Archives for October 2022

It’s officially that time of year:  midterm stress, overflowing sums of homework, and sleep deprivation. While the late October academic slump might seem unavoidable… here are a few ways to overcome it.

5) Go on a walk

Not only are walks a great way to clear your mind, Vanderbilt’s campus is absolutely beautiful in the fall. For your next study session, take a break by going on a fifteen to twenty minute walk around Commons.

4) Find a new restaurant/cafe near campus

Explore the area around Vanderbilt and treat yourself to some coffee, ice cream, pizza, whatever you feel like.

3) Workout with a friend.

Working out reaps several benefits when dealing with stress. Maybe hit the rec center and try out the treadmill. Play frisbee on Wyatt lawn with your roommate. Whatever physical activity you decide on, it’s important to get up and get active!

2) Switch up your study spot.

if your’e one who routinely studies in the same spot, allow yourself to venture into a new territory. Seriously, a new environment can stimulate thinking and increase productivity.

1. Get some sleep!!!

If you find yourself studying in Stevenson until 2 AM every night and barely getting sleep, it’s time to change your study/sleeping habits. Your current method is simply not sustainable. Getting sleep helps you not only retain information but also improves your mood. Close the textbook and head to bed.

There are so many amazing opportunities to hear live music in Nashville; the title of music city is truly well deserved. Below is a list of my top 5 takeaways from the concerts I’ve been to in my first few months at Vanderbilt! 

1. Trying different venues

While there is nothing quite like belting the lyrics to “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers alongside thousands of other fans in the Bridgestone area, there’s also something special about the atmosphere at small concerts, for example, at the Basement East where Charlie Burg played this past Monday. The Bridgestone arena can seat up to 20,000 people whereas some of the smaller venues can only accommodate about 400. The experience will be different at a small concert where you can clearly see the artist on the stage compared to a large venue which can utilize a variety of fun special effects like confetti and lights, and there’s value in trying both! 

2. Making a timely exit

Leaving a concert during the last song, if you’re up for it, is a great way to ensure a timely return to campus. It can be a good idea to call the Uber before you have even exited the building! When I went to see The Killers my friends and I stayed through the last song then called the Uber once we were outside and we had to wait almost an hour for it to arrive! When Pitbull had a concert at Bridgestone we left about one minute before the last song ended and made it back to the dorms by 11:30 p.m., in time for one of my friends to finish a homework assignment tragically due at 11:59 that night. 

3. Take advantage of free concerts and Vanderbilt events

So far this semester Vanderbilt has had a few artists perform on campus, including Flo Milli and Two Friends, and tickets for these concerts are usually cheaper than ones off campus. The audience is always full of the familiar faces of fellow Vanderbilt students, which is fun! In addition, Nashville has some free options to see live music, including the annual music festival Live on the Green and the live music that can always be heard on a walk through Centennial Park or down Broadway. 

4. Making the most of your seats

I sat in Section 333, row P when my friends and I went to the Killers concert, which is pretty much as far away from the stage as you can get. But the concert was still amazing! The energy from the crowd was incredible and the large projection screens, special effects, and many dippin dots stands that the Bridgestone arena had to offer ensured an unforgettable night despite our less than great seats. 

5. “Live life, don’t let life live you” 

Pitbull was not shy about sharing advice with the crowd at his concert on October 9th. One saying that stood out was “Live life, don’t let life live you.” This statement might seem nonsensical at first, but upon further reflection, it’s clear that these are wise words from Pitbull … My takeaway was that as hectic as college can get, it’s important to keep living life, whether that means going to a concert every once and a while or just taking a scenic walk around Nashville to hear some live music.