My Commons Life

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

Gracie O'Rorke

Top 5 Foods on Campus

by

Voted number seven of Best College Dining experiences, our university has nothing short of good food. Whether you’re in the mood for pasta or Tex-Mex, Mongolian or salmon, there is always something on campus sure to satisfy even the pickiest, critical of eaters.

Number 5: The “Randwich”

If you’ve visited Rand Dining Hall on Main Campus, you’ve definitely passed or noticed the forever-long line that forms in front of the deli-style sandwich line. The “Randwich,” a renowned feat across campus, is a made-to-order lunch go-to amongst undergrad students. My favorite toppings for my sandwich? The lovely basil aioli atop a warm pretzel bun. There is nothing better in this world.

Number 4: Commons Salmon

Salmon is not your run-of-the-mill dinner, but it is a speciality of Chef’s Table in Commons. The flaky goodness tends to make an appearance in the first-year dining hall a few times a week, and by popular demand, Campus Dining has even released the recipe for the fish online.

Number 3: 2301 Smoothies and Salads

Another favorite among students, the smoothies and sautéed salads at 2301 in Rand are completely unmatched. Free of top allergens and vegan-friendly, 2301 boasts a wide array of health benefits while also offering delicious, tasty treats full of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Number 2: Fries at the Pub

Having a dining option on campus that boasts milkshakes, burgers, quesadillas, and queso is nearly unheard of, but The Pub at Overcup Oak meets and exceeds the rarity. With indulging foods and a restaurant-feel, The Pub feels like a real treat, especially after a stressful week full of exams and homework. Go to The Pub if you’re interested in watching televised sporting events and enjoying a cozy, nostalgic vibe, complete with historic booths with carved names. The waffle fries remain a fan favorite, far surpassing any other fry on campus (yes, even the sweet potato fries of Commons).

Number 1: The Rand Cookie

Arguably the most iconic Vanderbilt tradition of all time, the Rand Cookie is a right-of-passage. Scooping your own cookie off of the baking sheet makes for an already nostalgic situation, but the warm, gooey dessert is far beyond that. It is a bonding experience among students, especially when reflecting on the Rand Cookie controversy last semester in which Campus Dining replaced traditional Rand cookies with a less-appealing sweet. The result? A campus-wide petition and protest that eventually reaped the return of the original. If you haven’t had a Rand Cookie yet, I urge you to give in to the tradition. You won’t regret it.

Slowing Down: The Art of Embracing One Month on Campus

by

One month. It feels like ages, but we’ve only been on campus for one month. Going into move-in day and orientation one month ago, I was itching for everything to start: for the first day of classes, the first football game, the first night on the town. However, it has only taken one month for my mindset to completely change. The theme of this past month? To me, “slow down.”

Slowing down is hard in this day and age. We live in a society that tells us to go-go-go, urging us to never let down our personas of confidence and poise. We are expected to not only succeed, but to play the part, look the part, and act the part; in other words, twenty-first century “imposter syndrome” influencers have put societal pressure at an all time high. Thus, I think there are several ways we can “slow down” in order to further our social and academic growths this month on campus.

#1: Slow Down the Homework

Okay, okay. That’s bad advice. But really, if this is you, quit spending all of your time doing homework! If you find yourself spending more than a few hours working, stop. Pause. Take a break. Engage in some valuable social interaction, watch some Netflix, eat a Rand cookie, or just breathe. It’s good to be productive, but we also need time to just be. Don’t be afraid to take a break every once in a while. After all, a little self-indulgence is good for the soul.

#2: Slow Down the Comparison

As Teddy Roosevelt once said, “Comparison is the thief of all joy.” At a university so prestigious, it is incredibly easy to fall into the trap of thinking, “Man, everyone else has their crap together,” “Everyone is so much smarter than me,” or “Why am I the only one who is failing Gen. Chem?” Everyone has their own battles, and comparing only makes us even more insecure. Believe it or not, everyone else is having their own unique period of adjusting, which often consists of missing home, of feeling overwhelmed by first exams, and of sheer lack of confidence. You are not alone.

#3: Slow Down Studying in the Library

Don’t get me wrong; Central, Peabody, and Biomedical Libraries are great. However, after hours of reading in the dark and dingy cubicles of Central Library Floor 6, life can become…well…dull. Switch up your routine! Try studying on Alumni Lawn or in Panera Bread just down the street. A change of scenery can be a good thing!

I hope we use this next month to grow closer together as a first-year class. I hope we slow down and enjoy the time we are spending here. I hope we never take any second, any meal swipe, or any twenty-minute-walk-to-Wilson for granted. Let’s slow down together.

Top 5 Hillsboro Village Spots Within Walking Distance

by

The VanderBubble. With several weeks of classes under our wings and orientation nearly over, it’s time for us first-years to quickly escape what many upperclassmen and faculty refer to as the “VanderBubble”—the inevitable comfort of campus. While Vandy’s campus is gorgeous, diverse, and abounding in things to do, food to eat (Rand cookie, anyone?), and people to see, it is so easy to become complacent while abiding by a strict everyday routine. Without some variety, places we once found interesting and enticing will become, well, a bore.

To avoid such a fateful predicament as the VanderBubble, we encourage you to venture out! Try new things. Meet new people. Do something you normally wouldn’t do! In Nashville, the world is at your fingertips; there is almost always something going on, from Live on the Green to the sophisticated traveling exhibits that frequent the Frist. However, one of the best resources we have here at Vanderbilt is nearby Hillsboro Village. Just a short walk from Commons, Hillsboro Village is lined with local shops, restaurants, and entertainment. With many Taste of Nashville, Meal Money compatible restaurants, unique retailers, and scenic routes, there is sure to be something in Hillsboro that will impress even the sharpest critic.

#1: Fido (For the Foodies)

Oh, Fido. Sweet, sweet Fido. Fido, a coffeeshop meets diner and a cult favorite amongst our fellow ‘Dores, maintains a history as a former pet shop and is now known as a renowned social and study gathering. Its versatile menu, composed of everything from pancakes to coffee to turkey sandwiches, is health conscious, with gluten-free and wheat-free initiatives incorporated and encouraged. From personal experience, I recommend the Turkey Avocado sandwich with fries and a Treasure Island Tea. There is nothing more satisfying after a long day of classes!

#2: Belcourt Theatre (For the Nostalgist)

Originally dubbed the Hillsboro Theater, Nashville’s premiere nonprofit cinema, Belcourt Theatre, has been around since 1925. Its rich history, including a two-year gig as home of the Grand Ole Opry, has stood the test of time. Today, the Belcourt plays all sorts of films, from a 35mm version of Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood to cult classics like Raiders of the Lost  Ark. The Belcourt gladly welcomes students, and its gorgeous film quality and historic atmosphere are memorable and one-of-a-kind.

#3: Hillsboro Murals (For the Creatives)

Perhaps one of the most enthralling feats about Hillsboro is its quirky atmosphere, and such an atmosphere would not be complete without the bright colors of the iconic neighborhood murals. Over the years, local artists have set up camp in Hillsboro, completing murals like they are going out of style. While the city of Nashville houses dozens of gorgeous murals itself, Hillsboro boasts some of the town’s most breathtaking pieces. Grab a friend and take a little scenic walk; you won’t regret it!

#4: Hey Rooster! General Store (For the Gift-Giver)

A unique retailer, Hey Rooster! General Store is unlike any other shop on this planet. From its welcoming, aesthetic interior to its funky color scheme, it exemplifies the spunkiness of Nashville so eloquently. From jams to maps, Nashville t-shirts to birthday cards, Hey Rooster! General Store has a gift for every occasion. 

#5: Mountain High Outfitters (For the Adventurer)

h

Mountain High Outfitters, a retail outdoor store, has something for everyone. Its impressive collection of HydroFlasks pair beautifully with Chacos and Birkenstocks, each quintessential items for our campus VSCO girls and WilSkills gang alike. Additionally, an array of items from renowned brands Patagonia and The North Face make Mountain High Outfitters a great spot for finding that cozy rain jacket you left back at home before move-in (Yes, that was me, and Mountain High Outfitters came in clutch with the perfect Patagonia poncho!).

MCL News Minute-September 4, 2019

by

If you’ve got a minute, Gracie has details on all of the upcoming events happening on campus that you’ll want to know about, including a Meet the Sororities event, the Interfaith Council’s dialogue center, and the BSA Back to School Carnival.