My Commons Life

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

Kyungmin Moon

MCL Top 5 Restaurants in NYC (Vanderbilt Edition)

by

Let’s say you find yourself lost in the Big Apple during spring break. In fact, you end up missing your home Vanderbilt, terribly, terribly bad. How do you end up finding bits of your next four in the City that Never Sleeps? Look no further. This will be your guide in finding (superior) substitutes of restaurants that you often enjoyed back in Nashville.

5. Xi’an Famous Foods (Satay)

This absolutely delicious plate of spicy Chinese noodles from Xi’an Famous Foods instantly brought me back to my first time trying Drunken Noodles from Satay. Both of these dishes have wide-glass noodles with varying levels of spices, making this experience one that is personable and tailored to every person’s taste. This restaurant does Asian food especially well with a touch of authentic Chinese food that is bound to well up tears for those who missed their mother’s cooking.

4. Banter (Anzie Blue)

No other restaurant came close in doing Brunch as perfectly as Banter did. With a wonderful selection of dishes to choose from, even the aroma of their coffee was simply a dream. Furthermore, I may even go as far to say the prices were far more manageable for an incredible brunch place with great service. Their signature sourdough bread that compliments almost every dish they serve is truly worthy of your experience in New York City. After doing so, you can take a stroll in Washington Square Park and visit NYU. It’ll be as though you’re walking through Alumni Lawn and back at Vanderbilt all over again!

3. Yi Fan (Banh Mi)

Your New York experience as a college student obsessed with boba couldn’t be complete without a stop by Yi Fan in Chinatown. This will perfectly emulate (or even surpass) your weekly runs to Banh Mi for boba, especially for the Brown Sugar/Tiger Boba experience. It must be noted that the level of boba that was upheld in Yi Fan was superior with a perfect level of chewy and size that cannot be easily forgotten. As the standard for boba has been a low bar for most Nashville students, I can only hope that it can be elevated after their visit to New York.

2. Los Tacos No. 1 (Nada)

Now, this absolutely mind-blowing experience at Los Tacos No. 1 at Chelsea Market for a far cheaper price that what you will see at Nada cannot be easily beaten. The never-ending line that you must first encounter only attests to the superb quality and execution of simple tacos that this place promises as the “number one tacos”. This is a well-deserved name as the freshness of the salsa and guacamole compliments the corn tortilla and carnitas of your choice.

1. Ichiran Ramen (Shokku Ramen)

Nothing comes near the simply divine bowl of heaven that is located heart of New York, Times Square. If you wanted to find a good ramen place like Shokku Ramen in New York, your first stop should be Ichiran Ramen. Not only is this menu very personable like the one Shokku Ramen offers, but also the level of execution and service is simply leagues above any other ramen shops. Diners are placed in their own little booth and minimal interaction is necessary with the server as there is a sheet of bamboo that is placed in front! Perfect for those who would like to be left alone in peace to enjoy their bowl of ramen.

MCL Top 5 Ways to Spend Spring Break

by

Hey ‘Dores! It’s t-minus 4 days until the start of spring break. While some of us may have trips planned with friends or going back home, this is a helpful guide for every Vanderbilt student no matter where they are. As we are almost mid-way through the semester, this guide will help you de-stress in preparation for the more and more stressful weeks to come forth.

5. Go Cherry Blossom Sight Seeing

For students who are staying on-campus, take advantage of the cherry blossoms that are happening all around campus! While there are some near the Hank Circle on Commons, you should tread on over to the Student Life Center to get the full, immersive experience. The timing to see these trees are rare, so make haste and hurry on over to see them in full bloom. However, for those of you who live in places where you do not get to celebrate all four seasons, especially spring, I highly encourage you to take a look at these before you head back home. If you want to take it a step further, you could also drive a few hours to the nearest state famous for their cherry blossoms.

4. Watch a Movie at a Theater

Wear a mask! COVID-19 regulations aside, I personally vouch that going in-person to a theater will always beat watching a movie on an online platform. It brings alive the experience of not only watching a movie for the first time, but also the accompaniment of caramel popcorn and cola! While we’re still on the month of Valentine’s Day, it’s never too late to ask your love interest out to a chill, movie night. This may be the beginning of your situationship.

3. Don’t Neglect the Inevitable

Yes…I said it. You should study over spring break. Now, I’m not saying you should be making your 20-page study guide in advance for your upcoming CS exam. I’m simply suggesting that you are completely caught up on the “required” readings that the professor briefly mentioned would be fair game for the exam after spring break. If you’re on campus and find that your next door neighbor happens to be in the same class, definitely knock on their door and ask to share notes! If you want to take it a step further, ask them out to a little study date.

2. Read Up

Now, this is a little different from what I recommended right above. This is the time to satisfy your inner nerd that once drove you to succeed in everything you do. Pick up that book that you momentarily thought about packing up and bringing to campus. If you did bring that book and haven’t touched it since the first day of your move-in, take that book for a nice walk and find a nice patch of grass.

1. SLEEP

Look me in the eye and tell me you got at least 8 hours of sleep every night. Oh what? You can’t. Perfect! Take this wonderful opportunity to actually get into bed by midnight and rest your eyes without constantly refreshing your email or TikTok For You page. I’m sure everyone has learned this in their general psychology class at one point, but let me reiterate. You cannot make up for lost sleep! Do not find yourself in a sleep debt. It’ll become a vigorous cycle.

MCL Top 5: Hidden Study Spots

by

Studying with friends can be fun…but during times where all you need is to isolate and cram your 8 chapters of material the day before the exam, I have the perfect spot for you! We have all experienced the full Stevenson and Central libraries during midterm and final exam season. Through this guide, you’ll be able to find a place with at most 2-5 people accompanied by silence.

5. Hank Library

Now, the ability to take advantage of this study spot is narrow as it is only available for freshman. Hurry while you can still scan into the freshmen dorms! Among all dorms on Commons, Hank has the largest library collection consisting of more than a measly 15 books (sorry North). In addition to the adorable mini-library collection, there are a few sofas, tables, and chairs that you can pick or move around in while you’re desperately cramming for tomorrow’s exam!

4. Peabody Library Bottom Floor

Another great option for freshmen to take advantage of during their first year on Commons! Although Central and Stevenson Library are famous study study, the most underrated library to study is definitely Peabody Library. While I may not be a huge fun of the upstairs study rooms either, I have to ask you all try to the very last floor of this library. Here, you are not only offered round table desks, but also conference rooms with white boards! What a steal.

3. Digital Center for Humanities

The perfect combination of new, old, and technology! This is the building for digital center for humanities where they explore the intersection of technology and humanities research. Alongside from admiring the beautiful architecture, you will find a small, humble library with a few study chairs here and there. Right next to the University School of Nashville, you will find small children running around the playground and reminisce about your childhood, too!

2. Wyatt Library

Through these doors, you will find the modern section of the Wyatt Center where there is a small library with colorful, comfortable bean bags and a few round tables. The highlight of this place is that because the Wyatt Center is almost impossible to navigate, this hasn’t become a popular spot for most students. While I may be biased as a double major in Peabody, I have to say this study spot makes me feel most at home.

1. HOD Building Top Floor

If you’re looking for a really discrete location where you get through a few sketchy-seeming places to find this study spot, then this one’s for you. All you have to do is to walk over to 6 Magnolia Circle, take the elevator to the highest level, and get a right turn after you get off! When I tell you barely any people study here except like 1-2 people, I genuinely mean it. It can almost get a little scary. However, if you need no distractions and time away from people, then make sure to give this study spot a try!

MCL Top 5: Asian Restaurants on Explore Nashville

by

Good Asian food in Tennessee? Is that even something to hope for? Turns out, it is possible! In fact, it even comes at free external cost. A unique part of Vanderbilt’s mandatory meal plan for all freshman is our Taste of Nashville program. While the list of restaurants on the Taste of Nashville program is extensive, this post will guide you in your search for the best Asian restaurants around campus.

5. Shokku Ramen

Good ramen is always a classic. Whenever you have a craving for ramen, it can be satiated at Shokku Ramen. With their build your own ramen option, you get to choose your own broth, meat, toppings, and level of spice. The spice level ranges all the way from “I’ll pass” to “Shinigami” (death god). I usually go for “Just right” as someone with a low spice tolerance. This is perfect for picky eaters as it gives every individual a one of a kind, personalized experience every time the walk into the restaurant. It’s always exciting to see the variety of ramen combinations my friends and I order.

4. Banh Mi’s Boba

Banh Mi is one of the only nearby Vietnamese restaurants that is on Taste of Nashville. The highlight of this Vietnamese place lies in their boba tea! Although often overlooked because of their amazing selection of banh mi sandwiches and spring rolls, Banh Mi also offers the best boba you can find using your meal plan. Their version of the brown sugar boba is the Wild Tiger Boba that includes warm, caramelized boba and fresh milk. Whenever you feel the need to have boba on random Tuesday nights, you can make your way down to Banh Mi. Beware, for they close fairly early at 8PM.

3. Satay

Grubhubbing Satay on Saturday nights is a weekly tradition that cannot be easily broken. This Thai restaurant has a wide selection of fried rice, stir fried noodle, grilled meat and rice, and noodle soup! Especially during Vanderbilt’s freezing winters, when you get too lazy to walk all the way through main campus, grubhubbing Satay for dinner is always a solid choice. The highlight of Satay would be the spring roll or salad service they provide with main dishes!

2. Sitar

For this Indian restaurant, I highly recommend going in-person to get the complete, immersive experience! This place had the best service with full attention given to the diners, constantly checking in to see if everything was all right. Starting with the appetizers, Sitar set the bar high with the chutney and papadum (lentil crackers). You have the option to choose house combinations (similar to family style options) where you and your friends can share tandoori chicken, shrimp, curry, butter naan, and white rice. Their portion sizes are far too generous and the variety of foods you can get from ordering the set menus are simply incomparable to any other restaurant!

1. Meet Noodles

Meet, Noodles! He is always down to go on fun adventures, comforting in times of need, and just overall a really dependable guy. This Chinese noodle restaurant allows you build your own bowl where you can experiment with different base soups, noodles, and toppings. The highlight of this restaurant is the different kinds of noodle options that they provide: Chong Qing noodles, sliced noodles, sweet potato noodles, and rice noodles. A bowl of these noodles can clear up any of your covid-like symptoms and keep you going for the rest of the week!