You’ve just taken your first steps into Vandy, so (for sure) I wouldn’t want to scare you off. So let’s just start this week off with some light “must-know” details about our popular, go-to Rand Dining Hall. Please sit back, relax, and follow along!
First off, don’t come to lunch at 12! The area will be very packed, and you’ll find yourself waiting in line for a long time.
You may already know this, but I certainly didn’t when I first came to Rand is: How do meal swipes work? How much food can you take?
Just a quick plug in here: the iconic Rand Cookie is a must-try, but the thing is, your first one must be fresh out of the oven when it’s warm and gooey. That’s how I had my first one, and I promise you it hits differently.
Another shoutout is to the Rand Ladies. They are truly gems on campus. If you are having a bad day or just need someone to rant to, they are open ears, ready to be approached at any time. They are also just fun to chat and joke around with!
Also, if you are searching for a fun, on-campus place to hang out with friends, The Pub at Overcup Oak (known as “The Pub”) located on the third floor is a good classic diner to eat at and play some pool or foosball.
If ever want to work on campus, Campus Dining employs students to help out in the dining halls. Rand is among the options!
Now let’s travel a little back in time and walk down memory lane together. As someone who loves holidays, this is a mixture of wows and disappointments. The Rand Ladies who have been here for over two decades told me they stopped doing this a while back, but Rand Hall used to be regularly redecorated. Some memorable themes were Frosty the Snowman, the North Pole, Gingerbread House, Candyland, and Seafood dining, where they brought tropical trees indoors. There also used to be Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, and a smoothie shop next to the Chef Bill James plaque. As a coffee and smoothie lover, it’s a little sad to hear this news… but 2301’s “make your own” smoothie line makes up for it while Suzie’s can cover your caffeine. You might meet confused alumni asking you where the Vandy bookstore is because the two-story VUBookstore, now turning into a pizza shop, used to be there. You can point them in the right direction :)).
This might be all for today, but don’t you worry… the tea has only just begun to brew :)) So tune in next week when things slowly begin to spice up.