My Commons Life

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

Archives for February 2022

MCL Top 5 Things to Know About Friday’s Commons Mix Up Event

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1. What is the event?

For their Commons Mix Up event, East and Hank House will be hosting a Game Show Night in the Commons MPR. Participants will be called up on stage and offered the opportunity to compete in a variety of game show-themed games. This will be the third Mix Up event of the year (and first of the Spring Semester).

2. When is the event?

The event will run Friday from 8 to 10 PM. Everyone is welcome to stop by for just five minutes or the full two hours. Just remember that the longer you stay, the better your odds of getting called up for a game are.

3. What games will be played?

Wheel of Fortune, Family Feud, and the Price is Right (just to name a few). There will also be a several short Kahoots (on fun and random topics) for the whole audience to take part in.

4. Will there be prizes?

YES! There will be over 200 prizes up for grabs. These include everything from candy bars and inflatables to Vanderbilt gear to and Echo Dot.

5. Will there be food?

Free snacks and beverages will be served. This includes chips, cookies, candy, pop, and hot chocolate.

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

The ABC’s of VU

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We all know our ABC’s — it’s the first thing we learn in kindergarten. The alphabet is the foundation on which language, literacy, and education build.

Similarly, the ABC’s of Vanderbilt University are crucial for every new Vandy student to learn. Keep on reading to learn the A-Z list of what you need to know about Vanderbilt culture.

A – Anchor Down

“Anchor Down!” A friendly greeting amongst Vanderbilt students, a way to show school spirit, and a symbol paying homage to our Commodore pride. Simply make the letters “V U” with your thumb, index, and middle finger (which also conveniently doubles as the shape of an anchor), and get ready to anchor down!

B – Blair

Blair School of Music is one of Vanderbilt’s four undergraduate schools. From music performance to composition to jazz studies and more, Blair is filled to the brim with talent!

C – Commons

The Commons is Vanderbilt’s “freshman campus,” so to speak. Made up of ten residence halls called houses, Commons is an introductory type of living/learning community that helps first-year students transition to college and life away from home.

D – Diermeier

Dr. Daniel Diermeier actively serves as the ninth chancellor of Vanderbilt University. Born and raised in Germany, Diermeier was a first-generation college graduate. Before starting his position at Vanderbilt in 2020, Diermeier worked in a variety of higher education institutions, including Stanford University, Northwestern University, and University of Chicago.

E – E-Scooters

The infamous E-Scooters… if you haven’t had to dodge being run over by one, can you even call yourself a true Vanderbilt student? We all might be subconsciously jealous of the convenience of zipping across campus effortlessly rather than walking, but that doesn’t stop us from uniting in the universal disdain for e-scooter riders.

F – Free Laundry

Thanks to a VSG (Vanderbilt Student Government) initiative in 2020, we now enjoy the luxury of free laundry in residence halls across campus! No more collecting countless rolls of quarters to ensure you’ll have clean clothes to wear.

G – Greek Life

About 43% of Vanderbilt’s undergraduate student body belongs to Greek organizations, including sororities and fraternities. Rush, Greek Row, parties, and tailgates are all staples of Greek Life, and you’re sure to find evidence of these aspects on Vanderbilt’s campus.

H – Hawkins Field

Home to the VandyBoys baseball team, Hawkins Field holds up to 3,700 spectators. As a Division I team in the SEC, the VandyBoys are an extremely competitive team. Just a few of their many successes include five College World Series appearances and two National Championships.

I – Immersion Vanderbilt

Immersion Vanderbilt is a graduation requirement that encourages experiential learning, curiosity, and exploration. The four pillars of Immersion are experience, reflect, ideate, and create. Each student must choose to fulfill their Immersion requirement through one of the following: civic/professional development, creative expression, international experience, or research.

J – James Patterson

Did you know that James Patterson received his master’s degree in English from Vanderbilt? Patterson is a popular author especially known for his novels in the suspense-thriller/mystery genre. James Patterson has sold over 230 million books worldwide, and he has earned his spot as one of the wealthiest authors of all time.

K – Kissam

Kissam Center, conveniently located adjacent to Warren & Moore College Halls, has everything a college student could possibly need: a Munchie Mart, a dining hall, seating areas, seminar rooms, event spaces, and more! Kissam Kitchen is a campus-wide favorite for their açai bowls and made-to-order Kissam bowls.

L – Libraries

The Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries offer nine locations across campus including Central Library, Eskind Biomedical Library, Peabody Library, Stevenson Library for Science and Engineering, and more. Central Library even has a Suzie’s Cafe, making it one of the favorite locales on campus. If you’re ever looking for a quiet place where you’ll undoubtedly be productive, the libraries are perfect for you!

M – Mr. C

Mr. C (short for Mr. Commodore) is our beloved mascot here at Vanderbilt. Ranked among the Top 3 “Sexiest College Mascots in America” according to a survey conducted by QualityLogoProducts, Mr. C is most certainly a fan favorite!

N – NashVegas

As we all know, Vanderbilt is located in the dynamic city of Nashville, Tennessee. Nashville, more lovingly called “NashVegas” by our students, offers endless opportunities for restaurants, shopping, live music, fun, and so much more. Especially on the weekends, NashVegas is a non-stop party!

O – OHARE (Office of Housing and Residential Experience)

With the residential experience as an integral part of life at Vanderbilt, OHARE works to ensure that our living communities are inclusive, comfortable, safe, and enjoyable. Whether you’re living on the Commons, in a Residential College, or part of a Living Learning Community (LLC), OHARE is behind the scenes to create a smooth housing process.

P – Peabody

Peabody College is Vanderbilt’s School of Education, which is actually ranked #1 in the country! The Peabody campus is located right next to Commons, so the Peabody Esplanade is a great spot to set out a picnic blanket and enjoy the sun with friends. One of the most famous buildings on campus, Wyatt Center (the building with the dome) is a beautiful, picture-perfect addition to campus.

Q – Quarter-Zip

The quarter-zip is one of the most popular articles of clothing sported on Vanderbilt’s campus. With a preppy vibe and an athletic twist, quarter-zips are comfortable while still maintaining the air of “Southern Charm.” Every Vanderbilt student owns at least one quarter-zip with the school logo… sorry, I don’t make the rules.

R – Rand

Rand is a dining hall attached to Sarratt Student Center, right at the heart of Main Campus. Although Rand is only open for breakfast and lunch on weekdays, there are many food options to choose from. Chicken Shack, Fresh Mex, Randwiches, Mongolian Grill, 2301… the choice lies in your hands now.

S – Stevenson Center

Stevenson Center (which houses STEM classrooms, offices, research labs, and a library) is widely regarded as the most confusing building on Vanderbilt’s campus. I don’t know who decided how to number the different buildings within the center, but inexperienced souls who wander into this labyrinth get easily lost and might never emerge.

T – Todd Chemistry

from @vandfirmations on Instagram, 2021

I personally think Dr. Todd is a gem, but her class is no joke. Gen Chem is notoriously hard at Vanderbilt, and students all across campus dread the prospect of tackling this course.

U – UCC (University Counseling Center)

As the main center for mental health care on campus, the UCC offers both drop-in hours and scheduled appointments. If you’ve never worked with the UCC before, it’s important to first schedule an appointment with the OSCC (Office of Student Care Coordination).

V – VUceptor

The VUcept program is a mentorship organization that matches each incoming first-year student to a faculty VUceptor, a student VUceptor, and a Visions group. This program serves to introduce new Commodores to the Vanderbilt community and help them through the transition from life at home to college.

W – Wond’ry

The Wond’ry is Vanderbilt’s Center for Innovation, located in the ESB (Engineering and Sciences Building). The Wond’ry offers a variety of different makerspaces with resources such as 3D-printing, virtual reality labs, workshops, and more that allow creativity to come to life. If you have an idea, the Wond’ry will help you make it a tangible reality.

X – Xfinity On Campus

Xfinity On Campus is available through OHARE, allowing students to stream live TV, watch on demand, and even access HBO Max. Just log into Xfinity using their “On Campus Students” sign-in portal, and you’re good to go!

Y – YikYak

YikYak is an extremely popular mobile app that allows people to make posts that are seen within the local area (usually within a radius of five miles). YikYak is even more prevalent on college campuses, as students can anonymously discuss the news, gossip, and other happenings around campus. Vandy YikYak is no exception, and our ‘Dores always have some type of buzz going on.

Z – Zeppos Tower

Named after former chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos, Zeppos Tower is a famous landmark part of the Zeppos Residential College. The tower is easy to spot all across West End, almost serving as a lighthouse that guides our students back home. Although undergraduate students don’t have access to Zeppos Tower, seeing the view from the top is on every Vandy student’s bucket list.

The Valentine’s Day Prediction Machine 3000

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A normal day for some, a doomsday for others, and the only memorable part about February (other than the thing that happens every four years)—Valentine’s Day!

With my extensive experience, in love, I have formulated and developed a 100% accurate, cruelty-free, artificially made with no preservatives, prediction machine for your Valentine’s Day!

After some quick and fun questions, you will be presented with your results (including a hand-drawn photo from your favorite person, of course). (Please take the quiz [multiple times, preferably] I worked very hard to draw those results :3) <- ᵗʰᵃⁿᵏˢ, ᴵ ʰᵒᵖᵉ ʸᵒᵘ ᵃʳᵉⁿ’ᵗ ᵈᶦˢᵃᵖᵖᵒᶦⁿᵗᵉᵈ

[viralQuiz id=39]

MCL Top 5 Reasons I Don’t Need to Work on my Essay Right Now

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As we enter the fourth week of the semester, there is an obvious change in the air. A new season is coming, and don’t mean spring (a rodent in Pennsylvania declared we’ll have to wait a bit longer for that). I’m talking about essay season. That’s right: now that the shopping period has ended and we’re stuck in the classes we’ve picked, it’s time to learn what our actual workload will be for the next few months. But as I (like many of you) get an essay assigned in every class over the course of just one week, I find it helpful to remember that life is about more than just schoolwork. That is why I present to you the MCL Top 5 reasons I don’t need to work on my essay right now.

1. It’s not due tomorrow

Due dates can make a huge difference. It would be ridiculous to waste my time today if I could work on it tomorrow. Who cares if it’s 10 pages long and I haven’t technically “started” yet. If my professor actually wanted me to work on it tonight, why would he have made it due on Friday?

2. It’s so nice out today

These really nice days are few and far between. I would hate to miss the opportunity to get some fresh air and sunlight. What if it’s cold or rainy tomorrow, and I can’t go outside? That’s just not a risk I’m willing to take. Who knows: maybe going outside will make me better focused and more productive when I come back in to write my essay.

3. This class is just for AXLE credit

So what if I don’t do well in this class? I’m only taking it to fill an HCA credit anyways. I won’t need to know any of this for my career. I just need to get a passing grade, so I can move onto the subjects I actually care about.

4. I deserve a break

That’s right. I do deserve a break. I’ve been working really hard, and I should reward myself for it. It doesn’t matter that I just got off my last break. I’m a hardworking and amazing student. I have earned some downtime and maybe even a quick, three-hour nap. Yay me!

5. Will this essay really matter in 10 years?

Well . . . will it? I don’t think so. In a decade, I’m not going to be sitting around thinking about how I should have written that one essay a day earlier. Odds are that I won’t even remember this essay by next semester, let alone much later in life. If that’s the case then I shouldn’t stress out about this essay at all. I will write it when I choose to write it, and that’s okay.

CommonsCast Episode 94-February 9, 2022

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On this episode Dean Gresalfi discusses the value of saying “hello”, Elizabeth delivers the Commons Calendar of upcoming events, and Richard has an important and informative interview with Carolyn Floyd, Director of the Office of Immersion Resources at Vanderbilt.

MCL Top 5: Hidden Study Spots

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Studying with friends can be fun…but during times where all you need is to isolate and cram your 8 chapters of material the day before the exam, I have the perfect spot for you! We have all experienced the full Stevenson and Central libraries during midterm and final exam season. Through this guide, you’ll be able to find a place with at most 2-5 people accompanied by silence.

5. Hank Library

Now, the ability to take advantage of this study spot is narrow as it is only available for freshman. Hurry while you can still scan into the freshmen dorms! Among all dorms on Commons, Hank has the largest library collection consisting of more than a measly 15 books (sorry North). In addition to the adorable mini-library collection, there are a few sofas, tables, and chairs that you can pick or move around in while you’re desperately cramming for tomorrow’s exam!

4. Peabody Library Bottom Floor

Another great option for freshmen to take advantage of during their first year on Commons! Although Central and Stevenson Library are famous study study, the most underrated library to study is definitely Peabody Library. While I may not be a huge fun of the upstairs study rooms either, I have to ask you all try to the very last floor of this library. Here, you are not only offered round table desks, but also conference rooms with white boards! What a steal.

3. Digital Center for Humanities

The perfect combination of new, old, and technology! This is the building for digital center for humanities where they explore the intersection of technology and humanities research. Alongside from admiring the beautiful architecture, you will find a small, humble library with a few study chairs here and there. Right next to the University School of Nashville, you will find small children running around the playground and reminisce about your childhood, too!

2. Wyatt Library

Through these doors, you will find the modern section of the Wyatt Center where there is a small library with colorful, comfortable bean bags and a few round tables. The highlight of this place is that because the Wyatt Center is almost impossible to navigate, this hasn’t become a popular spot for most students. While I may be biased as a double major in Peabody, I have to say this study spot makes me feel most at home.

1. HOD Building Top Floor

If you’re looking for a really discrete location where you get through a few sketchy-seeming places to find this study spot, then this one’s for you. All you have to do is to walk over to 6 Magnolia Circle, take the elevator to the highest level, and get a right turn after you get off! When I tell you barely any people study here except like 1-2 people, I genuinely mean it. It can almost get a little scary. However, if you need no distractions and time away from people, then make sure to give this study spot a try!

MCL News Minute-February 9, 2022

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Tait delivers the details on events you need to know about that are coming up this week, including events sponsored by the Margaret Cuninggim Women’s Center during Sex Ed and Healthy Relationships Week and by the Black Cultural Center to honor Black History Month. 

MCL Top 5: Asian Restaurants on Explore Nashville

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Good Asian food in Tennessee? Is that even something to hope for? Turns out, it is possible! In fact, it even comes at free external cost. A unique part of Vanderbilt’s mandatory meal plan for all freshman is our Taste of Nashville program. While the list of restaurants on the Taste of Nashville program is extensive, this post will guide you in your search for the best Asian restaurants around campus.

5. Shokku Ramen

Good ramen is always a classic. Whenever you have a craving for ramen, it can be satiated at Shokku Ramen. With their build your own ramen option, you get to choose your own broth, meat, toppings, and level of spice. The spice level ranges all the way from “I’ll pass” to “Shinigami” (death god). I usually go for “Just right” as someone with a low spice tolerance. This is perfect for picky eaters as it gives every individual a one of a kind, personalized experience every time the walk into the restaurant. It’s always exciting to see the variety of ramen combinations my friends and I order.

4. Banh Mi’s Boba

Banh Mi is one of the only nearby Vietnamese restaurants that is on Taste of Nashville. The highlight of this Vietnamese place lies in their boba tea! Although often overlooked because of their amazing selection of banh mi sandwiches and spring rolls, Banh Mi also offers the best boba you can find using your meal plan. Their version of the brown sugar boba is the Wild Tiger Boba that includes warm, caramelized boba and fresh milk. Whenever you feel the need to have boba on random Tuesday nights, you can make your way down to Banh Mi. Beware, for they close fairly early at 8PM.

3. Satay

Grubhubbing Satay on Saturday nights is a weekly tradition that cannot be easily broken. This Thai restaurant has a wide selection of fried rice, stir fried noodle, grilled meat and rice, and noodle soup! Especially during Vanderbilt’s freezing winters, when you get too lazy to walk all the way through main campus, grubhubbing Satay for dinner is always a solid choice. The highlight of Satay would be the spring roll or salad service they provide with main dishes!

2. Sitar

For this Indian restaurant, I highly recommend going in-person to get the complete, immersive experience! This place had the best service with full attention given to the diners, constantly checking in to see if everything was all right. Starting with the appetizers, Sitar set the bar high with the chutney and papadum (lentil crackers). You have the option to choose house combinations (similar to family style options) where you and your friends can share tandoori chicken, shrimp, curry, butter naan, and white rice. Their portion sizes are far too generous and the variety of foods you can get from ordering the set menus are simply incomparable to any other restaurant!

1. Meet Noodles

Meet, Noodles! He is always down to go on fun adventures, comforting in times of need, and just overall a really dependable guy. This Chinese noodle restaurant allows you build your own bowl where you can experiment with different base soups, noodles, and toppings. The highlight of this restaurant is the different kinds of noodle options that they provide: Chong Qing noodles, sliced noodles, sweet potato noodles, and rice noodles. A bowl of these noodles can clear up any of your covid-like symptoms and keep you going for the rest of the week!