Maddie

The event you have been waiting all year for is finally here! This Friday, February 3, 2017 is the annual Commons Ball from 9p.m. until 12a.m. It will be an event you do not want to miss and here are the top 5 reasons why:

5. The decor

Not only will there be ice sculptures, but there will also be snapchat filters and perfect instagram photo opportunities against photo backdrops. The decorations in the Commons Center are going to be something you do not want to miss. Do not be that person who wakes up on Saturday morning and sees all of the posts on social media of everyone having fun and wish you had gone!

4. The dancing

Put on your dress or your suit and tie and come hit the Commons dance floor! The presidents will be out there busting moves, so be sure to join them in dancing to the latest hits.

3. Commons Western Room

The Commons Center will be transformed into something you have never seen before, and you will most likely not even be able to recognize it. One feature will be the Commons Western Room, which will include a mechanical bull and kareoke.

2. The food

I am sure you have heard from upperclassmen about the Commons Ball food, and if you have not, be sure to ask. The catering is amazing and will include duck prosciutto wrapped cantaloupe, beef carpaccio with baby arugula, parmigiano reggiano and pomegranate seeds, strawberry avocado pearl cous cous salad with lime vinaigrette, chocolate mouse in tuxedo cup topped with chocolate bowties, and more. That definitely sounds better than any other schools’ meal plan!

1. Justin Timberlake may be there

For weeks, the Commons House Public Relation Chairs have been tagging Justin Timberlake in Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter posts in hopes of getting him to come perform at the big event. So, if he does come you will want to be sure to be there too. To increase the chances be sure to tag him and use the hashtag #getJTtoVandy!

First semester is almost over, but you still have time to do some holiday activities before you leave for break. Lucky for you, there is a lot happening in Nashville at this time of year! Here are the top 5 things to do before you head out for winter break:

5. Nashville Holiday Parade

The annual Piedmont Holiday Parade is from 9 a.m. on Dec. 3 to 11:30 a.m. throughout downtown Nashville. The Grammy Award winning artist Kelly Clarkson is this year’s Grand Marshall. The parade begins at 7th Avenue and Broadway, heading downtown. It turns on 2nd Avenue and ends at the base of Woodland Street Bridge.The theme for this year is “Musical Mile” so be sure to check it out!

4. Nashville’s Nutcracker

The Nashville Ballet will be performing Nutcracker for the ninth consecutive year from Dec. 3 to Dec. 23 at TPAC’s Jackson Hall. If you like ballet or want to get in the holiday spirit, be sure to get tickets!

3. Tennessee’s Home for the Holidays

For the 6th year in a row, Governor and First Lady Haslam will have a holiday open house at the Tennessee Residence. From 10 a.m. between Dec. 2 and Dec. 16 to 2 p.m. tours will be offered to view the house and its land decorated for the holidays. The tours are free, but you must make an online reservation.

2. The Pred’s Ice Skating Rink

The Smashville Outdoor Rink at the Walk of Fame Park will be open to the public between Nov. 18 and Feb. 20 from 4 p.m. on Mon. to Fri. until 10 p.m. and 12 p.m. on Sat. and Sun. until 10 p.m. Head over to skate for $15 per person.

1. Holiday Lights at Cheekwood

Head over to Cheekwood Botanical Garden sometime between Nov. 25 to Jan. 1 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m (other than Mondays) to see its second year of holiday lights. There are also s’mores pits, holiday carolers, live reindeer, and photos along the trail of lights. Admission ranges from $15 to $20 and it is just over 5 miles from campus. Be sure to check it out!

Are you looking to be active this week? Do you want to see a good concert or attend a fun event? There is so much happening on campus before Thanksgiving break that you do not even need to leave campus! Here are the Top 5 Events at Vanderbilt This Week:

5. Panhellenic Preview Day

If you are you a female considering joining a sorority, be sure to attend Panhellenic Preview Day from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12. It is a great way to visit the different houses and see which organizations you are interested in.

4. The Hank Library Opening

The residents of Hank House have been working hard to get their library open, and it is finally happening! At 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 9, head over to Hank for books, free mugs, and apple cider.

3. “All Time Low” Swingin’ Dores Fall Concert

Do not miss this great opportunity to hear one of Vanderbilt’s a cappella groups 8-9 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 14, at Sarratt Cinema.

2. Puppy Play Day

Do you miss your dog and do not think you can go another two weeks until Thanksgiving to play with your furry friend? Well from 12-2 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 9, there will Puppy Play Day on Stevenson Lawn. It is a perfect way to de-stress.

1. Anchor Down South

Anchor Down South is a Commons event that is put on by all of the House Vice Presidents. From 6:30-9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 11, on The Commons Patio. There will be Chick-Fil-A, s’mores, country music, square dancing, and more. Be sure to check it out!

Are you looking to get out there and involved this week on campus? If so, there are plenty of opportunities to do so. Be sure to check out these Top 5 Events on The Commons this week … you especially will not want to miss No. 1!

5. The Dean’s Book Club

Make an appearance at the Dean’s Residence at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 26, to reflect on your transition to Vanderbilt and how it relates to The Commons Reading this year, “Strong Inside.” It is a great opportunity to discuss the book with your peers and faculty, and cookies will also be served!

4. Stambaugh Soiree

All students are invited to join this event featuring a talk from Congressman Jim Cooper. He is known in Congress for his work on a bipartisan budget plan. Stop by Stambaugh at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 26, to hear about his life and work in Congress.

3. North House Scary Halloween Movie Night

From 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 30, North House is hosting a scary movie night in its Seminar Room. Use the entrance on the Peabody Lawn side, and go own the stairs. Grab a blanket and a friend and head over.

2. Baila con Sabor

It is time for another Commons Mix-Up Event! If you enjoyed the “North House Wedding,” be sure to check out Sutherland House’s “Baila con Sabor.” This event will be held at The Commons Center from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 27. There will be food, Latin dance lessons, and lots of fun.

1. The Upper Quad Block Party

From 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 28, the Upper Quad is hosting its annual Halloween event. Sutherland House will have cookies and candy, Murray will have a photo booth, Stambaugh will be serving “mocktails,” and Crawford will have their annual haunted house. Make sure to stop by to get in the Halloween mood!

Although you will be enjoying the next few days of fall break, when you get back, Homecoming week at Vanderbilt will be in full swing! With Homecoming comes a ton of fun and exciting things to do on campus. Here are the Top 5:

5. Blood Drive

Be generous this Homecoming season and donate blood in the Sarratt Student Center between Monday, Oct. 17, and Wednesday, Oct. 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is a great opportunity to give back to the community!

4. Experience Vanderbilt Homecoming Lunch

Join students, faculty, staff, and alumni on Central Library Lawn from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 21, for lunch. At this fundraiser, all people involved with Vanderbilt will be gathered to foster school spirit and celebrate Vanderbilt experiences.

3. VBP Homecoming Block Party

Check out the free food and entertainment put on by the Vanderbilt Programming Board at the Block Party. Grab some friends and head over to Kensington on Thursday, Oct. 20, from 7 to 10 p.m.

2. Commodore Quake

The annual Homecoming concert features Big Sean and A$AP Ferg on Friday, Oct. 21, at 8 p.m. in Memorial Gymnasium. The Music Group of Vanderbilt’s Programming Board wants to do it BIG this year, so be sure to check it out.

1. The Homecoming Football Game

All of the Homecoming week events lead up to the football game. We play the Tennessee State Tigers on Saturday, Oct. 22, at 6:30 p.m., so throw on your cowboy boots and make your way to the stadium!

As we all know by now, food is a big deal in Nashville. There are so many delicious places to eat near campus, and in the city as a whole. Going to brunch seems to be a particular trend right now for many young adults. So this upcoming weekend, check out these Top 5 brunch spots within walking distance of campus:

5. Frothy Monkey

Although the furthest option, Frothy Monkey serves brunch until 5 p.m. It is located on 12th South Avenue and is a great place to go on a Sunday to get some work done and grab a cup of coffee.

4. Proper Bagel

Proper Bagel sells kettle-cooked bagels with a ton of homemade cream cheese options. If you are craving savory, they have a roasted garlic and rosemary cream cheese; on the other hand, if you have a sweet tooth, they make their own cookie dough cream cheese. Proper Bagel is a must-try!

3. Fido

For all of you Taylor Swift lovers, this is said to be one of her favorite spots in Nashville. This converted pet shop features delicious food and gourmet expresso drinks. It is located just around the corner from campus on 21st Avenue South.

2. Bread & Co.

Not only is the food at Bread & Co. delicious, but something all Vanderbilt students love to hear: it is on the card! Bread & Co. accepts meal money, so if you are feeling a little low on cash but you still want a delicious omelet or avocado toast, go check out Bread & Co.

1. Pancake Pantry

Nashville’s famous Pancake Pantry is one of the most popular brunch spots in the area. Since it is so popular, you may want to try and go early to avoid the long lines. However, word on the street is that the delicious pancakes of all kinds are well worth the wait!

Hello Commodores! This past weekend was Family Weekend, and I’m sure it felt good to see some familiar faces around campus–I know it did for me! However, it may have made you miss home a little more. Good news: fall break is just two weeks away, so it is a perfect time to look forward to seeing and having the Top 5 things we miss most about home.

5. Lazy Sundays

At home, Sundays are the the perfect days to stay in your pajamas, watch TV, and relax before the coming week. For college students, it is the opposite. Most Sundays at Vanderbilt are spent in the library getting prepared for the coming school week. Fall break will be the perfect time to relax at home and get ready for the rest of the first semester of freshman year.

4. A Larger Bed

For many college students, adjusting to a twin-size bed is not easy. In just two weeks, you get to go home and sprawl out on your big, comfortable bed. If the thought of that doesn’t get you through your exams this week, I don’t know what will!

3. Home Cooked Meals

Don’t get me wrong, Vanderbilt has great food, especially compared to most other colleges. However, nothing beats a meal made by your own mom, so a home-cooked meal is something to get excited about returning home to. If your mom is not the best cook, then you can look forward to going to one of your favorite local restaurants in your hometown.

2. Showering Without Shoes On

When I came to college I never thought that one of things I would miss most would be showering without shoes on, but sometimes it is the little things we forget. Fall break will be a nice escape from the Vanderbilt community bathrooms, and your shower shoes!

1. Seeing your pet

You got to see your parents this past weekend, but unfortunately your pet most likely could not tag along. Although some of the houses on the Commons have animals, nothing is as comforting as cuddling with your own furry friend.

You’ve only been at Vanderbilt for a few weeks, and you may not be tired of eating the same food…yet. But soon, you will probably find yourself looking for something new. When you do, be sure to check out these top 5 food trucks near campus for a quick, yummy meal.

5. The Retro Sno Truck

This food truck is on the move. Although it doesn’t have a set location like some others, you can keep up with where the Retro Sno Truck is through their Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram pages. The Retro Sno Truck offers a variety of shaved ice, so on the next warm Nashville day go cool off with a sweet treat!

4. The Waffle Boss

A southern tradition, chicken and waffles, has been put on wheels! The Waffle Boss food truck offers a variety of chicken and waffles, including Nashville’s famous Hot Chicken. For those craving a sweeter option, they also offer red velvet waffles. This food truck is a must try, especially if you are from the north and want to experience a taste of the south.

3. Let’s Roll Food Truck

The Let’s Roll Food Truck offers Korean and Japanese street food. Like the Retro Sno Truck, you can keep up with this food truck by checking their Instagram and Twitter pages daily. However, Let’s Roll also recently opened a permanent home right across the street from Vanderbilt. So whether you are feeling active and want to seek out the food truck or just want a short walk across the street, Let’s Roll is a great option for you!

2. The Grilled Cheeserie Food Truck

If you want a taste of cheesy goodness, this is a great choice. This cheese wagon operates every Wednesday through Sunday at various locations (which you can find on their website). However, on Wednesday’s the truck is right in West End at Centennial Park from 11:00am-1:30pm. The Grilled Cheeserie is well known in Nashville and a must taste option for all of the cheese lovers out there.

1. Aryeh’s Kitchen

Aryeh’s Kitchen is a food truck right on campus that offers kosher food. Even better: the truck was started by a Vandy grad himself. This new truck, which started this past April, can be found on Greek Row on certain days. Not only is it convenient, but it is very tasty as well!

Get on your feet soon and go check on these meals on wheels!

As a college student in Nashville, you will want to explore all the campus and city have to offer. Many college students find themselves with little extra money in their pockets. Here are the top 5 ways to spend that extra $5 you have lying around:

5. Grab a snack from Common Grounds

Common Grounds is a 24-hour coffee shop in the Commons Center with grab-n-go meals, snacks, and beverages. If you ever need a late night snack or a coffee break while studying, Common Grounds is the most convenient option. And if you don’t want to spend the extra $5 in your pocket, you can always use a meal swipe at Common Grounds to get an entree and two side items.

4. Buy a friend ice cream from Ben & Jerry’s

Luckily for all of us ice cream lovers there is a Ben & Jerry’s less than half a mile away from the Commons. In college, there are going to be good days and bad days, so when your BFF has an off day or a reason to celebrate spend your extra $5 to treat him or her to some ice cream. I’m sure he or she will return the favor later with your favorite flavor!

3. Wash your sheets for the first time

As gross as it sounds, many college students neglect the basic necessity of washing their sheets. In order to stay clean and prevent sickness, washing dorm room sheets is a must. So on a Sunday when you need a study break and have an extra $5, spend that money wisely and wash your sheets. At Vanderbilt, it is only $2.50 for a complete wash and dry cycle; hey, you can wash them twice!

2. Take a yoga class

One of the best ways to relieve a little stress after a long day of studying is yoga. Good News: The Shakti Power Yoga Studio is less than a mile from campus and offers $5 drop-in yoga classes. The classes focus on building strength, improving flexibility, magnifying your body’s energy, and calming your mind by focusing on the present moment and breath. The class schedule can be found on the Shakti Power Yoga Studio website.

1. The Paddle Art Exhibits

The Paddle at Vanderbilt University offers entrance to many art exhibits for only $4-$6. This can be a great way to explore some of the incredible art Nashville has to offer. You can find more details about local exhibits at https://www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/medschool/paddle/entertainment/weekend_pagelet.html#art