My Commons Life

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

commons

Common Ground, Uncommon Lives: Tales from the Commons

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1.) Emile Marija

Emile is a passionate and dedicated individual with a strong commitment to leadership and community service. She graduated high school from UWC ISAK Japan, one of the 18 United World Colleges, where the focus on leadership and community engagement shaped her experiences. At ISAK, she was the president of the student council, leader of the Journalism Club, and an Outdoor Education leader, roles that allowed her to make a significant impact on her school and local community.

Through Outdoor Education, she not only became wilderness first aid certified but also organized and led trips such as hiking, skiing, canyoning, and rafting. Some memorable adventures included climbing Mt. Fuji, cycling 110 km around the 5 Fuji lakes, and watching a sunrise atop a local volcano. In addition to Outdoor Education, she was involved in dance, founded an archery club, and led a Bible Study. She also took on a leadership role in the First Aid Club for some time, further demonstrating her versatility and commitment to helping others.

Fluent in both Lithuanian and English, she is currently improving her Spanish and has some understanding of German and Japanese. Her dream career is still evolving, but she hopes to pursue something related to policy. She has a deep love for travel and unforgettable journeys, such as hitchhiking through Norway to go canyoning and a two-week European adventure with a close friend. More recently, she has traveled through Thailand, Vietnam, and Bali with friends from ISAK, adding to a collection of meaningful experiences. Alongside her love for travel, she is incredibly proud of her Lithuanian heritage, often reflecting on the country’s beauty, culture, and history.

Now pursuing a degree in Arts and Sciences with a major in Human and Organizational Development (HOD) and Economics, Emile brings a unique combination of leadership, service, and global perspective. Her passion for community, adventure, and learning will no doubt lead her to great accomplishments in the future.

Common Ground, Uncommon Lives: Tales from the Commons

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1.) Emily Benfield

Meet Emily Benfield! She is a dedicated and resilient individual originally from Newport, Rhode Island, but has also lived in California and Virginia Beach (Where she now lives). She has a lived a very unique journey. In fifth grade Emily was diagnosed with Dyslexia and Developmental Coordination Disorder. Facing these early challenges, Emily developed a strong work ethic and a knack for creative problem-solving, traits she now channels into her aspiration to become a teacher. She aims to support students in overcoming their own obstacles, drawing from her personal experiences. Which she wrote about in her Application to Vanderbilt, stating, “Disadvantages are Advantages.”

On top of this, she has been actively engaged in her community through her organization of two impactful events: the Love Run and the Color Run. The Love Run, coordinated with two local high schools, raised over $50,000 to help cover medical expenses for children facing extended hospital stays at Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters (CHKD). Meanwhile, the Color Run was a heartfelt tribute to a loved one who passed due to cancer complications, raising funds and bringing the community together in their memory.

Additionally, Emily was deeply involved in theater, where she took on roles as a technical supervisor and assistant director, overseeing set design, construction, and actor coordination—sometimes staying as late as 9 p.m. to ensure production quality! Her favorite musical she was a part of was, “The Little Mermaid,” and her favorite play was, “Puffs.”

Ultimately, Emily is very service-orientated and willing to help others. She is incredible kind, dedicated and a loyal friend. She has a genuine compassion that stands out in her community and will accomplish many great things.

Top Five Best Things I Bought for My Dorm

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5. Toolbox

My dad was right when he said it would be useful to have a toolbox in my room. The most useful thing is the scissors, which I use so often that I now keep them out on my desk instead of inside the box. Most of the other stuff was useful during move-in, such as when my roommate’s dad was trying to build a shelf from Target. My dad also let me keep his rubber mallet, which makes me the most popular girl in my hall (not actually) because I lent it to so many people in the first few weeks so they could loft their beds.

4. Storage Ottoman

As a vertically challenged person, I am unable to get onto my partially lofted bed just by jumping (I have short friends who do this and it terrifies me). I decided to buy an ottoman to use as a step stool to get into my bed. Not only is it the perfect height, it also has many other functions. I can open the lid to store random things, such as the toolbox, and it serves as an extra seat when my friends are in my room. And when I want more space in the room I can just push it behind my bed. It fits the color scheme of my room too.

3. Laundry Drying Rack

Many of my clothes can’t go into the dryers because they are cotton, and these school dyers are scarily powerful. They keep burning my shirts if I accidentally put them in. I bought a collapsible drying rack, which is the perfect size for tucking in the back of my dorm room and drying my clothes. It also fits nicely under my bed when not in use. Would recommend.

2. Photo Fairy Lights

Fairy lights in the dorm room? Basic. But fairy lights with photos hanging from them? Marginally less basic. I will say setting this up was quite the hassle. First I had to get all the photos printed. Then I had to go through the struggle of figuring out what I would use to hang them up that wouldn’t damage the walls. I settled on mini command hooks, which I probably am not even supposed to have, but oh well. Then I spent over an hour sticking the hooks on the wall and stinging the lights over them. The kit comes with mini clothespins that I used to hang the photos. Now my friends and family get to stare down at me while I sleep! And guess how many times I’ve turned on the fairy lights? (Three times, including to take this photo).

1. Expandable Shoe Rack

I think I brought too many shoes. I have not worn 50% of these since I got here. And of the 50% I have put on, there’s only two pairs that I actually wear every day to class. I did not really need three pairs of dress shoes, or two pairs of the exact same sneaker. And while it is nice to have separate slides and shower shoes, the flip flops were overkill. That being said, the shoe rack is absolutely necessary for organizing all these shoes. It allows me to have double-decker shoe storage. I fear that without the rack, there would be shoes lying in a jumble all over the closet floor and probably sneaking out into the rest of the room. And it folds to half its size for transport.

Honorable Mentions

  • The mini pride flag that falls behind my desk every five seconds
  • The throw pillow I stole from my sister after telling her that it was just for the car ride to Nashville and my parents would bring it back to her in three days (love you sis)
  • The neon purple power strip that is slightly too short to reach the microwave and had to be duct-taped to the floor so I don’t trip on it

Top Five Worst Things I Bought for My Dorm

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5. Tension Rods

I knew previous to move-in that my closet would be doorless (let’s go Memorial), so I bought tension rods with the intention of hanging curtains from them to cover my clothing. However, I didn’t buy the curtains in advance because I didn’t know the dimensions of my closet. When I moved in, I had my dad put up the tension rod (I’m too short to do it myself), and I told myself I would buy the curtains later and hang them up. It has been over two months since then, and it still has not happened. The tension rod sits at the top of my closet, completely curtainless, where I fear it will remain until move-out when my dad takes it down.

4. Bed Desk

I bought this so I could do schoolwork from my bed, knowing fully well that I never do schoolwork in my bed. I strictly stick to using my desk for school work and using my bed for watching Netflix and rotting on Instragram Reels for two hours when I should be writing my anthro essay. I tried using it in bed once and it’s so large and awkward that it’s not worth the trouble. I was straight-up wasting money when I bought this. 

3. A Swiffer AND a vacuum

There was really no reason to bring both. I have not touched the Swiffer even once. It sits in the corner of my closet. Since the vacuum works on both the hardwood floor and the carpet, I just use that. I guess I overestimated how much motivation I would have to clean. Honestly, if you don’t have a carpet in your room like I do, you could get by just fine with an old-fashioned broom and dustpan. Although it’s honestly shocking how many grown 18-year-olds don’t know how to sweep. And I’ve seen y’all try.

2. Clamp-on Nightstand

Yes, I had to take a screenshot of this from Amazon because I no longer have it with me.

I dragged this thing all the way here from the great state of Maryland, and it was here for all of two seconds before my parents promptly drove it back home with them. I thought I would be perfect for resting my phone and water bottle next to me while I slept. Turns out it doesn’t even fit on the dorm beds. Now it’s probably rotting in my parent’s basement. My bed is next to a window and I just use the windowsill as a nightstand, which works perfectly fine. Except when I jumpscare my roommate by tossing my phone from my bed onto the windowsill at 2 am (sorry girl).

1. Enough office supplies to power a small college

I have not used a single paperclip, post-it, or binder clip since I got here. I didn’t use them in high school either, so I don’t know why I thought they would be necessary now. The only useful office supply is my stapler, because apparently in college you not only need to pay a fortune in tuition, but you also need to supply your own staples. Because tell me why my bio professor hands us 30 loose sheets of paper during lab and expects us to not lose any of them.

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.

Dining Daries: Rating All the Meals I Ate at Commons for a Week

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Over the course of a week in September, I ate six lunches and dinners at the Commons Center dining hall. I have rated the meals in various categories. They are listed in the order in which I ate them.

Tex Mex Bowl

Taste: ★★☆☆☆ 

Chipotle dupe? Yeah 100% but it’s really not bad. The tex mex rice is one of the better rices they serve, the beans are well cooked and flavorful, and adding in your own toppings like salsa and corn elevates the dish. The two point deduction was because the day I ate this, the pork was so so salty. Usually it’s never that salty. I don’t know what was going on. 

Visuals: ★★★★☆

This picture was taken after I mixed it up because I forgot to take one before. It was much prettier when all the ingredients were separate. The corn and tomatoes add a nice pop of color. 

Health: ★★★☆☆

There’s no way that much sodium is good for you. Make sure you’re drinking water guys. 

Turkey Cheddar Wrap

Taste: ★★★★☆

A little skimpy on the turkey but overall pretty good. The cucumbers always hit and the basil pesto sauce is so good. The tortilla was nice and crispy, so crispy that it was literally crumbling in my hands as I ate. That slice of pizza kinda sucked though. Should’ve known when I saw the artichokes on it (sorry to my artichoke lovers).

Visuals: ★★★★★

That green tortilla is doing a lot. Also great artistic choice by me to hold up half the wrap to take the shot. 

Health: ★★★★★

I have no clue what they put in that basil sauce (probably straight mayo), but otherwise everything in this is quite healthy. 

Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta

Taste: ★★★★☆

My family is Italian, so I have very high standards for pasta. That being said, this was quite decent for dining hall food. The pasta was well cooked but not mushy, the broccoli tasted fresh, and the chicken was neither dry nor flavorless (shocking, I know). The alfredo sauce did not taste quite like real cheese, but what was I expecting? This is about as close as I can get to my dad’s home-cooked Italian food on campus (literally not close at all but I’m desperate).

Visuals: ★★★★☆

As I said, green really does a lot for visuals. That broccoli is carrying an otherwise plain, colorless meal. But you know what, sometimes plain food tastes good if you smother it in enough cheese sauce, which seems to be what we’re going for when it comes to dining hall cuisine. 

Health: ★☆☆☆☆

I think alfredo may be the least healthy invention of all time. 

Sweet and Spicy Chicken

Taste: ★★★★★

I may in fact have a sweet tooth because I’m pretty sure this sauce was just straight sugar, but I ate that stuff up. The rice was pretty good and the veggies were well cooked. And those fried vegetable wontons are so freaking tasty. What do they put in them? Also, I have a medium-level spice tolerance, but can we talk about how they always say “spicy pork” and sometimes that means no spice at all (like this dish), but sometimes it will literally burn your tongue off? And there’s no way of knowing which of the two you’re getting. 

Visuals: ★★★★☆

The red and green is such a nice color combo. And you can see the crispiness of the wonton through the photo.

Health: ★★★☆☆

Once again, most of the foods they serve in Commons are healthy enough… until you put the sauce on. Unfortunately, a few of the only ways to make a sauce tasty when you’re not a Michelin Star restaurant are butter, mayonnaise, and sugar, which are not exactly the staples of the balanced diet. Also I’ve seen the Commons deep friers. Those things are scary.

Orange Chicken

Taste: ★★☆☆☆ 

Commons wishes it could be Panda Express. Although this orange chicken initially tasted decent (the sauce was straight sugar), by the time I got four bites in I was over it. The texture of the chicken was rather nasty. Chewy, uncrispy, and way too much batter to chicken ratio. I was fighting for my life trying to find any real chicken in that chicken. The rice was not bad but those unseasoned vegetables get tiring day after day. Also, these wantons were the meat ones (don’t ask me which meat), not the veggie ones, and they are not nearly as good. In fact, I would go so far as to say they are bad. The pizza was better this time though, which is the only reason it’s rated a two instead of one. 

Visuals: ★★★★☆ 

The shine on the chicken and the color from the veggies make this meal look much more appetizing than it really was.


Health: ★★☆☆☆
Most of this is actually decent health-wise, except for the fried stuff. However, is rice really all that healthy if you’re eating it for every meal?

BBQ Chicken, Brocolli, Baked Potato, and Tomato Soup

Taste: ★★☆☆☆ 

The only part of this meal with any flavor was the chicken. The potato? Unseasoned. The broccoli? Unseasoned. The “tomato basil soup?” It was straight-up marinara sauce, like from a jar. And not even the good kind either. The barbeque chicken, however, was scrumptious, juicy, and the only thing keeping me from rage-quitting the dining hall after that meal. 

Visuals: ★☆☆☆☆ 

You can tell just from the picture that there’s no seasoning on this food. And why was there so much broccoli on that plate?


Health: ★★★★★

Usually baked potatoes are slathered in butter, however, since this one lacked any flavor, it remains healthy. 

Study Tips for Freshman

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The semester is certainly picking up, and a lot of us freshmen are in the midst of our first college exams. You may be feeling overwhelmed by the workload and anxious about your upcoming exams – I know I have been! So, I compiled some helpful study tips that have been helping me and can hopefully help you.

Find Study Spots on Campus!

I’ve only been at Vanderbilt for a few weeks, but I’ve already found an abundance of great study spots. Something I love about Vanderbilt is how there is always somewhere to go and study. I don’t like studying in my dorm room, so I’m always looking for places on campus to get my work done. Here are a few of my favorite study spots:

These chairs behind the Commons Center are a great place to study, especially when the weather is nice! And I promise they are more comfortable than they may look.

The libraries on campus are obviously a great place to get your work done because you have to be quiet and everyone around you is also focused. Here are some pictures of three of the libraries on campus, Stevenson Library, Peabody Library, and Central Library.

There are so many great places outside to study, and the lawn chairs around Commons are a perfect way to enjoy the last few weeks of summer and get your work done!

Study With Friends!

Another great thing about being at Vanderbilt is that you are surrounded by people who also need to study and want to be successful in school. So, studying with friends is the perfect thing to do. You can be social while still getting your work done and you can hold each other accountable. For example, you and your friends could all put your phones in the middle of the table to make sure you don’t get distracted. Also, scheduling study times with friends will motivate you to actually go and study.

Stay Organized!

    Being students at Vanderbilt, there is so much to keep track of. We have assignments in multiple classes, upcoming exams, and club meetings. So, it is essential to find a way to stay organized. I like to keep it simple and make a To Do List for each day on a GoogleDoc. Maybe you like to write things down and want to get a physical planner. Some people just add all their due dates and meetings to GoogleCalendar. I’ve also seen some well-designed GoogleSheets where people keep track of all their assignments. If you haven’t already, take the time to find the ways that you can stay organized in the midst of our busy schedules!

    Thanks for reading and I hope this gave you some useful tips and the motivation to be productive! I know we all have the ability to succeed here at Vanderbilt; it’s just about taking advantage of the campus, finding what works for you, and staying organized!

    Lost in Commons? Look for These Landmarks!

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    If you suffer from N.S.D.S. (No Sense of Direction Syndrome) like me, then navigating the Commons has likely been a struggle.

    The Commons’ distinctive (not really) red brick and cream framing quickly crash into one cacophony of warm-toned carpentry. It’s easy to find yourself wandering in circles, searching for a bright color other than the green grass beneath you and the blue sky above.1

    To help incoming freshman (like me) get a better grasp of their new home, I’ve designated distinctive structures to use as landmarks when navigating the Commons grounds.

    And I’ve thrown in a couple of one-liners so horrible that hopefully they’ll stick in your head and you’ll remember where you are!

    Landmark #1: the Martha River Ingrams statue – Lower Quad

    (left) Not only is Martha R. Ingrams a cornerstone of the Nashville performing arts community, her likeness will also serve as a helpful reminder of where you are in the Commons.

    Martha R. Ingrams is the ultimate compass for the Lower Quad—home of Hank Ingram, Stambaugh, and Memorial Houses. The statue depicts Ingrams sitting down with her back to the Commons Center, where the Commons Dining Hall, Munchie Mart, gym, and event center reside. Another thing to remember, Lower Quad is the Quad closest to the Commons Center!

    Behind Martha, find a plethora!
    Low=Co(mmons    )

    Stambaugh House – straight ahead of Mrs. Martha

    (above) A front view of Stambaugh. These damn package tents.

    Madam Ingrams smiles directly at our first featured freshman dorm, Stambaugh House!
    Stambaugh has a nice front patio, with a cool balcony overlooking the Lower Quad. With a straight-on shot of the Commons Center, being a member of the “Stamily” means you’ll always been in the loop. At the very least you’ll have a front row seat to the flocks of freshmen hunting for food.

    Ingrams smiles straight at Stambaugh.

    Hank Ingram House – to the left of Mrs. Martha

    (above) A Martha R. Ingrams view of Hank Ingram House.

    If stone-faced Madam Ingrams’ gaze wandered to the left, she’d set sights on the hulking Hank Ingram House. Lovingly referred to as the Hank Hotel, Hank is the biggest freshman dorm on the Commons, boasting nearly 300 freshmen within.

    But Hank isn’t inherently the best dorm just because its big, no matter how many Hank Ingram citizens claim it to be. (Although they do have a ping pong table in the basement…) One of my fellow MCL Media Intensive members gave me a room tour of his corner dorm in Hank, and it was the smallest I’ve seen so far.

    So is all the hype around Hank merely propaganda? Although I’ve only seen inside three out of the ten freshmen dorms, and I’m certainly no judge, I can tell you, yes. The Hank hype is propaganda. Lies. All a facade.2

    Look to the left of Martha, and you’ll high five Hank!

    Memorial House – to the right of Mrs. Martha

    Last (but maybe least) in the Lower Quad, to the right side of our lady Martha R. Ingrams, lies Memorial House. Memorial is the smallest freshman dorm on campus, with only 80 students nestled inside. I think it’s a little mean, almost seemingly intentional, to set the smallest dorm right next to the biggest one on campus, but Memorial citizens are quite loyal despite.

    More fun features of Memorial: I noticed that there’s a little railing on top of the front of the building that the other dorms don’t have, or at least none that I have seen. Also, Memorial has their house crest above one of their side entrances. Pretty neat.

    (from left to right) The aforementioned Memorial roof railing and Memorial House crest.

    Memorial meanders to the right of Martha!

    Landmark #2: Wyatt Center – “N.E.W.” & Gillette Houses

    (above) Wyatt Center in all of its Education and Development glory!

    This picturesque half dome (although temporarily shrouded by a package pickup tent) is home to the Peabody College of Education and Human Development. Wyatt Center is very pretty to look at, and hopefully all that looking will help you see Wyatt as a landmark for navigating the N.E.W. (North, East, West) and Gillette Houses!

    Wyatt has a NEW Shave!

    Get it? Shave? Gillette?

    North House – straight ahead and a little to the left of Wyatt Center

    (above) A head-on shot of North House.

    Living in North means that you have the longest trek to the Commons Center. Or, alternatively, the closest walk to Main Campus. Living in North also means you might have a private bathroom, or a single all to yourself. Very exclusive company in here.

    Life at North is all a matter of perspective. Though from my perspective, North is different than its peers in that its location relative to Wyatt Center is not accurately explained by its name. Technically North is located northwest of Wyatt Center, so maybe… Northwest House?

    East House – to the right of Wyatt Center

    East and West House are the closest friends of Wyatt Center. You’ll always find them holding hands. Clingy much? You can find East House clutching the right hand of Wyatt 24/7, all-year round.

    (left) The East House bug!

    East House also has this cool, semi-unsettling, turtle-man-bug sculpture on its front lawn. Dear East residents, does this thing have a name? If not, you should give it one. Quasimodo, perhaps? Or simply, the Creature?

    West House – to the left of Wyatt Center

    (above) West House and its connecting walkway to Wyatt Center.

    West House is similarly attached at the hip to Wyatt Center. You’ll find West House grasping Wyatt’s left hand at all times. It’s a trauma bond thing, I think.

    Gillette House – straight ahead and a little to the right of Wyatt Center

    (above) Gillette from its side. Look at those stairs! And the rooms underneath them!

    Gillette gets a little bit of a bad rap, but these claims are seemingly unfounded, other than the Great Flood of 2021.3 If you live in Gillette, they’ll never let you forget.

    Gillette House can be easily distinguished by the runway of stairs leading into the main entrance. Although, it seems a bit hard to “G’Live, G’Laugh, G’Love” in a House that makes you take the stairs every day just to get in. Imagine making the trek from Main Campus, looking forward to diving into bed, and then Boom. Stairs. To each their own!

    Landmark #3: …Upper? Quad? (sorry)

    (left to right) Sutherland and Crawford. Do you see how I’m confused?

    This is where I have bad news. I myself am an Upper Quad resident and I failed to find a distinctive enough figure to direct freshmen around, other than the big, fat package tent that will be taken away soon.

    Crawford and Murray face each other and are aesthetically similar, bar some minor window features.4 Stambaugh5 and Sutherland, the same dilemma. Materially indistinguishable; an unending loop of brick and cement. But remember, it’s what’s on the inside that counts. And on the inside, Upper Quad freshmen are superlative in every sense.

    So to my fellow Upper Quad freshmen in Crawford (WOOOOOO), Sutherland, and Murray, I extend my deepest apologies. Just know, we are the best Quad. Perhaps even the best House (if you live in Crawford), and we are certainly the coolest, most nonchalant and demure, freshmen in the Vanderbilt Class of 2028.

    Find utmost comfort in knowing that we are the closest Houses to Parking Lot 84, and even, Parking Lot 90.

    1. Can we paint each of the houses in a different color? Or give them a fun little flag? Are we allergic to colors other than gold and varying shades of monotone at Vandy? ↩︎
    2. Crawford is better. Duh. ↩︎
    3. Moral of the story, don’t set fires in a microwave. ↩︎
    4. At this point, why even differentiate the buildings by an extra window frame or two. Lean into the monotony. Or paint each building a color of the rainbow. Either way. ↩︎
    5. Why are you not part of the Upper Quad? You want to be different soooo badly. ↩︎

    Sitting on Seating: The Definitive Rating of the Chairs of Commons

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    By Elena Parisi & Madelyn Pelletier

    1. Dorm Desk Chairs

    Photo by Elena Parisi.

    Overall Rating: ★★☆☆☆

    “If you are really in it for the college experience, five out of five! But if you want comfort, style and a little bit of flair… one,” junior and VUceptor Kady Hillman said.

    Comfort: ★★★☆☆

    Although the fabric appears unassuming, sitting on this chair for too long will give you the phantom feeling of bugs crawling on any skin left uncovered. This is possibly a psychological consequence of knowing that countless other freshmen have sat in these seats before and that the upper limit on how clean a freshman dorm can actually get is quite low.

    Visuals: ★☆☆☆☆

    Minus the curved bar at the bottom, this chair is definitely chair shaped. The most remarkable visual aspect of this chair is its green cushioning that’s just a hue away from being someone’s favorite color, but in its current state will be forever overlooked in its mediocrity.

    Armrests: ☆☆☆☆☆

    Ready to consider a hard math problem? Looking to review a paper before submitting? Wondering whether the dorm normally makes noises like that, or if your ceiling is about to collapse? This chair lacks the armrests that make your deep acts of contemplation possible.

    Creativity: ☆☆☆☆☆

    It looks like a chair. Even picking another color for the cushioning could get this chair it’s first star in creativity

    Practicality: ★★★☆☆

    It can be sat on. It fits at the desk. There’s not much more to say.

    2. Commons Dining Hall Chairs

    Photo by Elena Parisi.

    Overall Rating: ★★☆☆☆

    The dining hall chair is ugly, uncomfortable, and boring. However, it does exactly what it is supposed to do: provide students a place to eat.

    Comfort: ★★☆☆☆

    This chair is wooden and hard, which is overall not conducive to comfort. The indent in the seat and the angle of the chair’s back are good features. However, it is still the kind of chair that leads butt-numbness when sat in for extended periods of time.

    Visuals: ★★☆☆☆

    This chair is pretty ugly. As seen in the photo it’s also chipped. “These are actually the ones I’ve seen fully broken before,” junior and VUceptor Layne Foeder said. That’s a bad look.

    Armrests: ★★★☆☆

    There are no armrests. However, armrests are not the best for dining hall chairs. They may get in the way of eating and of entering/leaving your seat due to the crampness of the dining hall.

    Creativity: ☆☆☆☆☆

    BORING. I’ve seen this chair 1000 times before.

    Practicality: ★★★★★

    We must remember that this chair is designed for eating. You don’t want it too fancy. Adding cushions or fabric will increase comfort and visuals, but they will get disgusting with spilled food. The chair serves its purpose very well as a place to sit in for a brief time while eating.

    3. Lower Quad Lawn Chairs

    Photo by Elena Parisi.
    Madelyn for scale.

    Overall Rating: ★★★★☆

    It’s probably a red flag to hate this chair. Iconic, comfortable, casual.

    “If you do study on it, watch for the photographers, because they will capture you in the most unsuspecting moment,” Hillman said.

    Comfort: ★★★☆☆

    If you’re willing to lean all the way back, these chairs are comfortable. If you’re not, you’re better off sitting in the grass. “If you’re short, like me, you can fit your legs up in there and, like, criss cross action and relax,” Foeder said.

    Visuals: ★★★★★

    Their design is iconic and they’re possibly one of the most chairy chairs to ever chair. They’re pleasing to the eye, and placed exactly where you would expect them to be. This chair is in perfect harmony with nature. 

    Armrests: ★★★★★

    They’re big. They’re possibly bigger than necessary, but an exorbitant surface area on an armrest has never been a bad thing. If I’m completely honest, it’s not super clear whether these are really big armrests or just really tiny tables at this point. Whatever they may be, they’re perfect just the way they are.

    Creativity: ★★★☆☆

    While, as stated above, their design is iconic, it also lacks creative flair. If I asked somebody to picture a lawn chair, chances are they’d imagine this exact chair. Further, as you’ll notice, the most common chair color on commons is green.

    Practicality: ★★★★☆

    The lawn chairs made for lounging will let you lounge on the lawn (shocking). If they weren’t so rigid in the posture you must take one to properly enjoy these chairs, they could be a 5/5. Still, the world is about flexibility, and it’s not always fair to expect the world to conform to what’s most comfortable for you. 

    4. Crawford Lounge Green Table Chairs

    Photo by Elena Parisi.

    Overall Rating: ★★★☆☆

    Most mid chair ever.

    Comfort: ★★★☆☆

    These chairs have some cushioning that makes them not uncomfortable, but not the most comfortable either. Very average. 

    Visuals: ★★★☆☆

    Someone probably thought they ate with that fabric pattern. I mean A for effort but that Crawford green is a little gross.

    Armrests: ★★☆☆☆

    There are in fact armrests, which is nice while studying. However, they’re pretty thin. Your arm might slide right off. Very average.

    Creativity: ★★☆☆☆

    The fabric design shows that at least some thought was put in. The chair shape itself is boring. Once again, very average. Further, another green chair. Vanderbilt get non-green chairs 2024.

    Practicality: ★★★★★

    It’s definitely a chair. It’s good for sitting in, good for studying, good for group meetings around that big table, good for everything. 

    5. Commons Wooden High Chairs

    Photo by Elena Parisi.

    Overall Rating: ★★★☆☆

    What’s to love? All aspects of this chair are standard with exception to the below par comfortability and the above par leg length. 

    Comfort: ★★☆☆☆

    This chair is all hard edges. Little is done to accommodate the human body besides making sure there is a flat surface to sit on. Even the back of the chair is too short to really enjoy, unless you’re lacking vertically.

    Visuals: ★★☆☆☆

    Not pictured in this photo is the back of the chair which is blue. I don’t think that adds to the chair’s visual appeal, but rather demonstrates the lack of cohesion in this chair’s design. It’s height, amplified by it’s thin metal legs, reminds me a little too much of a baby giraffe. I like the notion of a tall chair, but the execution leaves much to be desired (like, for instance, any semblance of effort).

    Armrests: ★★★★★

    This chair serves as an exception to the general rule that armrests are to be desired. Paired with its height, armrests would make getting into this chair even more difficult, and when you’re sitting down with potential friends from orientation, struggling into an armed (as in with armrests, not with weaponry) high chair is probably not the best first impression.

    Creativity: ★★☆☆☆

    Whoever designed this chair took another chair and just made the legs really long. The back is blue which is something, at least. 

    Practicality: ★★★☆☆

    Again, you can sit on it. We aren’t going to ask much more of this chair.

    6. Commons Amazon Hub Study Booth

    Photo by Elena Parisi.
    Madelyn for scale.

    Overall Rating: ★★★★☆

    This chair is great because it provides you a comfortable study space while keeping you mysterious. The location leaves something to be desired though.

    Comfort: ★★★★★

    Veryyyyyyy comfortable. Nice and squishy with walls to lean against. “That is serenity, seclusion, peace,” Foeder said.

    Visuals: ★★★★★

    Black is classic. This looks so cool.

    Armrests: ★★★★★

    They’re big, soft, and comfy, everything you could ever ask for. 

    Creativity: ★★★★★

    Your own personal hub for studying with walls to block out others? Genius.

    Practicality: ★★★☆☆

    How comfortable is too comfortable? We did see a student in there with her laptop open, laying down and scrolling TikTok. “If you have your heart set on it, make sure like nobody’s sleeping in it before you like, really go for it,” Hillman said. Might be hard to lock in. 

    Special considerations: Bonus points for the pull-out table. Minus points because it’s right next to the Amazon lockers. Try not to get a door opened in your face.

    7. Memorial House Lounge Chairs

    Photo by Madelyn Pelletier.
    Elena for scale.

    Overall Rating: ★★★☆☆

    Probably good, but it’s a hard sell when your dorm bed is less than 100ft away.

    Comfort: ★★★☆☆

    The chair designers went too far in making this chair. As with most things, moderation is key and this chair gives you way too much space. Is it physically comfortable? Yes. Psychologically, though, the space can leave you feeling vulnerable. Still, this is a mostly comfortable chair. 

    Visuals: ★★★☆☆

    There’s really nothing to it. The fabric print is okay, but at the very least, it’s not green (Unlike a majority of Common’s non wooden chairs). 

    Armrests: ★★★☆☆

    This chair was designed for people who don’t have elbows. The armrests are positioned right at the top of the back, as if whoever designed this chair was an alien who didn’t realize our arms can bend twice. Extra credit for proof of earth’s first space-based furniture company.

    Creativity: ★★☆☆☆

    It looks like a chair. What can I say?

    Practicality: ★★★★☆

    This is a rare scenario where being only moderately comfortable works in the chair’s favor. If the Amazon Hub Study Booths are the tower of Babel, these Memorial Lounge Chairs are an act of piety to the chair designers of old.

    8. Commons Ornate Wooden Chair

    Photo by Elena Parisi.

    Overall Rating: ★★☆☆☆

    While this chair looks beautiful, it is not ideal for actually sitting and feels out of place.

    Comfort: ☆☆☆☆☆

    Wood and hard. The back is just a wall, so you can’t lean back. You definitely don’t want to sit here for very long. 

    Visuals: ★★★★★

    That woodworking is gorgeousssss. The vines are so ornate. The deep color gives it a very vintage feel. Kind of like you should find it in a museum and not in a random spot in the Commons Center?

    Armrests: ☆☆☆☆☆

    No armrests, no stars.

    Creativity: ★★★★★

    This is for sure the most unique chair on this list. I wonder how long it took to carve those leaves into the wood.

    Practicality: ☆☆☆☆☆

    Is this actually meant to be a chair? Probably not. But you can sit on it so we’re including it in this list. 

    9. Stambaugh Hexachair Circle Table

    Photos by Elena Parisi.

    Overall Rating: ★☆☆☆☆

    An affront to the goodness of humanity. “I hate them,” Foeder said.

    Comfort: ★★☆☆☆

    You know your friends hate you if they make you sit in the chair that’s in front of the table’s legs. Luckily, this table makes sure everyone experiences that discomfort. If I’m honest, I think these chairs are consciously malicious.

    Visuals: ☆☆☆☆☆

    I’m not sure whether I should compare these chairs (Or is it just a singular chair? What defines the individual?) to Frankenstein’s monster or the human centipede. Either way, it makes me uncomfortable.

    Armrests: ★★★☆☆ 

    My initial feeling was that similar to the Commons High Chairs, these chairs were better off without armrests since it would make it too difficult to get in. Unfortunately, they’re difficult to get in already since you can’t move them. 

    Creativity: ★★★★☆

    Possibly too creative. I hate this.

    Practicality: ★★☆☆☆

    In a place of higher education, Hexachair Circle Tables serve as a reminder that we must work to be better each day. Take advantage of the opportunities that university offers you in order to not invent chairs such as these.

    10. Martha River Ingram’s Chair

    Photo by Elena Parisi.

    Overall Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★

    This is the best chair on not only Commons, but on all of campus. And yes, I’ve only been to Main like once as of writing this, but that’s unimportant. This chair cannot be topped.

    Comfort: ★★★★★

    The statue was erected in 2012, which means Martha has been sitting in this chair for 12 years straight. It must be incredibly comfortable. Just look at that cushioning.

    Visuals: ★★★★★

    Chair looks great, Martha looks great. Very regal vibes.

    Armrests: ★★★★★

    These are the ideal armrests.

    Creativity: ★★★★★

    Martha’s chair is surrounded by three stone blocks. These blocks serve seats for freshmen to symbolically talk with her. According to Vanderbilt, the statue was “commissioned by Vanderbilt University to honor her leadership and philanthropic service.” And they’ve even got her holding that campus reading book, which she can’t seem to focus on either. 

    Practicality: ★★★★★

    This is the perfect chair for Martha to watch over Lower Quad and judge freshmen as they walk back and forth from the package tent on move-in day. Are you sure you need all those throw pillows?

    Media Intensive 2024 – Behind the Scenes

    by

    Media Intensive 2024 has been working energetically to produce fresh, original, and relatable content for our freshmen class. But what exactly are we doing? Take a look at how the sausage (cool content!) is made with our BTS!

    World (dorm) tour! 

    MI students Max and Jonas ask freshmen about their experience moving in and their dorm-house opinions, as well as a video tour of five freshmen’s dorm rooms.

    Hard at work…or hardly working?

    MI may have moved in three days ago, but clearly, we’re on the grind already. Catch us working on super fun content, for you!

    What’s New(s), Vandy?

    Don’t know who Chloe is? Now you do. She’s one of your News Minute broadcasters and is here to keep you in the know. Catch the latest News Minute episode on our main page.

    Getting to know Dean Gresalfi.

    Homesickness, Imposter Syndrome, and finding joy in a new environment- tune in for our interview with Dean Gresalfi on our latest podcast episodes.