Archives for March 2022

Let’s say you find yourself lost in the Big Apple during spring break. In fact, you end up missing your home Vanderbilt, terribly, terribly bad. How do you end up finding bits of your next four in the City that Never Sleeps? Look no further. This will be your guide in finding (superior) substitutes of restaurants that you often enjoyed back in Nashville.

5. Xi’an Famous Foods (Satay)

This absolutely delicious plate of spicy Chinese noodles from Xi’an Famous Foods instantly brought me back to my first time trying Drunken Noodles from Satay. Both of these dishes have wide-glass noodles with varying levels of spices, making this experience one that is personable and tailored to every person’s taste. This restaurant does Asian food especially well with a touch of authentic Chinese food that is bound to well up tears for those who missed their mother’s cooking.

4. Banter (Anzie Blue)

No other restaurant came close in doing Brunch as perfectly as Banter did. With a wonderful selection of dishes to choose from, even the aroma of their coffee was simply a dream. Furthermore, I may even go as far to say the prices were far more manageable for an incredible brunch place with great service. Their signature sourdough bread that compliments almost every dish they serve is truly worthy of your experience in New York City. After doing so, you can take a stroll in Washington Square Park and visit NYU. It’ll be as though you’re walking through Alumni Lawn and back at Vanderbilt all over again!

3. Yi Fan (Banh Mi)

Your New York experience as a college student obsessed with boba couldn’t be complete without a stop by Yi Fan in Chinatown. This will perfectly emulate (or even surpass) your weekly runs to Banh Mi for boba, especially for the Brown Sugar/Tiger Boba experience. It must be noted that the level of boba that was upheld in Yi Fan was superior with a perfect level of chewy and size that cannot be easily forgotten. As the standard for boba has been a low bar for most Nashville students, I can only hope that it can be elevated after their visit to New York.

2. Los Tacos No. 1 (Nada)

Now, this absolutely mind-blowing experience at Los Tacos No. 1 at Chelsea Market for a far cheaper price that what you will see at Nada cannot be easily beaten. The never-ending line that you must first encounter only attests to the superb quality and execution of simple tacos that this place promises as the “number one tacos”. This is a well-deserved name as the freshness of the salsa and guacamole compliments the corn tortilla and carnitas of your choice.

1. Ichiran Ramen (Shokku Ramen)

Nothing comes near the simply divine bowl of heaven that is located heart of New York, Times Square. If you wanted to find a good ramen place like Shokku Ramen in New York, your first stop should be Ichiran Ramen. Not only is this menu very personable like the one Shokku Ramen offers, but also the level of execution and service is simply leagues above any other ramen shops. Diners are placed in their own little booth and minimal interaction is necessary with the server as there is a sheet of bamboo that is placed in front! Perfect for those who would like to be left alone in peace to enjoy their bowl of ramen.

Hey ‘Dores! It’s t-minus 4 days until the start of spring break. While some of us may have trips planned with friends or going back home, this is a helpful guide for every Vanderbilt student no matter where they are. As we are almost mid-way through the semester, this guide will help you de-stress in preparation for the more and more stressful weeks to come forth.

5. Go Cherry Blossom Sight Seeing

For students who are staying on-campus, take advantage of the cherry blossoms that are happening all around campus! While there are some near the Hank Circle on Commons, you should tread on over to the Student Life Center to get the full, immersive experience. The timing to see these trees are rare, so make haste and hurry on over to see them in full bloom. However, for those of you who live in places where you do not get to celebrate all four seasons, especially spring, I highly encourage you to take a look at these before you head back home. If you want to take it a step further, you could also drive a few hours to the nearest state famous for their cherry blossoms.

4. Watch a Movie at a Theater

Wear a mask! COVID-19 regulations aside, I personally vouch that going in-person to a theater will always beat watching a movie on an online platform. It brings alive the experience of not only watching a movie for the first time, but also the accompaniment of caramel popcorn and cola! While we’re still on the month of Valentine’s Day, it’s never too late to ask your love interest out to a chill, movie night. This may be the beginning of your situationship.

3. Don’t Neglect the Inevitable

Yes…I said it. You should study over spring break. Now, I’m not saying you should be making your 20-page study guide in advance for your upcoming CS exam. I’m simply suggesting that you are completely caught up on the “required” readings that the professor briefly mentioned would be fair game for the exam after spring break. If you’re on campus and find that your next door neighbor happens to be in the same class, definitely knock on their door and ask to share notes! If you want to take it a step further, ask them out to a little study date.

2. Read Up

Now, this is a little different from what I recommended right above. This is the time to satisfy your inner nerd that once drove you to succeed in everything you do. Pick up that book that you momentarily thought about packing up and bringing to campus. If you did bring that book and haven’t touched it since the first day of your move-in, take that book for a nice walk and find a nice patch of grass.

1. SLEEP

Look me in the eye and tell me you got at least 8 hours of sleep every night. Oh what? You can’t. Perfect! Take this wonderful opportunity to actually get into bed by midnight and rest your eyes without constantly refreshing your email or TikTok For You page. I’m sure everyone has learned this in their general psychology class at one point, but let me reiterate. You cannot make up for lost sleep! Do not find yourself in a sleep debt. It’ll become a vigorous cycle.