My Commons Life

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

MCL Top Five

MCL Top 5: A Week in Review (Yik Yak Edition)

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You’ve heard of it and have most likely been peer-pressured to download one of the hottest apps for college students on campus right now—Yik Yak, a social media platform with a feed that features anonymous posts “yakked” from people in your local area. While many of the popular ones are a bit too weird and scandalous to be included in this article, we’ve filtered through the Yaks of the week to recap what’s been going on in the Vanderbubble:

1. The dreaded 🧪 gen chem exam 🧪 was the talk of Commons as all the pre-med students struggled in solidarity trying to study for Thursday night. We know you’ve seen the messages written in chalk between the walk from the bridge and Stevenson… it would’ve been more helpful to graffiti equations or whatever, but I guess it’s the thought that counts??

2. Sore topic. Enough said. Did we really want Bama, guys?? 🥲

3. It’s almost time for sweater and pumpkin spice latte weather! The walks to class in the mornings for the past few days have been perfect, but the afternoons always throw a wrench in the fashionista’s ambitious outfit plans for the entire day—see the girlies who are already wearing knit sweaters 🥵 Supposedly, it’s going to get chillier this week with lows in the high 40s and highs in the low-mid 70s though!

4. I had to balance out the HOD hate with some STEM slander 🙈 I’m sure you’ve already heard about the overexaggerated caricatures and assumptions people have about certain majors on campus… take them with a boulder-sized grain of salt if you must partake in the clownery of these two popular majors!

5. A lot of Yaks didn’t make it on here for obvious reasons, but here’s a wholesome and relatable one for all of us to reflect on 💛

MCL Top 5 : Top 5 ways to prepare for fall at Vanderbilt

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This weekend October begins! I’ve been listening to “Wake Me Up When September Ends” and checking outside my window every morning to see if the leaves have begun to change color. While fall did officially start on September 22nd this year, it usually doesn’t feel like fall is in full swing until October. Below is a list of top five ways you can start to get in the fall spirit!

1. Go to a pumpkin patch

There’s nothing that says fall is here like a visit to a pumpkin patch! According to one of my friends who’s from Nashville, there are many cute pumpkin patch farms in the area where you can buy a small pumpkin to put on your dorm room desk.

2. Take a walk around campus

I’m already in awe of how beautiful Vanderbilt’s campus is but I cannot wait to see it when fall is truly here. I’m eagerly waiting for campus to look like the photos that Vanderbilt uses in all its brochures. There’s nothing better than noticing the leaves change color little by little as during the daily trek to main campus from commons. 

3. Go to a Vanderbilt football game

Attending a football game with friends is the perfect way to spend an October Saturday. Anchor down!!

4. Start planning your halloween costume(s)

I can’t wait for halloween this year! It takes time to put together a good costume, so it’s never too early to start thinking about it, especially if you want to do a fun coordinated costume with friends!

5. Make a halloween playlist

Making a halloween or fall themed playlist to listen to while you study or walk around campus is a great way to make sure you start fall 2022 on the right foot!

MCL Top 5 On and Off Campus Must Tries

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Dining hall food is sometimes a hit or miss. Off-campus spots can either be underwhelming or surprisingly tasty. Here are some random foods that I honestly think deserve a chance (even for picky-eaters).

5) Kissam Acai bowls



I made it a mission to try the Kissam acai bowls upon my arrival at Vanderbilt. The acai base is pretty decent and once covered with toppings, you’ve got yourself a solid study snack. Side note, I’m pretty sure the crunch of the granola helps keep me awake when studying in Stevenson library.
Santana’s tip: personally I like nutella on my acai bowls. Kissam doesn’t have Nutella as a topping, but it is available in the munchie mart. I’d consider purchasing nutella, honey, or other toppings from the Munchie Mart if you decide to be a consistent Kissam acai consumer. That way you can jazz up your bowls even more!

4) Rothschild burgers


If you’re craving a burger and don’t feel like venturing off-campus, Rothschild is your best bet. The burgers are well-seasoned, and the grill station offers a wide variety of toppings, including caramelized onions. Everyone I’ve recommended a Rothschild burger to has not been disappointed!

3) Commons Belgian Waffles


I really do enjoy Commons breakfast. However, some days I’m more enthusiastic than others. These days happen to be when the Belgian waffles are on the Commons menu. These small, edible masterpieces are honestly quite tasty. They’re sweet, soft, and I’d wish they were on the menu more often.
Santana’s tip: The waffles are already pretty sweet; I would try them without syrup first.

2) Hopdoddy’s Milkshake


This weekend, I tried Hopdoddy’s for the first time. To get the full experience, I felt obligated to order a vanilla milkshake with my burger and fries. I’m no milkshake expert, but Hopdoddy’s was very delicious, an easy 9/10. It was smooth, creamy, not too heavy or thick, and a perfect amount of sweet. Sipping my milkshake was a delightful experience and I’m definitely making it a weekly occasion.
Santana’s tip: If you’re not already dipping your fries and your milkshake, it’s not too late to get with the trend. My friends also really enjoyed the oreo milkshake, so maybe give that one a try as well!

1) The Baked Bear Warm Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches


The other day, I was craving a chocolate chip cookie vanilla ice cream sandwich (I know, oddly specific). My friends and I finally settled on the Baked Bear to satisfy my cravings. While it is quite a walk down 21st avenue, the large assortment of flavorful cookies and ice creams was well worth the hike. Definitely try the warmed cookie ice cream sandwich… I guarantee it won’t disappoint.
Santana’s tip: the ratio of ice cream to cookie was greatly uneven, I’d ask for less ice cream on the sandwich to achieve the perfect bite of ice cream and cookie.









MCL Top 5: Items at the Commons Munchie Mart

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I’m sure we’ve all found ourselves with a handful of meal swipes left-over after a long week of classes. But what does any smart Vanderbilt student do with their unused meal swipes? USE THEM UP AT THE MUNCHIE MART, OF COURSE! That’s why I’m gonna fill you in on my favorite things to pick up at the Commons Munchie Mart!

5. Velveeta Mac and Cheese

Don’t feel like leaving your room for dinner? Just microwave yourself a bowl of mac and cheese and you’re all good. Personally, I am a Velveeta enthusiast and think Kraft Mac and Cheese is a bit too sharp, but that’s just my (correct) opinion.

4. Bob’s Red Mill Oatmeal

In the mood for a somewhat healthy option? Bob’s Red Mill Oatmeal is actually a pretty solid breakfast option. Whenever I need to eat quickly before a 9am, I pop one of these in the microwave and add a bit of sugar (not healthy, but it’s the thought that counts!) 

3. Hot Cheetos

I’m a simple girl. If someone asks me what I want from the store, I just say Hot Cheetos and Sprite. Too bad the Munchie has no Sprite, but at least they have Cheetos🙌

2. Munchie Mart Machine Smoothies

A new addition to the Commons Munchie, the smoothie machines are already a hit! It’s so easy and convenient. All you have to do is select what flavor you want and the machine does the rest for you! My personal favorite is the mango smoothie, so refreshing!

  1. Nature Valley Sweet and Salty Almond Granola Bar

I LOVE these granola bars so so much, but they haven’t restocked since the first week of classes:(( They’ve only had the peanut kind lately💔 Please Vandy, I’m begging you to restock🙏🏽

My Top 5 Disney Princess Movies

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If you are anything like me, growing up I was very picky with what I liked to watch. I was also a troubled child so that could possibly be a contributing factor, but that’s beside the point. I vividly remember my childhood being surrounded by Disney Princess makeup kits and Cinderella shoes that my mom would always refuse to buy me. I miss when times used to be much simpler, so that being said, this week’s Top 5 will be my favorite Disney Princess movies, but the 2d versions. Keep in mind that these are based off of how many times I have watched each and they are all good! (Please don’t send me hate emails 🙂

5. Beauty and the Beast 

To start us off we have none other than Belle herself. I never really watched this movie growing up, but I watched the musical this past spring and grew a crush on Gustan so… Need I say more? Just kidding, the entire story is beautiful. You shouldn’t judge people so harshly over what you have heard. I mean the beast kind of lived up to his name in the beginning, but as the story went on we saw his character development. (He definitely needed that)

4. Princess and the Frog

BEFORE you say anything, hear me out first. It made me extremely sad to see Ray pass away. I am a cry baby when it comes to stuff like that. The soundtrack was amazing, so it helped me pull through the end of the movie a couple times, but it’s hard to do the more I watch it. 

3. Aladdin

Okay but.. Aladdin is my guy. All time crush for real. There’s just something about him being a thief I don’t know… But in all seriousness, I love Aladdin with all my heart because of the singinggg. The soundtrack is chef’s kiss. Which brings me to the top two…

2. Mulan

LET’S GET DOWN TO BUSINESS

TO DEFEAT (HUH HUH), THE HUNSSS

That’s all I have to say on this. 

1.Hercules

I have watched this singular movie at least a million times. Hercules’ and I are married at this point. I was so invested with my fake relationship with Hercules to the point where I was like, “Who is Meg?” It’s all about me babyyyy! 

That’s about all I have to say, I just really love Hercules! The rest are kind of tied for 2nd in my heart. 

MCL Top 5: Embarrassing Things To Do as a First-Year

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Since we all experienced the whole move in process just recently, what would be a better Top 5 than embarrassing things we all did or are afraid to do. So to kick off the second week, let’s all dive into this week’s top 5!

5. Getting lost on campus: I mean I understand that campus is huge…but being that guy is terrifying. Also, google maps tends to load very slowly and fails people every time. My parents and I were literally driving around campus for like 20 minutes and we passed my dorm like 10 times. Honestly, I blame the fact that most buildings don’t have names on them, it’s just…bricks y’know. 

4. Forget someone’s name over and over again: I literally met so many people it’s not even funny. What’s also not funny is me forgetting that I had already met one person or forgot their name. That’s that early onset alzheimers like I just do not understand. 

3. Using a fake id: You’re so silly. Most places don’t even take it anyways. Please save your bread. It’s even more embarrassing to get caught with it. I’d laugh. 

2. Going down the elevator without your phone: AHAHAHAHA! This one right here, oh my goodness. The elevators will only allow you to go down NOT up (at least I am about 75% sure). Don’t even bother trying to use the stairs because you will get trapped lol. I mean just keep knocking on the door and pray that someone walks past. Literally your phone is your life source. You need it for meal swipes, to enter your building, elevators, stair access, etc. Just do yourself a favor and handle it with care. 

1. Losing your key: Everyone’s worst fear. Imagine having to pay $75…could not be me. Worst feeling ever, adding onto your 80k debt. Personally I wouldn’t be able to sleep…I mean you wouldn’t be able to get into your dorm anyways. Also your RA’s will probably highly dislike you. 

Well that’s all that I have for this week. Enjoy, make friends, go lay in the green grass! Try to stay safe and not homeless, hang on to your keys. Lastly, congrats class of 2026!!! Anchor Down baby! ;D

MCL Top 5: Coffee Places I’ve Tried in my Few Weeks at Vanderbilt

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In my first week at Vanderbilt I’ve had a lot of coffee. Every day has been action packed; I find myself walking miles back and forth across campus, waking up at 7 AM to light streaming through my blinds (note to self: order light blocking curtains!), and meeting so many great new people. In the name of making it through, I’ve allowed myself to indulge in a little caffeine every day. For this top 5, I’ve ranked all of the coffee places I have tried in my first two weeks at Vanderbilt! I still haven’t even tried a Susie’s cafe, so this is by no means a definitive list of the best options near Vanderbilt. 

  1. Osa Coffee Roasters 

While Osa Coffee Roasters is located about two blocks outside of campus, it’s still less than a ten minute walk from Commons, making it a convenient option for first years! This coffee shop is super cute; customers wait outside to order from a window while employees make the coffee inside the small establishment. I got an iced latte with oat milk and an extra shot of espresso and it was the perfect way to start my day. 

  1. Coffee from Rand

I’m the kind of person who only drinks iced coffee, rain or shine, sun or snow, so I wasn’t sure if I’d enjoy the dining hall options since they only offer hot coffee. But during my first week I saw upperclassmen make iced coffee by filling a plastic cup with ice, adding some hot coffee and then finishing it off with some syrup or milk. I don’t know much about the proper coffee making technique, but I’ve found that this method works pretty well! Coffee from Rand ranks pretty highly for me because it’s included with a meal swipe.

  1. Dunkin’

There are no Dunkin’s where I’m from in California so I was excited to try this popular chain once arriving in Nashville! I was pleasantly surprised by the sizes of the coffee cups… every time I’ve been (only twice so far), I’ve ordered a small and been handed a cup that would be a large at Starbucks. Not sure if both times it was an error but I’m happy to be paying less for more coffee! Dunkin’ also gets bonus points from me because they’ve already rolled out their fall specials, so I’ve been able to try their iced pumpkin spice latte. Sorry not sorry. 

  1. Fido

Someone told me that Fido is one of Taylor Swift’s favorite coffee shops in Nashville and while I haven’t checked for a credible source to back it up I’m choosing to believe that it’s true. When I went on a Wednesday morning it was busy but I was able to find a seat by the window where I could sip my iced latte and enjoy a view of the fun shops and public art displays on the street. 

  1. The Frothy Monkey Coffeehouse 

My first morning in Nashville I went with my family to the Frothy Monkey Coffeehouse on 12th Ave South. Since it’s located about 2 miles away from campus I probably won’t be able to go back anytime soon, which is why this coffeehouse is rated lower. The Frothy Monkey offers a sit down breakfast menu as well as a bakery with to-go options. The breakfast and coffee were delicious and I’ll be sure to make my way back to 12 south before I head home to try some of their signature lattes like the “Golden Monkey” or the “Hummingbird.”

MCL Top 5 Essential Items to Ease Freshman Vandy Life

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Happy first day of the 2022-23 school year!!!  To all the new students on campus this year, welcome! While move-in and orientation may have been a tad stressful, my hope is that this list of essentials will help ease your nerves about the upcoming school year and make your life a bit easier at Vandy.

  1. Commodore Card

First thing’s first, the Commodore Card is your Vanderbilt student ID. This is required for entrance to all residence halls and most buildings and elevators. It will also give you admission to sporting events and the Rec Center. Most importantly, the Commodore Card is where your meal plan money and Commodore Cash is stored. One meal plan swipe will allow you to eat any on-campus dining hall and even some participating locations around campus. Depending on the dining hall, dining options range from buffet-style to entree and side meals. Commodore Cash can be used in the Vandy bookstore and at all on-campus printers (printers can only be used with Commodore Cash). Keep this card in a safe place because replacement cards will cost you $25. The most convenient way to carry your card is on your phone. Download the Get app by following the instructions found under Card Services and you will be able to access your card, check balances, and replenish funds through the app.

  1. Room Key

Next up, your room key. Always remember to lock your door when you leave your room. Your key is the only way to get into your room so keep it with you at all times. It is recommended that you carry your room key separate from your Commodore Card for safety. If you lose your key, you will be fined a $75 replacement fee to change the locks on your door as well.

  1. Proper Apparel

Vandy is a super walkable campus so good walking shoes are a must. It is very green in Nashville which means rain! Having a go-to rain jacket or umbrella will make your life exponentially easier. Also, you can find a complimentary Vandy umbrella in the backpacks found in your rooms. The sun shines big and bright so, if you’d like, sunglasses and hats can not only be a fantastic fashion statement but also help protect you from UV rays.

  1. Water Bottle

It can get hot hot hot and with all the walking we do on campus, another essential is a reusable water bottle. Staying hydrated is made easy with plenty of water fountains located all around campus. The Hydrodore is a water-delivery service students can subscribe to that delivers fresh water to students’ dorms. For more info about Hydrodore subscriptions, visit hydrodore.org.

  1. Bug Spray

With optimal conditions for mosquitoes to breed, high humidity, standing puddles of water, and lots of trees for shade, Nashville, Tennessee is one of the top cities with mosquito problems in the United States. If you are like me and mosquitoes love feasting on you, bug spray will quickly become your best friend. If you are one of the lucky few who have not been bothered by these pesky bugs, having some bug spray handy is a great way to make new friends.

Hope this list eases some anxieties as classes begin. Stay tuned for more MCL Top 5’s and don’t forget to anchor down!

Top 5: Things I Will Miss About Commons

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Photo by Pixabay

All good things must come to an end! I can not believe that our freshman year is practically over! I remember move-in day like it was yesterday: throwing all my Command Strip Hooks in the trash because they couldn’t hold up a single decoration. Going to Walmart with my parents to buy nails to push into the walls. (Shhhhhh…don’t tell OHARE!) Pushing my parents out of the dorm once we were done, and last but not least, looking forward to the new and exciting year ahead. With that being said…let’s take a walk down memory lane!

5. The newness of everything

When you live in a new place on your own for the first time away from your parents, your life changes! Plus, the people you are living with are also excited to make new friends, try new things, and find themselves without things from their past holding them back. It is the most liberating thing. There is nothing like it.

4. Commons itself

From the dining hall options to the many spaces to study, we were all so lucky to have a building like Commons right next door made specifically for us.

3. My Commons Life, duh!!!

Making content for you all has been a dream come true. I am so glad I joined the My Commons Life family when I did. I have received nothing but support from my fellow My Commons Lifers, and for that, I am extremely grateful.

2. Having upperclassmen ask me, “You’re a freshman?!?!?!”

It’s weird when people not that much older than you are surprised with the way you carry yourself. It’s like they expected us to act like children, hahaha! I guess it just proves that we are exceeding people’s expectations, so go us!

1. My dorm!!

My room has been my sanctuary from the storm. From my unbelievably soft bed (thank you mattress topper!), to my view of the Nashville skyline from outside my window, and my floormates who have now become some of my best friends, I AM GOING TO MISS THIS PLACE SO MUCH!

I can confidently say that this has been the best year of my life! Thank you all for making my freshman year one to remember, especially the rest of the My Commons Life family. I will never forget the memories we made together and the fun we had! Years in the future, I will look back on all of this with joy, humor, and fondness. *Thinks to self, “Wow, that was really poetic, Elizabeth!”*

Anyway, I will see EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU next fall! Happy Summer! (:

Love,

Elizabeth

MCL Top 5: Best Parts of Commons Ball!

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The best Commons event of the year is finally here — the Botanical Ball is this Sunday, April 24th, from 7:00pm to 10:00pm!

Commons Ball is an annual tradition planned by the Ingram Commons HPAC Presidents. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year marks the first Commons Ball since 2020. A Commons Ball is long overdue, and for many of our current first-year students, we also missed out on landmark dances in high school like prom, homecoming, and formals. With all of these factors combined, the Botanical Ball is a more special, monumental Commons Ball than ever.

One meal swipe is all you need for admission to the Ball. Cocktail attire is suggested, but you are free to come dressed however you feel most comfortable. All Vanderbilt students are welcome, but we are especially excited to extend an enthusiastic invitation to the Class of 2025. We hope to see all of our fellow first-years there!

This event is sure to be a ball (haha, pun intended!). Although there are countless activities and fun aspects to enjoy, I’ve selected the Top 5 things about Commons Ball that you should look forward to:

1. The Presidents’ Dance

I might be biased, but The Presidents’ Dance is sure to be an iconic moment that will go down in Commons history. We’ve been practicing for months, and we’re fully prepared to throw it back on the dance floor. To celebrate the Botanical Ball hosts who have put so much time and effort into making Commons Ball great, come support the presidents as we either embarrass ourselves irreparably or succeed in legendary triumph.

2. Delicious Food

I guarantee you: this will be the best food you will have on Vanderbilt’s campus this year. With shrimp cocktails on an ice sculpture, perfectly crisp bruschetta, savory charcuterie, lively mocktails, a rolling plethora of desserts, and so much more, your taste buds will be transported to a flavorful paradise.

3. Mechanical Bull

Breaking News — a wild bull has invaded the beautiful garden! Although we’ll be enjoying an elegant Botanical Ball, what better way to get your adrenaline pumping than to take on the raving Mechanical Bull? It won’t be easy, but I feel confident that some of our Garden Gallivanters will prevail!

4. Botanical Beaux Arts

If dancing, mini golf, and a mechanical bull aren’t your forte, there will be plenty of opportunities to unleash your creative side with the Botanical Beaux Arts! Commemorate the night by painting a pot and building your own succulent to go inside. Or, you can build a custom mosaic to place in your window and catch sunlight colorfully. If you’re a fan of art but don’t want to create it yourself, check out the caricature artist who will turn your portrait into a masterpiece. No matter your preferred medium, enjoy a garden-themed keepsake to remind you of the Botanical Ball for years to come!

5. Commons Cup Winner Reveal

We’ve been competing all year — from ultimate frisbee to trivia to soda-can tabs… Now, it’s finally time to reveal the winner of the esteemed Commons Cup! Even if your house doesn’t win the whole Commons Cup, perhaps they won in a specific category (Academics, Community Engagement, Service, or Athletics). Alternatively, maybe your house won a superlative or character award. Who knows? I guess you’ll just have to come to Commons Ball on Sunday (April 24th) to find out…

Disclaimer: Devin Laye, the author of this piece, is the President of Murray House and helped plan Commons Ball.