From campus involvement to work-life balance, plenty of circumstances change after freshman year. Maria and Stephan discuss their predictions for being sophomores next semester.
Commons Conversations-Episode 18, “How to be a Sustainable College Student”
Taking care of Earth does not have to be complicated. Maria and Stephan talk about ways you can get involved and review Vanderbilt’s sustainability initiatives.
Commons Conversations-Episode 17, “Before Coming to Vanderbilt”
After the rush of college applications and deciding where to go, most students end up wondering the next steps to prepare for college. Maria and Stephan reflect on Vanderbilt’s transition initiatives and their hopes for incoming Commodores.
Commons Conversations-Episode 13, “The Actual Cost of College”
If college had a price tag, it would likely end up being more than the cost of attendance. Here to help you navigate through financial do’s and don’ts are hosts Maria and Stephan.
Commons Conversations-Episode 11, “Rushing in the 21st Century”
As the Spring initiation for Greek life nears its end, some may wonder what the process of rushing a fraternity or sorority is actually like. In this episode, Maria and Stephan talk about the culture at large with insights to guide you on your decision to rush (or not to rush).
Commons Conversations-Episode 10, “Summertime Crunch Time?”
Dreading over what to do in the summer? Tune in as Maria and Stephan discuss all the possibilities and provide tips for helping you choose what’s right for you.
Commons Conversations-Episode 8, “Putting the How in Housing”
From roommate tips to insider scoops, Maria and Stephan have words of advice for current and prospective students about college housing.
Commons Conversations-Episode 7, “Dear White Vanderbilt”
Stephan and Maria review Vanderbilt’s current initiatives for diversity and inclusion and theorize what else can be done to maintain equity.
Top 5 Places to Nap on Campus
In high school, I was a really big napper. Every day after school, I would take a 2-3 hour nap out of exhaustion; it didn’t matter if I came home at 3pm or at 6pm – the naps were fixed in my weekday schedule. I thought that college would be similar.
For me, naps in my dorm haven’t been incredibly realistic. With classes, food, and optimal study spaces on main campus, it’s too much work to travel back and forth. So, I found myself taking 20-minute power naps wherever I could to re-energize. Here are the top 5 places I’ve napped on campus:
- Rand Booths
Sometimes, snatching a green booth on Rand’s first floor is more competitive than getting into Vanderbilt. When I’m lucky enough to sit on arguably the best location at Rand, I usually end up doing a bit of studying after my meal. More than once, this study session has led to nap time, and the booths are cushioned enough for a twenty-minute recharge. As someone who is shorter than the average person, fetal position in these booths is pretty doable. Although Rand booths earn the fifth position on my list, there are a couple of downsides to note: the lack of privacy (you’ll definitely get some stares, albeit unbothered), lack of space, and lack of silence (!!!).
- Sarratt Center’s 3nd Floor
Sarratt 3 is a gem, and it is definitely a worthy contender against the Rand booths. Although it only has two longer couches, the real prizes are the cushioned seats. Sometimes, I like to put another seat facing the one I’m on, so I have somewhere to prop my legs. The location has a more controlled volume, so it’s better to nap than it is at Rand. Also, I’ve never been inside the Multicultural Lounge on Sarratt 3, but it does look like a great place to rejuvenate after a long day of writing essays!
- Kissam Center’s 2nd Floor
I can’t really count how many times I’ve fallen asleep on Kissam’s 2nd floor. In terms of privacy, it’s a hit or miss; you rarely ever see more than two groups of people at each corner of the floor. The couches are fairly comfortable, and the building itself is lovely. It’s usually best to go before the dinner rush, but it’s difficult to tell now that the Kissam Kitchen is open for both lunch and dinner. Win for our stomachs but not for naps.
- The Baseball Glove Lounge
Located on 1U of Sarratt, the Baseball Glove Lounge is a severely underrated haven. Yet, it’s honestly one of the best places to nap! You find so many tired students here, that napping on one of their comfortable couches is not uncommon. They’re probably the softest seats on campus, and it’s incredibly quiet. Paired with its library-esque ambiance, its isolation from other parts of the building really develops a sort of calming atmosphere. What more can you ask for?
- Wilson’s Cushioned Seats
After the two Macroeconomics exams I took these past few months, I immediately passed out on one of the cushioned seats. Maybe it was my exhaustion from studying, but I swear those were the best naps I’ve taken on campus. Wilson is fairly quiet after classes are held, and even then, finding students napping one of the chairs is pretty ingrained in your day-to-day views.
Honorable mention:
Stevenson Library
Stevenson Library is the only library on campus that is open 24/5, and for a lot of students – especially those in Gen Chem and Calculus – this is an essential asset for a passing grade. If you’re taking a STEM class, chances are you’ve probably napped here – whether it’s at one of the personal booths or among the open seating. Personally, I think the Stevenson Library is really depressing, so I try to avoid it unless I have a really big exam. Nonetheless, it does the trick: it’s quiet, semi-comfortable, private (if you’re in a booth), and reasonably spacious.
Commons Conversations-Episode 5
On this edition of the podcast with “no bias, no apologies, and definitely no BS”, Maria and Stephan discuss the topic of class registration at Vandy.