My Commons Life

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

Opinion

Worth the long line? Honest Review: NEW EBI Smoothies

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Popular dining hall E. Bronson Ingram, located on Vanderbilt’s main campus within its residence hall, has been a hot commodity amongst students. Its sauté bowls, fresh produce, and wide variety of allergy-free foods has students visiting it consistently. But now, EBI has only gotten fresher and increasingly better, with the addition of a new fresh fruit smoothie bar. 

Although you may have to reserve ten minutes of your lush EBI dining experience to stand in line for one of these smoothies, this improvement amongst the Vanderbilt dining experience has shown that they will abide by some of the (many) requests for additions/changes. The appearance of the line of people trailing far behind the actual smoothie station itself may be daunting, but in my opinion, the easy convenience of the process (along with the result, of course) proves to be worth it. 

Upon picking out the specific fruit you would like to be included in your smoothie creation, you grab a cup and circle which liquid base you would like (water, orange juice, pineapple juice, and more), followed by writing down your name for easy pickup. Anytime I am ordering a smoothie from this new station, I feel they have the process down pretty well. The smoothie itself is blended the perfect amount, creating a smoothie that isn’t solely the consistency of water, but doesn’t contain those pesky chunks that clog up the prime sipping experience of a creamy, freshly made smoothie.

The timeliness and quality really shows to me how much Vanderbilt is attempting to make changes in dining to best satisfy the requests of the student body and quality of the food we receive. Overall, if I had to encourage you to try out a new dining hall experience, I would very much vouch for EBI smoothies all day. It is a convenience and (pretty) timely experience, and what better way to pair your meal with a drink to sip on that adds the cherry on top to what you thought was the perfect meal; it clearly just got more perfect!

Commons Houses as Hunger Games Characters

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1.) Hank

Let’s be honest—we all saw this one coming. Hank is the President Snow of the group, lurking in the shadows with more schemes than Netflix has shows. No, Hank’s not winning the Hunger Games, but they might just be the puppet master pulling all the strings from behind the scenes.

2.) Crawford

Crawford? Oh, they’re Thresh. Noble, competent, with a strong moral compass that would make even Katniss nod approvingly. Can they win the Hunger Games? Maybe. It really depends on how the dice roll (or how the sponsors feel that day). They’ve got a chance, though—don’t count them out.

3.) Sutherland

Sutherland is basically the Mockingjay, no debate. With their strength, kindness, and teamwork skills, they could not only win the Hunger Games but might just lead a rebellion against Hank—sorry, I mean President Snow. Sutherland for District 12’s MVP, anyone?

4.) Stambaugh

Stambaugh is the Peeta Mellark to Sutherland’s Katniss. (Yes, TEAM PEETA ALL THE WAY!) With strength, a big heart, and that “everyone loves them” vibe, they’ve got what it takes to win the Hunger Games and probably bake you a cake while doing it.

5.) East

Now, East is Caesar Flickerman, no question. With a personality so entertaining and charming, they’re definitely not winning the Hunger Games, but they’re making it an absolute blast to watch. Whether that’s good or bad? Well, that’s up to you to decide.

6.) Murray

Murray students are mysterious, powerful, and, from what I hear, just a smidge unhinged, which lands them as Clove. Sure, with a power score of ten, they’ve got the skills, but their impulsive nature? Yeah, I’m not seeing a Hunger Games win. But they’ll definitely make an impression.

7.) West

West is Finnick Odair, hands down. Loyal, caring, and with heart-warming charm, they’re an instant fan favorite. Do I see them winning the Hunger Games? No, but only because they’d probably sacrifice themselves for the greater good—and honestly, we’d all cry like we did during that one scence in the sewer.

8.) Memorial

Memorial is Rue—smart, skilled, and incredibly lovable. They might not be the one taking home the victory, but they’re the quiet, stealthy competition you didn’t see coming, and a crowd favorite for sure. Tribute goals.

9.) North

North is fierce, fearless, and unapologetically ruthless—basically Cato, but with better hair (seriously). While they charge headfirst into every challenge, quick decisions might just be their downfall. A win in the Hunger Games? Unlikely, but you wouldn’t want to cross them in the arena.

10.) Gillette

Free-spirited, creative, and driven, Gillette is 100% Lucy Gray Baird in the flesh. With that inspiring, big-hearted energy, they’ve got a real shot at winning the Hunger Games. Cue the folksy victory song—this one’s bound to be a fan favorite at commons and in the districts.

Unwritten Rules at Vanderbilt

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This article will explore the unwritten rules you may have been following without even realizing, or perhaps you’re just now hearing about them. Either way, this article might help you feel more connected to the freshman experience and the unspoken rules that come with it.

1.) 10 Feet Rule

I will live and die by this rule. This rule is implemented when you recognize someone, but they are too far away to say hi. So instead of saying hi and having that awkwardly long walk until you pass them, you just look everywhere but in that person’s direction till you are about 10 ft from said person. This is where you magically see them say hi and walk swiftly past them.

2.) The “Hi” enthusiasm spectrum

This one is an EXACT science. There are varying levels of greeting someone that differ in loudness and presentation. If someone gives you a nod- you give a nod back. Simple. If someone gives you a loud hey and a smile you do the same back. MATCH THE ENERGY.

3.) How many times can you ACTUALLY go back into Commons dining

This one is a hot take. I know you are allowed to go into commons as many times as you want, but are you really? How many times is too many? Once for your regular food and drink and then a second trip for dessert? It feels illegal to go back for that third trip. Someone let me know if, on that third trip, you trigger an alarm or magically disappear.

4.) Unassigned assigned seats

This one is a very standard and basic rule. I am sure everyone knows what I am talking about. The seat you sat in on the first few days of school is probably the seat you sit in now and will sit in for the rest of YOUR LIFE. I am seriously emotionally attached to my unassigned assigned seat.

5.) STAYING OUT OF THE FAST LANE IF YOU ARE A SLOW WALKER

THIS ONE NEEDS TO BE A LAW. I have to sprint between classes to make it on time. There is seriously not a second to spare, so if you recognize someone behind you is getting awkwardly close- save their attendance and let them pass. I know without a doubt they will be INCREDIBLY grateful.

As always, I hope you enjoyed!

Washing Your Hands and Other Things I Thought Everyone Did

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One of the quintessential aspects of going to college is meeting people from different backgrounds who may have different cultures, identities, and habits. While this can become one of the most valuable parts of these four years, sometimes, you learn a little bit too much about the habits of the 1.6 thousand freshmen you’re going to spend your next four years living with.

1. Washing your Hands

I thought listening to someone flush the toilet and immediately walk out the door was going to be one of the many things I left behind in High School. At least then I could always assume that it was a 14 year old boy who was only recently discovering deodorant and that maybe washing his hands was a bit of a large ask. By college, washing your hands is the type of thing we all need to have figured out.

What’s worse is that I hear (Or, I suppose, don’t hear) this happens most often when I’m eating in commons or making a pilgrimage to Rand. Listen. Fecal matter has no nutritional value. If you’re looking for that extra protein, grab some chicken or grab a shake from Blenz, not your bowels.

2. Cleaning Lint Out of Dryers

Last Thursday, a fire alarm was called for all of the Commons while many of us were in the midst of studying for Gen Chem. Luckily, this was just a drill, but knowing the number of times I’ve had to remove lint from the dryer before pressing start – and the number of times I’ve watched people not do this makes me worry that one day, we won’t be evacuating as a practice exercise. Leaving lint in dryers is how we start fires.

Freshmen already get flack due to being first-years a little clueless about how life on a college campus works. Don’t let our lint fuel the flames.

3. Not Pressing Random Buttons in the Elevator?

Maybe this is a Crawford specific callout, but every day, there’s someone who rings the bell in the elevator. Dear whoever you are, please don’t. Usually, elevators are a way to avoid climbing multiple flights of stairs after walking across Vanderbilt’s 132 acres of hilly campus. It is not a musical instrument. Honestly, this is probably the most unexpected complaint I have about living at college. What goes on in your head, bellringer? Why are you the way that you are?

4. Making Sure You Don’t Leave Chunks of Toothpaste (Or Food) In the Sink

Not that I don’t love knowing that not only do 9 out of 10 dentists recommend Crest Whitening Toothpaste but that my floormates do too, I think there are better ways than leaving its remains in the sink. Just because it can clean your teeth doesn’t mean it’s clean to leave in the sink. I don’t have much more to say on this topic.

5. Taking Notes (Or at least online shopping) During Lecture

In all of my lectures, there’s at least one student who sits with their laptop and notebook closed for the entirety of the lecture. I don’t know how they do it. Even if the class is easy, are they never tempted to do some online shopping? Do they never want to design cars they’ll never be able to afford? Do they never crave Papa’s Freezeria? From my hardest classes to my most boring, these people are a phenomenon I’ll never understand. Is this a result of great hubris or little care? What are they thinking about? I fear this may be a mystery I’ll never solve.

Lessons I have learned in my first month as a college student:

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“The days are long, but the weeks are short,” an older friend once told me upon reflecting on her first year of college. As I have begun to settle into my routine, I can’t think of a more accurate sentiment. Our busy days feel strenuous in the moment, but constant activities keep our minds flying so fast that we have little time to process them. 

So here we are, one month into our college experience. Each of us holding onto our own overwhelming amount of moments and lessons to reflect on, but here are some of mine:

We all had preconceived ideas of how college would play out, and whether you were fearful or unbearably excited, I am sure there have been moments that surprised you or played out differently than you would have imagined. What I have learned is that things won’t fall into place as quickly as predicted. Maybe this was a product of my high expectations and overexcitement, but everything good takes time, whether that be friendships, finding impactful study methods, or getting involved with clubs. 

Speaking of getting involved with clubs or organizations, that is another challenge in itself. I would have never expected how hard it would be to get involved. After endless rounds of applications, resume edits, and information sessions, I find myself itching to just be a part of something. Patience is certainly a virtue we are exercising during this time period, and it is quite challenging to be a freshman trying to expand your circle when you have to go through such extensive processes to do so. On the topic of building a social network and making friends, it’s easy to feel removed from the rest of campus as a freshman living on the Commons. This environment can feel like an echo chamber with only freshmen who are equally as new and inexperienced with college life as you are. Talking with upperclassmen is like a breath of fresh air, and we truly have so much to learn from their experiences, so I would recommend chatting with older students as much as possible. 

On Mondays and Wednesdays, I have a fifteen-minute window to get from Commons to Buttrick Hall. Everyone made it very clear to me that I would be booking it to that class and that, in general, the walk back to Commons from Main Campus was god awful. In this first month of classes, I have been pleasantly surprised with the fact that the walks do not take as long as everyone had warned me. Even on the hottest days, I enjoy those solitary moments on the way to and from class. 

Before the school year started, I was nervous for lecture classes and worried about feeling like such a small fish in a large pond. However, I have encountered professors who genuinely strive to offer support in any way possible. They may express their helpfulness in intimidating or stern ways, but they are here to assist you, and they want you to approach them for that assistance. 

Whether it’s a challenging class or spending time with groups of people that you don’t know, there are going to be situations that make you uncomfortable. It’s way easier to hide from that discomfort, but I’ve grown to realize that those moments are crucial for progression. We all grow in various ways and navigate this new experience at different rates. Some people take the time to quietly process how they are feeling, while others stay crazy busy and keep pushing forward to avoid those slow and quiet moments. All of us need to keep in mind that this is everyone else’s first month in college as well and that each freshman is trying just as hard as you are to find their place.

10 Simple Halloween Costumes for Freshman Balling on a Budget

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1.) Sun or Moon

This is a very simple and cute costume idea! For the sun you can wear either gold or yellow depending on what you have and grey or silver for the moon. I also threw a sun headband and sun dangly earrings when I went as the sun.

2.) Fairy

(I know this photo quality is the WORST, so don’t slander me PLEASE.) I like this idea because there are so many spins you can put on it. As a forest fairy, I wore a green dress, a brown corset, and a thorn crown. You could also throw on a pretty dress and some wings for a different take!

3.) Cowboy or Cowgirl

This one is very easy because all you need is a flannel, cowboy boots, and a cowboy hat and you are set. We live in Nashville so if you happen to not have one of these items I guarantee multiple people do in a one-mile radius.

4.) Witch

This is a very easy-to-put-together costume. You only need a black dress and a witches hat. You can throw in a wand for an extra witchy appeal.

5.) Flapper

This one is so fun and easier than you might think. Grab your favorite mid-thigh dress and some pearls and you will be sucked right back into the roaring 20s! (P.S. Feathered headbands were also popular for flappers during this time.)

6.) Pirate

For this costume, I would recommend a white button-up, a leather skirt, and a red bandana! I would also style my hair wavy for that extra piratey look.

7.) Chappel Roan

I hope to see at least one Chappell Roan walking around campus this Halloween. Her signature look is her curly hair and drag makeup. She has several iconic outfits to choose from!

8.) Firefighter

This one is super fun! Throw on your favorite tan cargo pants, a black top, and a red firefighter hat and you are also set to fire up the party. Extra points if you can convince a friend to dress up as a Dalmatian.

9.) Minion

Here me out of this one! Most people have overalls and some form of a yellow top which is half of the costume. To pull off the rest of the costume make sure to get some goggles and a banana.

10.) Princess Peach and Princess Daisy

This idea is so cute! Grab a pink dress for Peach and an orange for Daisy. To complete the look grab some white gloves and a tiara!

I hope this helped give you some ideas for this Halloween. Thank you so much for reading!

Tunes you need for your walk between classes

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You are going to have to hear me out on some of these.

1.) Hurricane- Bridgit Mendler

Recommended occasion: SUN IS OUT WIND IS BLOWING

Recommended mood: like an 8 on the 1-10 happy scale

2.) Habits (Stay High) – Tove Lo

Recommended Occasion: Night classes, DARK

Recommended mood: like medium sad with a tinge of carelessness

3.) Runaway- Kanye

Recommended Occasion: Walking directly out of your first class to your second class. (TRUST ME)

Recommended mood/feeling: problematic

4.) Gives You Hell- All American Rejects

Recommended Occasion: walking to that one professor’s class

Recommended mood: TARGETED ANGER + FRUSTRATION = Targeted FRUNGER

5.) ARE WE STILL FRIENDS- Tyler, The Creator

Recommended Occasion: sunset walking back to your dorm after your last class

Recommended mood: LONGING, HEARTBREAK, LITERALLY EVERYTHING

6.) Hypnotize- Biggie

Recommended Occasion: When you where your favorite fit (extra points if it’s a good hair day)

Recommended mood: FEELING LIKE A MILLION BUCKS

7.) New Magic Wand- Tyler, The Creator

Recommended Occasion: ONCE AGAIN IT NEEDS TO BE DARK AND LIKE MIDLY WARM, WIND BLOWING

Recommended mood: UNSTABLE, JEALOUS, CRAZY

8.) Pain- PinkPantheress

Recommended Occasion: on the way to your eight am class

Recommended mood: sad, and like a tiny bit hopeless

9.) Pink Pony Club- Chappell Roan

Recommended Occasion: Tuesday mid-day (don’t ask questions)

Recommended mood: its chappell- you don’t need a mood

10.) No Love- Eminem

Recommended Occasion: ANY OCCASSION EVER

Recommended mood: ANY MOOD EVER OR HOT TAKE WHEN YOU FEEL LIKE PEOPLE ARE PRAYING ON YOUR DOWNFALL

11.) Tennis court AND Love Club- both by Lorde

Recommended Occasion: specifically, Fridays at night.

Recommended mood: when you feel cooler than everyone else in like an outcast way

EXTRAS

Smile- Lily Allen

Maneater/Say it right- Nelly Furtado

I wait for you- Alex G

Family Affair- Mary J. Blinge

Cigarettes out the Window- TV Girl

I hope you enjoy the recommendations, Happy listening!

WHAT YOUR VANDERBILT FRESHMAN HOUSE SAYS ABOUT YOU

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I hope you enjoy!

1.) Sutherland


Students in Sutherland are known for being the coolest, most relaxed, and well-rounded individuals. They enjoy their time at Vanderbilt but also understand when it’s time to hit the books. They are the best of both worlds!

2.) Hank

Residents of Hank are the true “Leos” of the group. They have a strong sense of self and confidence in their abilities. They love to party and to have a great time, and they tend to be down for anything.

3.) Memorial


Memorial is one of the quieter and more mysterious dorms. Its residents are creative, loyal, and tend to be more nonchalant. They have the best sense of humor as well.

4.) West


West is known for its competitive spirit, having won the Commons Cup back-to-back. They excel in teamwork and foster a vibrant, hilarious community. They are who you want for group projects and study partners.

5.) East


East residents have a keen sense of style and are known for their impressive fashion choices. They are down-to-earth and intriguing individuals. They have a very unique personality and bring new perspectives to campus.

6.) North


Students from North House are driven and intellectually curious. They are passionate about learning, reading, and valuing knowledge and personal growth. They are the most ambitious house on commons so watch out!

7.) Gillette


Gillette residents are the kindest in the community. They are friendly, always smiling, and have a strong sense of camaraderie. They also make excellent friends and can have a good time anywhere.

8.) Stambaugh


Stambaugh is lively and energetic. Residents are often seen outside their dorm, enjoying the outdoors and engaging in various games. They are the hikers, athletes, and players of the commons.

9.) Murray


Murray residents are known for their determination and intelligence. They are both clever and charismatic, standing out for their bright personalities. They are very observant; they know everything about everything and everyone.

10.) Crawford


Crawford is recognized for its authenticity and honesty. Residents are straightforward, enthusiastic, and highly dependable. You can trust a Crawford for life.

First-Year Dorms Communal Bathrooms Review

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When I got my dorm assigned, the first thing I did was hop on the Internet to scour it for pictures of the dorm bathrooms on East House. Communal showers were one of my biggest qualms about living away from home. Hygiene can be a very private matter and I dreaded sharing that space with strangers. Sadly for me, the few pictures I found provided little information.

Thus, when I first moved into East, I was unprepared for the realities of the shower situation and immediately wanted to see everyone else’s. Thanks to some of my friends who graciously let me into their dorms, I toured 5 floors from the 10 first-year residential houses: Crawford, Gillette, Murray, East, and Memorial. I’ll be reviewing the bathrooms, mostly the shower stalls, based on privacy and comfort—assuming that you aim to change clothes in the bathroom instead of making the trek back to your dorm. At the time of this article, not many students have moved on campus yet so all bathrooms are relatively clean. 

Keep in mind that I’m reviewing only female bathrooms and this is purely from the perspective of an average student. I am not, unfortunately, an expert in the wondrous world of the construction and architecture of college bathrooms. If you happen to be an expert, you may have stumbled on the wrong article. But, if you are simply curious about how the different Vanderbilt bathrooms look, whether as a future incoming student or a current nosy one like me, I’m happy to say that this is the article for you.

Before I begin, I also want to note that as far as I saw, there is at least one shower stall that accommodates disabled people on each floor. These stalls include more floor space, railings, and a handheld showerhead. The ones I saw had no benches inside the designated showering region. 

Most Variety: East Fourth Floor

Unlike most other floors I visited that had similar bathrooms, the two bathrooms on the fourth floor of East are slightly different in layout.

Design

The one closest to the elevator has two sinks, three toilets, and two shower stalls.

Privacy

The shower stalls have two curtains, dividing the area into a showering and changing section. The two curtains design is by far the most secure, although I always find myself wishing that Vanderbilt installed lockable doors to every stall for peace of mind. 9/10

Comfort

Regrettably, the spaces for both sections are cramped and the water flows into the changing area. There is only one hook, which may make it difficult to hang up your towels, shower caddy, clothes, etc. The lack of shelves decreases space to store products. Small problems all add up. 6/10

Design

The second bathroom has three of everything: three sinks, toilets, and shower stalls. 

Privacy

The shower stalls only have one curtain each. 7/10

Comfort

Each stall is decently sized. There are two hooks each. The shower heads face away from the hooks so water doesn’t spray near your items. However, changing can be difficult because water will be all over the basin when you’re finished showering. 7/10

Overall Best: Memorial Fifth Floor

Design

This bathroom has two sinks, two toilets, and two showers. 

Privacy

As usual, the two curtains provide the most privacy. Still wish there were doors. 9/10

Comfort

A short marble ledge between the two sections prevents water from flowing into the changing one. There are two shelves, a bench, and two hooks. These small design tweaks go so far in terms of enhancing storage and convenience. 10/10

Overall Worst (Tie): Murray Third Floor 

Design

This bathroom has two sinks, two toilets, and two showers. 

Privacy

A curtain separates the two shower stalls from the rest of the bathroom. This creates a communal changing space, which produces two scenarios: you can change in the spacious shared region, risking someone walking in to access a shower stall, or you can change in the constrained, damp showering one. 5/10

Comfort

There is only one hook per shower placed outside the showering curtain. According to my friend, this makes it difficult to access without opening the curtain halfway and precariously exposing yourself. There is only one bench for both showers and it is placed on the far wall. It’s practically useless unless you’re brave enough to venture into communal changing. To put the nail in the coffin, there is one drain in the center of the changing area where the water flows, creating a massive puddle in front of the shower stalls. The only positive is a shelf in each stall that provides some storage. 5/10

Overall Worst (Tie): Crawford Third Floor

Design

There are two sinks, three toilets, and two showers. The blue accents and green door frame are a cute touch, but unfortunately doesn’t earn this bathroom any points. 

Privacy and Comfort

Crawford’s bathroom suffers from all the same flaws as the previous one on Murray. 5/10

Could Be Better: Gillette Third Floor

Design

Gillette’s bathrooms have two sinks, two toilets, and three showers. 

Privacy

The shower stalls in this bathroom are designed exactly like the first bathroom I reviewed for East. The only difference is the lack of an inner curtain—the other curtain rod is just there for show and appears desolate, stripped of any use. Bonus half-point because this could be addressed easily. Perhaps one day the curtains will each find their other half. 7.5/10 

Comfort

Just like East’s bathroom. 6/10

Unless one is extremely fortunate, almost all first-years are forced to deal with communal bathrooms. Despite all my complaints, none of these issues are insurmountable and simply take some adapting. Good luck to all those braving the rough terrains of shared spaces and just know that we’re all (mostly) in this together. 

A Vanderbilt Freshman’s First Week Bucket List

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Please enjoy these 10 short musts for incoming Vanderbilt Freshmen.

1. Kickback Outdoors

Lounging in one of Vanderbilt’s hammock stands scattered around campus is a great way to kick back and enjoy some peace. Didn’t bring your own hammock? No worries—Vanderbilt’s Student Government offers a free hammock rental service for all students.

2. Spot the Difference

Compare the E Bronson residential college with the Gryffindor common room-they’re nearly identical. Studying by yourself or with a group in the E Bronson common room is definitely a must-do.

3.Buttrick Hall Quotes

Explore the inspiring quotes from famous philosophers like Ludwig Wittgenstein in Buttrick Hall. It’s one of the most beautiful and intellectually stimulating buildings on campus. The Deans office for the College of Arts and Science is also located in this building.

4.Meet Harold Stirling Vanderbilt

Visit or snap a photo with the statue of Harold Stirling Vanderbilt, an American railroad executive, champion yachtsman, and a member of the renowned Vanderbilt family. He is mostly known for his invention of the first contract bridge bidding system.

5.Squirrel Counting Challenge

Photographed by Lana Das

Test your observation skills by counting the squirrels you see on campus in one day or even naming one of these curious creatures. My personal counting record is 20! The vibrant green spaces at Vanderbilt make it a haven for our furry friends.

6. Read at Peabody Library


Enjoy a quiet reading session at Peabody Library, renowned for its stunning architecture and cozy blue bean bags. Don’t forget to visit the coffee shop on the ground level for your caffeine fix. Make sure to Check out every floor-there’s way more than you think!

7. Dine at Rothschild Dining Hall

Photographed by Crystal Reynolds

Taste a meal at Rothschild Dining Hall, one of Vanderbilt’s well-known dining spots. With options including fresh and locally-sourced East Asian favorites. An added in bonus is its all you can eat style, assuring you won’t walk away hungry.

8.Shop at the Vanderbilt Bookstore

Browse through the Vanderbilt Bookstore for everything you need—from dorm supplies to Vandy merch, books, and stickers. Find it at 2501 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203. P.S. Don’t miss it’s second story!

9. Hang Out on the Commons Lawn

Spend time with friends on the Commons Lawn, a central gathering place that’s an essential part of the freshman experience. It’s rumoured to be one of the best places to meet and find new friends.

10. Try a Rand Cookie

Last but certainly not least, indulge in a Rand Cookie, known for its delectable taste and massive size. It’s said to warm hearts with its legendary flavor.

Thank you for reading this year’s first week Freshman Bucket List! I hope you have an incredible first year at Vanderbilt. Go Commodores!