off campus, so it’s easy to walk over and support your Commodores!
Humans of the Commons: Daniel Mativo
Daniel Mativo (2021) Major: Cinema & Media Arts and Creative Writing , Hometown: Lawrenceville, Georgia
I’m really passionate about writing. Anything really, music, poetry, anything I have to write. I love music, I’m currently working on my album so go listen to it when it comes out. I appreciate how music brings people together and I hope to one day be a screenwriter .
Advice for First Years: Episode 1
In this edition of Advice for First Years, hear valuable words of advice from Vanderbilt Alums, Jillian Hughes and Michael Warren.
MCL News Minute-September 20, 2017
Grace has all the news you need this week, including a wrap up of Parents Weekend and a look ahead at events this weekend that include Lights on the Lawn and Live on the Commons.
Humans of the Commons: Katie Stoehr
Katie Stoehr (2021) Major: Biomedical Engineering, Hometown: Beaverton,Oregon
“I worked in a lab the summer after my junior year and that got me really passionate about Medicine. I was studying Parkinson’s disease in a mouse model and I chose that because my grandfather has Parkinson’s disease. I’m really passionate about both research and working with patients so I’m hoping to become a M.D-Ph.D. to do both of those things. I find neuroscience very interesting so I’ll probably specialize in that. I’m very excited to learn about the brain while helping people.”
Give Us Your Fall Favorites and We’ll Tell You What House You’re In
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Top 5 Weird and Awesome Things About Nashville
Top 5 Weird and Awesome Things About Nashville
Nashville is a place rich in history, culture, and tradition. From the neon lights and cowboy hats, to the art galleries and orchestras, to the famous hot chicken, Nashville has carved out a truly unique identity. Here, we look at the Top 5 most unusual things about this one-of-a-kind city.
- The Batman Building
The Batman Building got its nickname from its resemblance to the Dark Night’s mask (but the less super name for it is the AT&T building). At 33 stories, the Batman Building is the tallest skyscraper in Tennessee.
- Nashville Was Founded on Christmas Eve
So when we celebrate Christmas, we’re all kind of celebrating Nashville, too…
- …And the Founder Lived in a Cave
Nashville founder Timothy Demonbreun spent his first few months in what would become Nashville living in a cave while he built his permanent home and pursued his fur trading business. You can still see Demonbreun’s cave, which is now on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Andrew Jackson’s Driveway
Long before Nashville was known as Music City, Andrew Jackson had his driveway built in the shape of a guitar. Supposedly, the guitar design helped carriages move through the grounds more easily. Or maybe Jackson was just clairvoyant.
- The Tomato Queen
Every year, Nashville has a Tomato Arts Festival to celebrate all things tomato. The festival includes a gallery of tomato-inspired art, a parade with tomato-themed costumes and floats, and a contest for Tomato King and Tomato Queen.
Top 5 Ways to Avoid the Commons Plague
Well, it’s that time of year. The time that it seems like just about every first-year on campus gets hit with the “Commons Plague.” The Plague is a horrible combination of a scratchy throat, sneezing, congestion, being tired, and a general feeling of sickness. So throw on your hazmat suits, grab a bowl of chicken noodle soup, and keep reading to figure out how you can survive the Plague.
5) Sleep
We’ve all been through basic biology and learned that our bodies repair themselves during our sleep at night. While we’re catching our ZZZ’s our immune system is working overtime to make sure that all the pathogens we encounter every day don’t harm us and make us sick. So by pulling all nighters back-to-back-to-back, you’re just asking to get sick. It’s recommended that you get to 7-9 hours of sleep a night, or if you’re an engineering student 1-2 hours between your lab and the deadline of Mastering Chemistry.
4) Get Your Own Drink
We’re all surviving on the caffeine in coffee at this point, and someone is bound to ask you for a sip of yours. Even though you’re a really nice person, you’ve got to say no to that request. Drinking after other people is probably the MOST common way that the Commons Plague is spread, so just tell your friends to get their own drinks.
3) Go Outside
Being cooped up with everyone who’s sick is a for-sure way to get the Commons Plague. Not only is the weather absolutely beautiful right now, but the air is a fresh break from indoor spaces and close proximity to potentially contagious friends. The best way to get out is to grab an Eno or blanket and just study on the lawns.
2) Wash Your Hands
Straight-up, just wash your hands.
1) Make (Smart) Moves When You’re Out
Going out is great an all, but that girl/guy you just met may very well be patient zero for the Plague. So maybe try holding their hand or just talking (JK, we’ve all be there, but honestly just think twice and make sure that you really want to possibly subject yourself to this illness). Also, going back to No. 5, don’t stay out until 4 a.m., try and make it home early so you can have some time to dream.
MCL News Minute: September 13, 2017
James tells us about all of the great events going on this week, including Family Weekend!