My Commons Life

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

Archives for February 2023

MCL Top 5: Reasons Why Spring Semester is Harder than Fall

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When returning to Vanderbilt after Christmas break, I thought only I noticed that the air felt different here. Turns out many students and faculty agree that spring semester is much harder than fall semester. Let’s explore my theories as to why…

#1: The Tours

With spring semester, comes all the new high school seniors that were accepted to Vanderbilt. Wait, that was just me? Something about the tours of accepted students really makes it set in that we’re closer to our sophomore year of college than we are to our senior year of high school. This scares me, because soon we won’t be seen as the little first years anymore!

#2: The Weather

The weather is such an underrated blockade to productivity. Either it’s cold, cloudy, and rainy, making us not want to walk halfway across campus at 9am and get soaked, or it’s beautiful outside, and while some are throwing frisbees on alumni lawn, you’re stuck inside studying for midterms or writing papers.

#3: The motivation

I’ve had this conversation in my head for about two weeks now:

“It’s almost March, and then it’ll be April, and then we only have finals in May… so we’re basically almost finished with school”

I learned I’m not the only one having these thoughts. Spring semester’s motivation is blinded by the idea that summer break has already arrived.

#4: The “Newness” has Worn Off

At the beginning of fall semester, we were all “bright-eyed and bushy tailed”… still full the with excitement that many of us are currently at our dream school. It seemed that we took every opportunity we had to meet new people. But now, we’ve already gotten into a routine, and as excited as we were to finally get to Vanderbilt, we’re now equally excited to exit our routine and return home.

#5: The Dreaded Goodbyes

Somehow, as much as we want summer to approach us faster, that there will be a class of seniors leaving us, that (at least I) am not ready to say goodbye to. Even as first years, many of us have great connections to seniors that feel like they’ve lasted a lifetime. When summer finally comes around, we will have to say goodbye to their guidance, perspectives, and comfort that made being a first year a little easier.

On the Bright Side

Now, I don’t want to write an article that doesn’t end on a good note! Even though spring semester comes with all of the struggles mentioned above, it shouldn’t stop us from enjoying ourselves. Despite our struggles, I see spring semester as an opportunity to get through the harsh times as a Vanderbilt community: we can inspire each other, motivate each other, and create new friendships. After all, we’ve learned that we’re all going through some similar struggles now.

SEC Indoor Track and Field Championships: My Experience

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Hi, I’m Santana and this past weekend I competed in the SEC indoor track and field championships in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Here’s how it went!

The Vanderbilt track and field team had officially taken over the Nashville International Airport. Well, not really…but we had practically invaded the airport Starbucks. We were on the way to SEC Indoor Championships and had all decided to fuel up with some Starbucks drinks. As I sat down in the gate with my teammates and sipped on my iced matcha latte with oat milk, I was bouncing with excitement (or maybe it was the caffeine???) for the four day competition trip. 

Although the entire trip was an amazing experience and very fun, the first half of my days in Fayetteville were filled with nerves, drinking lots of water and electrolytes, and being disciplined about my meals, schoolwork, and focus. In the first two days of the trip I had to drink a ton of water to keep myself properly hydrated before my race. I was extra intentional about consuming healthy meals, even though the hotel cookie skillet with cinnamon ice cream (mouthwatering, right?) was incredibly tempting. When I wasn’t at the track preparing for my race, I was in the hotel room doing homework. Although I was tired of drinking water, intensely craving some dessert, and wanted to just sit down and scroll through tik tok, I knew my sacrifices would all be worth it. And they were. I ran a personal best and made major improvements in my race. I could finally order that hotel skillet cookie dessert, de-stress, and cheer on my teammates. Throughout the rest of the trip I was able to explore Arkansas with my teammates and even go to Lululemon! However, I still had to study and do homework, which was assisted by several delicious strawberry matcha lattes our hotel had in the lobby. 

While being a student-athlete can be difficult, it’s times like these, where you spend time with your wonderful teammates, celebrate everyone’s accomplishments, and share some airport Starbucks, that makes everything so, so worth it.

CommonsCast Episode 125-March 1, 2023

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On this episode Eigen sits down with Dean Gresalfi for the Q&A segment, Daniela delivers the details on events coming up on campus this week in the Commons Calendar, and then Eigen conducts the Humans of the Commons interview with Kelsey Cleveland, a first year student from Woodstock, GA, majoring in Communication of Science and Technology with Cinema and Media Arts, with potential minors in Environmental and Sustainability Studies. Kelsey also lives in Gillette House.

MCL Top 5: Things To Do While the Weather is Nice

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Nashville’s weather is out of wack– tell us something we don’t know. However, we’ve had an abnormally warm winter this year, so here are some things you can do to further enjoy it.

1. Work Outside

Hey it’s technically still Winter and it’s not snowing and the sun’s been making frequent appearances, so be sure to take advantage of this perfect opportunity to get some fresh air.

2. Walk around Hillsboro Village

With Hillsboro Village not being a far walk from Commons, it makes a nice day trip with friends or on your own. Maybe do a little shopping, get some food or see a movie at the Belcourt– whatever fits your mood.

3. Take a Trip to Broadway

If you have yet to see Broadway at night, now’s your chance to right that wrong! While some of the places are 21+, there are plenty of options for you and your friends to enjoy such as the Legendary Milkshake Bar or the Wildhorse Saloon (just make sure they’re open first).

4. Stargaze

This one is for the night owls. On a clear night, you’re actually able to see the stars because there isn’t much ambient light. This would be the perfect setting for a soothing playlist, late-night convo, or maybe just thinking.

5. Visit Centennial Park

While parts of it are under construction, Centennial Park is still a beautiful place to visit. You’ll be able to get some exercise in, too.

MCL Humor/Satire Feature: Breaking News: Nashville Zoo Reveals that Vanderbilt University Will be its Newest Exhibit

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. — An interactive experience is coming to Nashville sooner than you may expect.

In an unprecedented move, Vanderbilt University has partnered with the Nashville Zoo to bring their newest exhibit to life. Tour groups on Vanderbilt’s campus will now have the opportunity to stare blankly at real-life college students in their natural habitat.

This exciting educational opportunity provides a great insight into the fascinating walking habits of college students, and administrators from both organizations have expressed their gratitude towards the student body for their generous tuition payments that helped fund this exhibit.

In addition to the mesmerizing encounters with actual, literal, bona fide college students, this experience allows guests to block all the walkways on campus and get a feel for the many offerings they can take advantage of once they sell their soul to the Chancellor and agree to become a part of the exhibit themself.

A spokesperson for Vanderbilt University has emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, “These uncomfortable, behind-the-scenes encounters are crucial in establishing a connection between Vanderbilt and the outside world. By allowing random people to stare at students as they walk by, we hope to cause interactions that will help foster an appreciation and care for our students across the world.”

To be clear, I have nothing against tour groups as a concept, but it is a bit awkward how they all stare at you the same way as you walk by. And the bridge bottleneck…….

MCL Top 5: Items at the Munchie Mart (an Updated List)

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Waaaay back in September, I wrote a Top 5 about the best Commons Munchie Mart items. But, I was just a naïve little first-semester freshman and hadn’t ventured out into the other Munchie Marts. Now, I have a completely new list of personal Munchie Mart favs! Hope you enjoy!

  1. Highland Boba

Whenever I want a sweet drink to accompany my meal, I get on the VandyVan and go to Highland for some boba (the brown sugar milk tea is my personal favorite)! I especially love how the boba pairs with the next item on the list…

2. Sushi

I have to admit, I was a bit hesitant to try Munchie Mart sushi at first but once I gave it a try I was anything but disappointed! It’s a pretty filling and convenient meal to get whenever I’m not in the mood for dining hall food.

3. Frozen Mango Chunks

I’m kind of embarrassed to admit that I didn’t know the Market Basket items were on the meal plan until this semester🤧 Once I finally realized I could get a bag of the frozen fruit/vegetables plus a side for one meal swipe, I was super excited because I looooove frozen mango. It’s the perfect refreshing snack to eat after coming back from the gym. If I had a blender, I would be making smoothies 24/7!

4. Branscomb Cereal

Much to my surprise, I found out that so many of my friends didn’t know there’s a cereal bar in the Branscomb Munchie. They have Lucky Charms, Froot Loops, and so much more! I love to snack on dry cereal even though it makes me feel like a toddler lol

5. Nature Valley Sweet and Salty Almond Granola Bars

Last but not least, is the one item that was also included in my original Top 5– the almond granola bars! I always make sure to have 2 of these granola bars in my book bag just in case I need a quick study snack. They are sooo good for no reason.

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 – Y‘all

If you haven’t slipped this Southern classic into your vernacular, can you even claim to go to a Nashville, Tennessee based school? This fits every situation, like “did y’all have fun at Commons Ball?”, or “Y’all, I am struggling this week”, or our personal favorite, “All y’all need to be checking out MyCommons Life every week”.

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.

CommonsCast Episode 124-February 22, 2023

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On this episode Abbey asks some great questions and Dean Gresalfi provides the answers in the Q&A segment, Linda has the details on events coming up on campus this week in the Commons Calendar, and Eigen sits down with Yuan Uy for the Human of the Commons interview. Yuan is a first year student from Parkersburg, West Virginia, majoring in Climate Studies and Economics. He also lives in Sutherland House.