My Commons Life

News & features about the Vanderbilt Commons from the students who live here

Archives for November 2021

Commons Cupdate 11/17

by

Commons Unplugged Victors. Fall Trivia Tournament. The semester nearing its end. Here’s everything you need to know about the Commons Cup as we finish our first semester here at Vanderbilt.

Commons Unplugged Week

October 31st through November 6th, the houses competed against each other to save the most energy. Congratulations to the top three conservationists.

1st Place – Sutherland is in the fight. After a tie with West for the top spot in kickball, Sutherland finally achieved their first solo win. One thing is for sure: this house is not done yet.

2nd Place – Hank is here to stay. This is now the third podium appearance for Common’s largest house – something no other house has yet to do. Hank will be in a great spot going into the latter half of this competition.

3rd Place – Crawford makes their first appearance. After some struggles in the athletic events, Crawford has gotten their name on the board. This should make the the buzz around Commons.

Fall Trivia

On Sunday, all houses met in the Commons Center for a battle of brains. Each house sent two teams (with the exception of East, who only sent one) to compete in a trivia tournament. The following teams placed:

1st Place – East gets a taste of victory. In spite of being the only house to send just one team, East managed to win the whole tournament. While this house is no stranger to the podium, their first gold of the competition should feel nice.

2nd Place – Stambaugh gets in the game. While the beginning of the competition started slow for them, a podium finish in the Trivia event should put Stambaugh back in the game.

3rd Place – Gillette makes a splash. No other house has faced the same set of challenges as this one, yet they have managed to stay afloat. There is just one question moving forward: will they sink or swim?

Final Thoughts

Although there is still some time left in the semester, Trivia was the last fall event for the Commons Cup. Now that we are about half way through the competition, it is a good time to examine how the houses place overall.

First, there appear to be three clear frontrunners: Hank, Sutherland, and East. These are the only three houses to make multiple podium appearances across different categories. However, none of these houses have made every event’s podium (Hank was the longest to hold that title until a loss this past Sunday).

This competition is tight. Eight of the ten houses have at least one podium finish, with a top 3 finish only eluding Murray and Memorial.

Most importantly, much of the information regarding Commons Cup has yet to be released. There is no public information about house performances in the Community Involvement category (making up 20% of the overall scores for the year). There are also ongoing events like the year-long energy conservation which will not be finalized until the end of the year. Finally, there are still plenty of opportunities for the rankings to shift before the end of the year.

So to close my final Commons Cupdate of 2021, I congratulate those who performed well in the first half of this competition and wish the best of luck to every house in the Spring Semester.

*Disclaimer: Daniel Sak, the author of this piece, is the Vice President of Hank Ingram House.

CommonsCast Episode 89-November 17, 2021

by

On this episode of the podcast Dean Melissa Gresalfi discusses the upcoming Thanksgiving break and lists some of the things she’s grateful for, Richard delivers this week’s commons calendar of events and then sits down for a great interview with Eunyoung Hong, a first year student from Knoxville, Tennessee who is living in Sutherland house and currently studying Physics and Math

TOP 5 Things To Do Before Your CHEM Exam Tomorrow!

by

So tomorrow is the CHEM 1601 Exam.

The final “test” of the semester before the final. 

It’s hard to feel ready for these exams – so instead of asking if you’re ready, I want to ask, “Are you okay?” 

It’s okay if you’re not. (shoot! me too! – I’m writing this article for y’all but this is self-help for me as well :3) 

No matter how you feel, I’m glad you’re here reading this article – because I want to help you. I did extensive research on Google Scholar to write this article. I’ve got tips, some of my own notes, and I’ve got some caring advice. 

I’ll keep it short because I know you (and I) need to get back to studying, but by the end of this article, you should have a plan to feel more prepared and confident about this exam.

1. Positively Affirm Yourself

You’re reading this article, I can tell you care about your work and are trying your best. Even if you know you are nowhere near prepared to take this exam, you can say a couple of positive words even if they’re not true yet. Even feigned confidence is confidence, and studies show that confidence alone can improve your test scores (This article, this one, and even this one too)

Here are some of my affirmations that I’ll be saying today and tomorrow. (One of the articles I linked suggests adding hand and body motions to really make it stick)

  • C’s get degrees! (And B’s, C’s, D’s, and even a couple F’s)
  • I’m manifesting a passing grade (get creative, conjure that grade like witchcraft, evoke a 70+)
  • chemistry is fun! totally like solving a puzzle! yay women in STEM!
  • It’s 2025 and I’m sitting in a lawn chair graduating with my *insert major* degree.
  • Oh Yes. I certainly, unquestionably, and undeniably Can. (feel free to add more adjectives or expressive curses to make it more real for you)
  • I can and I will do this. I am capable. I am channeling nervous energy as a positive force
  • Literally, just smile – stare at the screen and smile, I read somewhere that just the act of smiling can improve your mood. (Bonus points if you pretend to laugh at the article right now)

2. Study Smart (TAKE. THE. PRACTICE. EXAM. NOW) 

I’ll say it now and I’ll say it again for the people in the back. Don’t cram, just don’t do it. I am not telling you to stop studying, but please, be smart about it. Here are some ACTUAL tips on how to study.

  • Set up your active recall: You should NOT just read your notes. The textbook is nice but JUST reading it is not okay. You need to be able to conjure the facts quickly so here are 5 methods:
    1. Make Notecards
    2. Chew flavored gum while you use your notecards or study. Chew the same flavor again during the test.
    3. The practice test is a good cue to show how well you recall. Don’t wait to take it until you feel confident, take it now and know EXACTLY what you need to work on, instead of what you think you need to work on.
    4. If you learn something new, set it up to make it stick. Make a mnemonic device, sing a song, or write it 3 times. 
    5. Do the last Chem101 without Googling the Answers
  • Know what you need to study
    • Make a sheet for all the equations you need to know and the things to memorize. (I’ll attach my equation sheet, but you should make your own.)
    • (7 Common Strong Acids, Common Strong Bases, Solubility Rules, OXIDATION RULES, Gas Evolutions, Various Thermochemistry Equations.) PLEASE!
Example of what my equations sheet looks like.

 3. Treat Yo-self

If you cram so hard that you are miserable the day of the test – something is up. You shouldn’t hate your life to feel prepared. Take exactly 1 hour. (Yeah, don’t just collapse into Netflix for hours, that might not make you feel better) for the time you will set aside to do something that makes you happy.

Here are 6 examples:

  1. Go to a loud common room. Rant to others who are also in chem. Theraputic.
  2. Get a Cookie with your Chem Buddies and Savor every bite.
  3. Watch 1 episode of your favorite show, or your comfort show (avoid cliffhangers)
  4. Sit down and curl up with a cup of tea and MyCommons.Life Articles (or a book i guess, when’s the last time you read a book for fun?)
  5. Speedrun the Wednesday Night Commons Signature Events (West Fest, Sutherland Socials, Snorthgasborg, StamSweets, Hankerings, Murray Munchies, and Crawford’s thing are all Wednesday Night)
  6. Call your parents, your siblings, or your friends from back home (make sure they know you have a time limit!)
Crumbl Cookies, the nation's fastest-growing gourmet cookie
Crumbl Cookies Logo – They have cool flavors like carrot cake, apple pie, and smores this week

 4. Attend to Your Basic Needs – Don’t Put So Much Pressure on Yourself

I’m gonna keep this one short, but I knew I had to say it. I know you’ve heard it before. Sleeping and eating well will lead to better exam results. Your time is much better spent sleeping to improve your whole mood than memorizing 1 tiny fact worth 1 point. You need food to function, please make it healthy.

While bananas are good for you, just eating one isn’t all of your health – mental health matters too. Ease up the pressure on yourself kid. (Pexels Free Image – Aleksandar Pasaric)

5. Make a Plan

This was my Tuesday Plan! Everybody’s plans look different, you don’t even need times.

Finally, don’t just read this article. Guarantee you will put it into action. Go into your NOTES app right now, and make a detailed to-do list. When I’m feeling particularly lost, I like to even add time to my to-do list. You have 24 hours in a day, ask, “How long will memorization take me (2 hours?)”, “How can I fit it in around my sleep (7 hours?)” Set timers to make sure you do it in the time you set out, don’t waste these precious minutes! Run through the course of your day in your head or physically and set yourself up to do them. Put out your clothes now, decide your Suzie’s order,  Pick your route to class, and how early you will arrive. Here’s an example of what my Tuesday looked like if you want a template!

That’s all the advice I have for now! You got this (Just Saying, I’d go up and re-read the study smarter section if I were you though)! I wish you the best of luck, and remember, even if it doesn’t go well – chem class is canceled on Friday and we have Thanksgiving break. Bye Now!

MCL Top 5: New Dining Options You Should Try

by

If you want a revamp in your dining experience, check out these new options that have opened up here at Vanderbilt!

1. Hot Chocolate & Pumpkin Spice 

What is autumn without the warm sip of hot chocolate and melted marshmallows or a seasonal pumpkin spice latte? Fear not, Suzies and the Commons Center have you covered. Included in a meal swipe, you can now order pumpkin spice lattes and hot chocolate at Suzie’s. The Commons Center also added a small DIY hot chocolate station, and you can add as many marshmallows as you see fit.

2. Smoothies Close to Home

Maybe you are craving an all-natural smoothie with fresh fruit and spinach but realize the line at 2301 is just too long, as it typically is during peak hours. There is no need to worry about just one place to grab a good smoothie anymore. The Commons Center now has a smoothie-making station, so you can sip on healthy goodness with the convenience of not walking far from your dorm. 

3. The Arrival of Bubly

Sometimes, the soda water does not give you the satisfaction you want. If you are a sparkling water fanatic like me, you know all the good brands that will never let you down. Kissam now has a Bubly machine with various flavoring to choose from, including orange and raspberry! 

4. Soups for Days

When it is cold outside, nothing beats soup by the fireplace. If you have been waiting for soup without the long walk to Grins, grab your coat and get ready for this one. EBI and Rand now have soups available with new flavors by the week. Enjoy a bowl of warmth and goodness with a side of saltines to start your day right. Beware! There is a limited daily supply, so you must act fast.

5. The Return of Pho

(This is what Pho typically looks like. EBI’s version differs slightly.)

A new dining classic has finally returned to EBI. You can now get buffet-style Pho at the convenience of staying on campus. And no need to fear about the quality. Students who have recently tried Pho at EBI gave it two big thumbs up. 

MCL Top 5: Things to do Before the End of the Semester

by

As the leaves begin to change color and the air begins to cool off, we are reminded that the Fall Semester is passing quickly. Now is a great time to ask: What do I want to experience before I finish my first semester in college? Well, wonder no longer. Here are the MCL Top 5 things to do before the end of the Fall Semester.

1. Go to a Game

This is a great way to hang out with friends and show your school spirit. There is one more home football game this Saturday, and the basketball season is just getting started. The best part is that tickets are free for all students!

2. See a Show

There are so many performance groups on campus that there is almost always some performance happening. No matter what type of performances you enjoy – plays, concerts, or comedy – you will be able to find them. Even if you don’t typically go to the theater, give it a try. It will be worth your time.

3. Attend a Commons Event

Between weekly house events and Commons-wide activities, there is no shortage of things to do right outside your house. Although many people don’t know this, house events are in fact open to residents of any house, so don’t hesitate to check out an event that seems interesting to you.

4. Explore Nashville

We live in an amazing city with so much to do. Make sure to check it out before you head home for Winter Break. I’m not saying you need to try everything, but at least try to check out a few new places.

5. Use Your Meal Money

If you are anything like me, you probably have not used up all your meal money yet. While it carries over to next semester, it does expire at the end of the school year. You will also have it replenished in January, so don’t be afraid to treat yourself to a few off-campus feasts.

Commons Conversations-Episode 4

by

Maria & Stephan share their honest first-person accounts of security and feeling safe on campus and what it’s like to navigate campus and the surrounding areas and stay safe.  

CommonsCast Episode 88-November 10, 2021

by

On this week’s edition of the CommonsCast Cheryl delivers an extended Commons Calendar to cover all of the events happening around campus of interest to first-year students.  In the Humans of the Commons segment Richard sits down for a terrific discussion with Andy Niser, a first-year Cross Country student-athlete from Chicago, Illinois who is living in Murray House and studying HOD and Computer Science.