News & features about the Vanderbilt Commons from the students who live here
Dean Melissa Gresalfi previews the Commons Ball, Richard delivers the weekly calendar of events and then sits down for a great interview with Aman Thakur, a first-year student from New Delhi, India studying Computer Science
Life on campus following Spring Break has been hectic. I’ve been swamped with papers and tests, classes need to be picked for the fall, and many organizations are trying to cram in one or two more big events before the school year ends. So while I am in the midst of figuring out how I am going to make it through the final few weeks of this year, I also have to figure out where I am going to live next year.
The answer to this seems easy: I will be living on campus (whether I like it or not). I knew there would be a residential requirement when I chose this school, but I was also told there were lots of options following my first year. Most of you have probably figured out by now that claim was misleading (at best).
For almost a month, OHARE has been running the main housing assignment process for suites, apartments, and dorms which means that much of the Class of 2025 has been receiving weekly bad news since Spring break ended. While there were a few lucky ones who got 3-person apartments, no rising Sophomores got a 4 person suite, 2 person apartment, or a single room, yet we were told that we should go through those processes anyways.
But why? Rising Seniors and Juniors get first pick in each of the processes anyways, so why not let all them pick at once like they do with classes? We won’t get the best rooms regardless of how many small steps the process is broken into; at least this structure could save us a month of torment, of belief we have a chance to get the room we want, of hope we’ll get a real choice in where we live next year. If we won’t actually have a great selection of rooms available for our choosing, at least respect us enough to show us an accurate picture of what is up for grabs.
This week, the process finally comes to an end as the last category of rooms will be picked: the dreaded doubles. We all tried to avoid getting stuck here, but now we’re scouring the floor plans trying – with irrational optimism – to find that one double-in-the-rough that may be left over in the upperclassmen’s table scraps. We all know this probably won’t end much better than previous attempts, but at least this will be over soon.
See y’all in Branscomb next year!
Sincerely,
A Homeless Sophomore
In case you missed the premiere of the Vandy Vanity fashion show, I have you covered with my five (technically seven) favorite looks. And let me tell you, they all fit the theme of Our Heavenly Bodies to a T!
Here bringing you all the sass is the model off-center. This attire is perfect for a night out in style. Also, we see you homegirl in the back! The draped top is the cherry on top of any vacation destination. Or one could keep it classy right at home.
Leave a crowd awestruck with this stellar uniform! From the shoes on up, one could literally steal the night, the stars in the night sky becoming the canvas on which one would wear. While having a fantastic pajama-wear aesthetic, a fit like this can also rule the day with confidence.
Starting with the model upfront, we have the perfect apparel for both autumn and spring. The detailed crop top adds a dose of elegance, and with styled pants like these, you cannot help but feel bold and confident. The model in the back may be blurry, but the fit is nonetheless stunning! You cannot go wrong with a fierce tutu, and along with rocking some heels, one is sure to turn some heads.
This beige outfit is one for the books! Each intricate detail contributes to this exquisite look that is—ah!—to die for! Even in just one shade, one can rest assured not to be forgettable wearing this, making it perfect for practically any event.
The final outfit that finishes first is a striking look that gets even better in a pair. The twin models and their masterful pose exhibits how versatile the dress is. One could attend a formal or go about a casual day knowing precisely what it feels like to be ethereal.
And that concludes my top five fashion fits from the Vandy Vanity showcase! For more information about the fashion show (and, hopefully, more to come) check out their Instagram @thevandyvanity
(P.S. Vandy Vanity was founded by a fellow first-year, Qwynn Foster! The fashion show was just a 1-minute walk from home, being located on Wyatt Lawn. Now that is what I call the Commons Experience!)
Dean Gresalfi talks about your summer plans, Elizabeth delivers the weekly Commons Calendar of events, and Richard sits down for a great interview with Musab Nuh, a first year student from St. Cloud, Minnesota studying Cellular and Molecular Biology.
Devin has the details on events coming up on campus this week that you won’t want to miss, including Harambee 2022, TNC’s Big Ask Show, and a Great Gatsby themed party on Wyatt Lawn.
Taking care of Earth does not have to be complicated. Maria and Stephan talk about ways you can get involved and review Vanderbilt’s sustainability initiatives.
It may be hard to believe, but we only have one month left in our Freshman Year. Whether it feels like the clock is ticking down too quickly or not quickly enough, one thing is for certain: the end is near. So with the year coming to a close, here are the MCL Top 5 things you should do before the school year comes to an end.
5. Go to a House Event
When your house has an event every week, it can be easy to take it for granted; however, house events are an experience unique to residential colleges. While some of you many have managed to get into a res college next year, these next few weeks may be our last chances to go to a house event for a while. Especially with some houses doing big end-of-the-year events, this is the perfect time to take a break and enjoy some food in the company of your housemates.
4. Plan Your Classes Longterm
This one may not sound as fun as the others on this list, but it is a MUST DO before the school year comes to a close. This year, class registration was a whirlwind. Between getting used to life in college and being the last to pick our classes, just getting enough classes to reach the 12 credit hour minimum was a feat worth celebrating. Many of us did not even know what our majors would be: of course scheduling was going to be a struggle. But now, much of that has changed. Most of us have settled into our (tentative) majors, and we are no longer at the bottom of the totem pole in class selection. This is the perfect time to figure out not only which classes you will take in the fall, but also future semesters. This may seem daunting, but if you are in the major that is truly right for you, looking at your future classes will make you look forward to the future, not dread it.
3. Take a Walk
I have said it before and I will say it again: we live on a beautiful campus. Now that the weather is getting really nice, it is a perfect time to get outside and appreciate your surroundings. When most of us leave in May, we will not get to see these grounds again until August. Enjoy campus while you are still here.
2. Use Your Meal Money
Use it or lose it. Meal Money resets at the end of the year, so make sure to use it all up. Try something new, or go to Jeni’s for the 100th time: it does not matter. Whatever it is that you like to eat, treat yourself. Just make sure to enjoy your time and get some good meals.
1. Do that one last thing
We all have that one thing we have been telling ourselves we should do. This one will be different for each of us. It could mean finally going to a baseball game or the meeting of a certain club. It could be a personal goal that you keep putting off. It does not have to be something big. For me, it was lying outside in a hammock. For a few months now, I have owned a hammock, and I kept telling myself I would put it up and lie in it one day. Last week I finally did it, and it felt amazing. Whatever your “hammock” is, go for it.
Hey, y’all! Today I felt inspired to write a few short satirical pieces about some recent experiences I have had at Vanderbilt.
Dear Diary,
Entering Calculus class this morning—9am sharp—left a bitter taste in my mouth. I couldn’t tell if it was the usual morning breath or a feeling inside that confirmed the evident dislike I had developed for mathematics. Whatever it was, I knew I couldn’t focus on the lecture yet again. Instead, I doodled on my iPad in the margin lines of my notes whenever the professor stopped writing down equations.
Actually, let’s talk about that for a second. Is it just me or do all good mathematicians write at breakneck speeds? Maybe they have already solved the problem in their heads, and they write so fast as to keep the image of the solution fresh. It would make sense now that I think about it.
Anyway, I have been meaning to attend my professor’s office hours these days, but I have always backed down at the thought of being humiliated for having such little understanding of the content. Practice makes perfect, they say. Though whenever I try to make Calc a priority, I never end up working on as many problems as I should.
Sorry Calculus. After all, I am just an English major visiting.
Signed,
Anonymous
Dear Diary,
I decided to go for a Randwich today after Spanish class. Yes, I was brave enough to wait out that long line from rush hour. Oh, and guess who was in front of me while I was waiting?
Someone from Visions. I wanted to say hi to them, but they seemed pretty occupied with their phone. It wasn’t until we split paths for ordering that they looked to the side and waved at me. I had to smile a little at the innocence of it all. But before I could contemplate the interaction any longer, I was asked, “What are you having?” for the third time (possibly fourth).
I went with the usual: hoagie roll, turkey and bacon (not to be confused with turkey bacon), and cheddar cheese. When it came time for the toppings, I always kept it simple—just lettuce.
And honey mustard. Definitely cannot forget honey mustard. I could have sworn I told them honey mustard…but when they dabbed a green paste on my sandwich, I assumed I said otherwise. Technically, I had time to double-check that they had the right sauce in hand, but I know how hard the campus dining staff work. I didn’t want to be another headache.
On my first bite, I tasted the pesto. I ended up skipping lunch for the day.
Signed,
Mystery
Dear Diary,
Confession time.
I went to the basketball game today, and I went alone because all my friends were busy. It was a busy Saturday for me too, so I already knew I would not stay the entire game.
Well, it turns out that this basketball game had a jersey giveaway. What? No, of course I did not make the sole purpose of me going to the game about a shirt that was, frankly, three times my size…
Look, I know I was not the only one, okay? Plus, I deserve this jersey! I was in need of a collectible.
#SorryNotSorry
Signed,
Some Hank Resident
Dean Gresalfi discusses, and extends an invitation to, an upcoming Dean’s Dinner at her residence, Tait details events coming up this week in the Commons Calendar, and Richard sits down for a fun interview with Watermelon Song, a first year student from Beijing, China studying Cinema and Media Arts
Devin delivers the info you need about events coming up on campus this week, including Vandy Tap That showcase, Our Heavenly Bodies Fashion Show, and the InVUsion celebration of international cultures.