My Commons Life

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

Archives for August 2022

MCL Top 5: Embarrassing Things To Do as a First-Year

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Since we all experienced the whole move in process just recently, what would be a better Top 5 than embarrassing things we all did or are afraid to do. So to kick off the second week, let’s all dive into this week’s top 5!

5. Getting lost on campus: I mean I understand that campus is huge…but being that guy is terrifying. Also, google maps tends to load very slowly and fails people every time. My parents and I were literally driving around campus for like 20 minutes and we passed my dorm like 10 times. Honestly, I blame the fact that most buildings don’t have names on them, it’s just…bricks y’know. 

4. Forget someone’s name over and over again: I literally met so many people it’s not even funny. What’s also not funny is me forgetting that I had already met one person or forgot their name. That’s that early onset alzheimers like I just do not understand. 

3. Using a fake id: You’re so silly. Most places don’t even take it anyways. Please save your bread. It’s even more embarrassing to get caught with it. I’d laugh. 

2. Going down the elevator without your phone: AHAHAHAHA! This one right here, oh my goodness. The elevators will only allow you to go down NOT up (at least I am about 75% sure). Don’t even bother trying to use the stairs because you will get trapped lol. I mean just keep knocking on the door and pray that someone walks past. Literally your phone is your life source. You need it for meal swipes, to enter your building, elevators, stair access, etc. Just do yourself a favor and handle it with care. 

1. Losing your key: Everyone’s worst fear. Imagine having to pay $75…could not be me. Worst feeling ever, adding onto your 80k debt. Personally I wouldn’t be able to sleep…I mean you wouldn’t be able to get into your dorm anyways. Also your RA’s will probably highly dislike you. 

Well that’s all that I have for this week. Enjoy, make friends, go lay in the green grass! Try to stay safe and not homeless, hang on to your keys. Lastly, congrats class of 2026!!! Anchor Down baby! ;D

MCL Top 5: Coffee Places I’ve Tried in my Few Weeks at Vanderbilt

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In my first week at Vanderbilt I’ve had a lot of coffee. Every day has been action packed; I find myself walking miles back and forth across campus, waking up at 7 AM to light streaming through my blinds (note to self: order light blocking curtains!), and meeting so many great new people. In the name of making it through, I’ve allowed myself to indulge in a little caffeine every day. For this top 5, I’ve ranked all of the coffee places I have tried in my first two weeks at Vanderbilt! I still haven’t even tried a Susie’s cafe, so this is by no means a definitive list of the best options near Vanderbilt. 

  1. Osa Coffee Roasters 

While Osa Coffee Roasters is located about two blocks outside of campus, it’s still less than a ten minute walk from Commons, making it a convenient option for first years! This coffee shop is super cute; customers wait outside to order from a window while employees make the coffee inside the small establishment. I got an iced latte with oat milk and an extra shot of espresso and it was the perfect way to start my day. 

  1. Coffee from Rand

I’m the kind of person who only drinks iced coffee, rain or shine, sun or snow, so I wasn’t sure if I’d enjoy the dining hall options since they only offer hot coffee. But during my first week I saw upperclassmen make iced coffee by filling a plastic cup with ice, adding some hot coffee and then finishing it off with some syrup or milk. I don’t know much about the proper coffee making technique, but I’ve found that this method works pretty well! Coffee from Rand ranks pretty highly for me because it’s included with a meal swipe.

  1. Dunkin’

There are no Dunkin’s where I’m from in California so I was excited to try this popular chain once arriving in Nashville! I was pleasantly surprised by the sizes of the coffee cups… every time I’ve been (only twice so far), I’ve ordered a small and been handed a cup that would be a large at Starbucks. Not sure if both times it was an error but I’m happy to be paying less for more coffee! Dunkin’ also gets bonus points from me because they’ve already rolled out their fall specials, so I’ve been able to try their iced pumpkin spice latte. Sorry not sorry. 

  1. Fido

Someone told me that Fido is one of Taylor Swift’s favorite coffee shops in Nashville and while I haven’t checked for a credible source to back it up I’m choosing to believe that it’s true. When I went on a Wednesday morning it was busy but I was able to find a seat by the window where I could sip my iced latte and enjoy a view of the fun shops and public art displays on the street. 

  1. The Frothy Monkey Coffeehouse 

My first morning in Nashville I went with my family to the Frothy Monkey Coffeehouse on 12th Ave South. Since it’s located about 2 miles away from campus I probably won’t be able to go back anytime soon, which is why this coffeehouse is rated lower. The Frothy Monkey offers a sit down breakfast menu as well as a bakery with to-go options. The breakfast and coffee were delicious and I’ll be sure to make my way back to 12 south before I head home to try some of their signature lattes like the “Golden Monkey” or the “Hummingbird.”

CommonsCast Episode 106-August 31, 2022

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On this episode of the podcast MCL’s own Linda hosts Q&A with Dean Gresalfi, Santana delivers the details on events coming up this week in the Commons Calendar, and Daniela sits down with Abigail Kwon, a first-year student from Los Angeles who lives in Gillette and plans on majoring in Secondary Education. 

MCL News Minute-August 24, 2022

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Welcome to Vandy, to the Commons, and to MyCommons Life! Abbey delivers this MCL News Minute for your first week on campus, with details on events you should know about. She covers the Student Involvement Fair, a Writing Studio open house, and FREE cookies at the Dean’s residence.

CommonsCast Episode 105-August 24, 2022

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It’s a new season of the CommonsCast, the official podcast of the Ingram Commons at Vanderbilt University.  This episode features Q&A with Dean Melissa Gresalfi and first-year student Anya, the weekly events Commons Calendar presented by new student Alice, and Esme interviewing her fellow Human of the Commons Santana.

MCL Top 5 Essential Items to Ease Freshman Vandy Life

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Happy first day of the 2022-23 school year!!!  To all the new students on campus this year, welcome! While move-in and orientation may have been a tad stressful, my hope is that this list of essentials will help ease your nerves about the upcoming school year and make your life a bit easier at Vandy.

  1. Commodore Card

First thing’s first, the Commodore Card is your Vanderbilt student ID. This is required for entrance to all residence halls and most buildings and elevators. It will also give you admission to sporting events and the Rec Center. Most importantly, the Commodore Card is where your meal plan money and Commodore Cash is stored. One meal plan swipe will allow you to eat any on-campus dining hall and even some participating locations around campus. Depending on the dining hall, dining options range from buffet-style to entree and side meals. Commodore Cash can be used in the Vandy bookstore and at all on-campus printers (printers can only be used with Commodore Cash). Keep this card in a safe place because replacement cards will cost you $25. The most convenient way to carry your card is on your phone. Download the Get app by following the instructions found under Card Services and you will be able to access your card, check balances, and replenish funds through the app.

  1. Room Key

Next up, your room key. Always remember to lock your door when you leave your room. Your key is the only way to get into your room so keep it with you at all times. It is recommended that you carry your room key separate from your Commodore Card for safety. If you lose your key, you will be fined a $75 replacement fee to change the locks on your door as well.

  1. Proper Apparel

Vandy is a super walkable campus so good walking shoes are a must. It is very green in Nashville which means rain! Having a go-to rain jacket or umbrella will make your life exponentially easier. Also, you can find a complimentary Vandy umbrella in the backpacks found in your rooms. The sun shines big and bright so, if you’d like, sunglasses and hats can not only be a fantastic fashion statement but also help protect you from UV rays.

  1. Water Bottle

It can get hot hot hot and with all the walking we do on campus, another essential is a reusable water bottle. Staying hydrated is made easy with plenty of water fountains located all around campus. The Hydrodore is a water-delivery service students can subscribe to that delivers fresh water to students’ dorms. For more info about Hydrodore subscriptions, visit hydrodore.org.

  1. Bug Spray

With optimal conditions for mosquitoes to breed, high humidity, standing puddles of water, and lots of trees for shade, Nashville, Tennessee is one of the top cities with mosquito problems in the United States. If you are like me and mosquitoes love feasting on you, bug spray will quickly become your best friend. If you are one of the lucky few who have not been bothered by these pesky bugs, having some bug spray handy is a great way to make new friends.

Hope this list eases some anxieties as classes begin. Stay tuned for more MCL Top 5’s and don’t forget to anchor down!