My Commons Life

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

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A Beginners Guide: Room Organization and Maximizing Your Space

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As we settle into our busy schedules, it will become increasingly difficult to take time to finish decorating and organizing our living spaces. So, it is important to set a routine for yourself as soon as possible to keep your room a clean and productive space where you can feel at ease and relax after your busy days. To get you on the right track in setting up your ideal dorm room, here are some tips to help you maximize space and keep your belongings organized and easily accessible. 
Firstly, make containers your best friend. Get easy-to-open bins of various sizes (don’t forget about the small ones) and categorize them. Having a designated bin for your items makes your life so much easier, especially when it comes to small, easy-to-lose items like scissors or hair ties. Make a container of miscellaneous toiletries and necessities; it will be easier to see when you are running low on a product or have misplaced something. 

Next, to limit the amount of clutter that may start to accumulate in your room, make a pile of things you do not use and want to bring back home. Our first few weeks of receiving new t-shirts, backpacks, and various other products have proven that we are going to collect a LOT of new stuff throughout the year. So, if you know you aren’t going to use something but brought it to college “just in case,” put it aside to send home with your family or to bring home at some point. 
On the topic of categorizing and sifting through what you do or don’t need, let’s tackle winter clothes. These tend to take up way too much room in our tight spaces, so don’t bring them out until you have to. Keep opposite seasons packed away until it’s time to break them out. Storing your winter clothes in a suitcase or large bin under your bed will save so much space in your room during these warmer months. When the seasons change, break out those jackets and fill that suitcase or bin with your summer wardrobe. 
Having a structured and orderly closet can be the key to keeping your entire room tidy. The shelves we are provided in the commons closets are the first step to this organization, and you should move them around according to the system you want to set in place. I would recommend moving down both the highest shelf, for more storage on top, and the smaller, middle shelf so you can hang shirts and shorter items above it. With this system, try to hang more items in your closet as opposed to stuffing them in drawers. Hangers are thin and allow you to fit many items in a confined space. For anyone with a lot to hang up, tiered hangers are great for fitting multiple clothing items in a tight area. You will get better use out of your clothes if you can see them all in front of you instead of digging through deep piles in your drawers. 

Moving down, the floor of your closet is a perfect place for a shoe rack to keep everything in one tight space and maximize that area. You can buy shoe holders that fold up and store easily while still fitting up to fifteen pairs of shoes. 

One of the best ways to make a space look clean is to have a neat and orderly desk. Regardless of whether you study or get ready at your desk or not, keeping it bare and uncluttered makes your whole room look so much more spacious. Plus, if you have a free desk, you will be way more inclined to make use of that space constructively. Also, don’t be afraid to take advantage of the blank space on the walls. Use command hooks/strips and hanging closet and supply organizers with pockets. Utilizing the bare walls can be the key to accessing your belongings more easily. 


Finally, Decorate! The more you make the space your own, the more comfortable you will start to feel in it. You may want to change things later and move stuff around for more convenience but give it time and you will start to figure out what works for you and the best techniques for creating your ideal space.

Tips for Navigating Change During Your First Weeks at Vanderbilt

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My fellow members of the Vanderbilt Class of 2028, we have officially made it through our first couple weeks of college. I know for me and probably many of you, college so far has been a rollercoaster of emotions: exciting, overwhelming, busy, stressful, fun, and pretty much every other feeling you can imagine.

Starting freshman year is a massive life transition, and the biggest one I’ve ever experienced. It takes time to adjust to a new environment, new people, and a whole new life. As we all go through this time of change in our lives, I wanted to share with you three tips/things to keep in mind that may help you and have certainly been helping me.

#1 – Remember the Importance of Change!

Change is hard for anyone, and starting at Vanderbilt is a big change. Many of us have moved far away from our family, friends, and home and all of us are in a totally new environment. Our life as we knew it has completely changed, and this can be extremely overwhelming.

You may be feeling homesick, missing your high school friends, or even just feeling nostalgic for your childhood. Moving to a new place, making new friends, and being at a school as ambitious as Vanderbilt is a lot of work and extremely overwhelming. But the truth is, leaving behind the familiar and experiencing a time of change is necessary in becoming the people we are meant to be and living the lives we are meant to live. 

Here are a couple of quotes I love that highlight the necessity of change:

“There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.”

  • C.S. Lewis

“In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or step back into safety.”

  • Abraham Maslow

#2 – Stay Grounded in Yourself and What You Love!

In the chaos of our first weeks at Vanderbilt, it’s easy to feel like you’re an entirely new person living a whole new life (because you basically are!). But, something that’s been really helping me is staying grounded in who I am and doing the things that make me feel like myself.

This may include doing your favorite hobbies, calling your family, or just taking some extra alone time. All of these things can help make you feel at home in a new environment and grounded in yourself. You may even find ways to do these activities with other people here and in student clubs!

For me, I’ve been trying to carve out time in my day to play guitar, which is something I did everyday back home. I’ve also really enjoyed walking around campus listening to my favorite songs – it’s a great way to destress and have some peaceful alone time.

Whether you love to draw, workout, read, or FaceTime your siblings, make sure you give yourself time for those activities in the midst of our crazy schedules! I promise it will help with adjusting to life at Vanderbilt.

#3 – It Takes Time!

I’m sure you’ve heard this a million times, but it’s important to remember that it takes time to feel at home in a new environment, build strong relationships, adjust to college academics and extracurriculars, and get into a new routine. 

It may seem like everyone else is totally thriving here and having the best time ever, but don’t feel behind if you’re still adjusting. Things aren’t going to feel perfect all the time, and that’s ok! I’ve been constantly reminding myself to take things day by day and remember that we are all experiencing college for the first time and it’s ok to not have everything figured out yet. 

I hope you can keep these things in mind as you continue to adjust to life at Vanderbilt and move through this time of transition. Making it through the first weeks is something to be proud of and I hope we can all have an incredible rest of the year!

5 Things I’m Secretly Hoping My Parents Bring This Parents’ Weekend

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Because paying tuition isn’t enough.

1. Socks

Dear Parents,

I came to college with 22 pairs of socks. Two weeks in and I’m at 7. I’ve also turned all my whites bright red. No, I don’t know where they’re going. Yes, I’ve tried checking the machines. Sorry for always accusing you of losing my socks. It turns out it was a me-problem all along.

Thanks,
Your Laundry-challenged Sock-Eater.

2. Dayquil/Nyquil

Dear Parents,

Although a congested nose may help me in French, I’m afraid the brain fog that accompanies a cold may render Stevenson completely unnavigable. In good health, I accidentally wandered into a meeting for a business frat last Thursday. In poor health, I don’t want to know where I’d end up. To process my emotions, I’ve taken to poetry:

The Commodore Cough,
The Freshman Flu
Hear it and scoff,
But it’s coming for you

Thanks,

Your Future Poet Laureate

3. Sneaker Deodorizers

Dear Parents, 

Who would’ve guessed that wearing the same pair of sneakers for 14 hours straight over 7 days a week wouldn’t be horrifically stinky? Febreeze and baby powder can only take you so far. Just because my dorm is the size of a shoebox doesn’t mean it should smell like one. Was this TMI? Who cares. SOS (Save our sinuses).

Thanks,

YourChildWhoDoesn’tActuallySmellButIsLookingOutForTheFutureOfHerDormIPromise.

4. Portable Battery

Dear Parents,

Do you remember when you told me that it wouldn’t be the end of the world if my phone died? This feels a little bit like an ‘I told you so’ moment. Without a charged phone, I can’t get into my dorm unless I, God forbid, ask someone for help.  

Thanks,

And I told you so.

5. Water Bottle Brush & Dish Soap

Dear Parents,

After two weeks, I’m not sure that I’ve seen anyone clean their water bottle. Maybe I’m not looking in the right places, but if I continue to live like this I might start a bacterial culture on my straw before we hit midterms; especially if the legends regarding the Commodore Cough, Vandy Virus, or Freshman Flu turn out to be true. For the sake of preventing another world pandemic, I’m in desperate need of a funny shaped sponge and some Dawn.

Thanks,

Your soon-to-be biohazard.

Bonus: My Cat

Dear Parents,

This was just an excuse to post Frida on MCL. I do miss her, though, and I’m growing increasingly concerned about her weight. Please stop feeding her cheese in the morning.

Thanks,

Your daughter

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. 

Encuentrate: Being Latino/Latina at Vanderbilt

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Being half Mexican and half Salvadoran is the best of both worlds. Pupusas and Chilaquiles for all the major holidays, two independence days, two cultures to celebrate, and two traditions bonded through language, culture, and familia. It breaks my heart to say that I wasn’t always so loving of my identities, but it’s true. Moving from Inglewood, California to Yukon, Oklahoma- a place filled with people who looked like me and spoke like me to a place where I was the only Spanish-speaking brown kid in a classroom full of white 5th graders- terrified me. This fear quickly began to turn into shame and I started to feel like an outcast because of where I came from. I began to hide my heritage. I began to look at my Latino identity, not as a source of pride, but as a burden.

Let’s pause right there. Firstly, to all my Latin familia, getting into Vanderbilt is an absolutely amazing achievement. One you should celebrate and be proud of yourself for. Vandy has been my dream school since 7th grade and now I finally get to call it home. However, it’s no secret that Vanderbilt remains a PWI (Predominantly White Institution). As Latinos/as, it’s more than likely that we had to work harder than most to get to where we are right now. Whether it be working multiple jobs in high school to support our families, translating hours of important legal documents, stressing about our parents’ immigration statuses, and dealing with the constant fear and stress that many of us face about our families being deported or jailed simply by lacking a piece of paper. I struggled with many of these myself, and I was looking forward to the relief I would feel once all these problems vanished as soon as I hit Vandy’s campus. Long story short, they didn’t. In fact, I only saw more problems when I arrived. The pressures of making friends, exceeding in academics, and finding my community in a space that (once again) was lacking in representing my culture, language, AND people. These were all things I couldn’t stop thinking about once I got here and I’m sure you may have your own specific doubts and fears coming into Vanderbilt this fall. This brings me back to my story.

I struggled for so long with trying to fit myself into a mold that wasn’t meant for me. I felt isolated, scared, and ashamed because I wanted to be me, but I wasn’t sure if “me” would be accepted. That’s when my parents, armed with Pan Dulce, Chocolate Abuelita, and some damn good dichos, changed my perspective on what it truly meant to be Latino. Now, I’d like to share some of that advice with you and maybe it can be of some use to you navigating through your freshman year at Vandy as a person of Latin descent. Vamos.

“Mejor Solo/a Que Mal Acompañado/a”

I hate this saying. I hate it because it’s true. “Better to be alone than in bad company.” Coming into a new environment with 1600 other people can be nerve-racking, especially if you’re like me and HATE being alone. However, it’s important to recognize that desperation for connection is NOT the way to form meaningful friendships/relationships. Desperate friendships often end in disappointing fallouts. (Damn I needa quote that…) Building relationships should be intentional and exciting! Take these few weeks to get to know as many or as few people as you feel comfortable with! Let the conversations make themselves and don’t force any connections out of a desperate need to be in a group/friendship/relationship! A desperate need for connection can also lead to sacrificing what makes you, you. I was scared of not connecting, terrified of the idea of doing anything without the security that meaningful relationships brought. That led me to sacrifice not only my cultural identity but also the meaningful relationships that could have come from me just being ME. Your culture makes you unique, it makes you interesting, and it can lead to so many deep, truly meaningful connections with others. Getting to know and appreciate yourself as you are is one of the best ways to avoid toxic or harmful friendships/relationships formed out of insecurity.

“Nadie Sabe Lo Que Tiene Hasta Que Lo Pierde.”

I wish I could take all of those moments in elementary school back. The moments of me hiding my culture, my language, my personality, my heritage. I look back on all of the possible shame I could have avoided, the good conversations I could have had with my mom in the lunch line, and the beautiful culture I could have taught my peers. “You don’t know what you have until you’ve lost it.” Saying goodbye to my parents that is all I’m thinking. Sure I’ll see them at Thanksgiving and Christmas and in the Summer, but I’ll never go back to being their elementary schooler again. This is why I ask myself: why didn’t I realize it sooner? Why didn’t I realize how amazing it was to be Latino?! In the same way, I tell you, don’t let this year (4 years even.) pass you by. Don’t let your environment determine your energy. (I am on FIRE today.) Let your energy determine your environment. (guaw.) Bring the energy of your culture and heritage into your daily life, and let others experience the joy and pride you have in being Latino/a! Life is more exciting when you can unapologetically be you and when the energy you exude is organic and original, not only will you attract connections and relationships that prove to be meaningful and valuable, but you will also avoid the pain of regret that can come with hiding who you are.

“Donde Hay Lucha, Hay Fuerza.”

Realize that you made it. Let yourself be content with your accomplishments. You fought through the hurdles that should have never been there, you challenged yourself with experiences that so many other students didn’t need to face and you came out on top. Yes, your job is not done. Another chapter begins and this one could be even harder than the previous one. But always remember that your struggles made you stronger. Possibly my favorite part of this dicho is that this struggle is not solitary, but it is shared as a collective through all Latin American students who many times face the same challenges in different environments. You are not struggling alone, and in the same way, our collective strength as a community is what makes us great. I encourage you to connect with your community, whether it be through student organizations, community service, or whatever helps you find the community that you need to be a part of to be successful. With the Latino/a population at Vanderbilt being so low it can be easy to think that there aren’t resources or communities out there that can understand our struggles, but organizations like MASA (Mexican American Student Association) and ALAS (Association of Latin American Students), prove that our community can thrive anywhere no matter what struggles we face.

I am beyond proud to be Latino, I am proud to be a part of two amazing, culturally rich countries that bring me so much joy to represent. Of course, I am still scared, I am still anxious, I am still unsure about so many things. But I’m not ashamed of bringing my culture wherever I go. I plan to look into many organizations to find my community. All while staying true to who I am. This is Me, and I hope that after reading this you are encouraged to find community, celebrate your heritage, be loud about being Latino/a, but most importantly, just be YOU.

Mucho Amor Familia!

Campus At First Glance

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Through Vanderbilt’s Media Intensive, I got to move in early and had the opportunity to explore campus on my own. Enjoy the pictures I have captured of the places I visited, along with some tips I learned along the way! All photographs are my own content!

1. Vandy Bridge

The 21st Avenue pedestrian bridge is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to get from the commons to main campus. Very cute, very aesthetic, very demure✨

Hmmm…this picture would make a very nice Linkedin background photo *wink wink, nudge nudge*

2. Sarratt Student Center & Rand Dining Hall

Sarratt and Rand are basically the same building and are connected to each other in a weird jumbled way. This building is home to a number of other things such as the post office, headquarters of Vanderbilt Student Communications (1st floor), a pub (The Pub at Overcup Oak: 3rd floor), and a sushi place (Wasabi: 1st floor)

Below are some pictures I took throughout the building.

Student Center Courtyard
Student Center Courtyard
Student Center Courtyard

There is so much seating all over campus. If you’re looking for a quieter spot go outside or a floor above or below you and chances are you’ll find less people!

Bonus!— Outside Rand is very pretty in the evening when it gets dark and the lights come on. My pictures don’t do it justice, so go check it out for yourself! Once again, lots of seating! Bring bug spray though (especially if you have O+ blood), because Nashville mosquitos are feral!!!

3. Buttrick Hall

I’ll be honest… I only went in to look for one of my classes… but! It’s very pretty and has inspiring and philosophical quotes, so enjoy.

4. Campus Resource Centers

There are a handful of campus resources which I’m sure we all read about in the safety modules…but if you didn’t and you’re interested in learning about them, go here-https://www.vanderbilt.edu/healthydores/campus-resources/

On my journey around campus, I passed by the office for LGBTQI Life and the Margaret Cuninggim Women’s Center (which are right next to each other near Greek Row), and the Bishop Johnson Black Cultural Center (which is behind Rand/Sarratt)

5. Main Campus + the Tower

Everything is so picturesque here I was genuinely taking pictures of random buildings, so enjoy these pictures of what I believe is Bronson…?

After taking pictures around Alumni Lawn I wanted to get a better view of the tower, so I went on a wild goose hunt for a stand still building and got lost in greek row. Still got the picture though! Personally I think it gives @vanderbiltu Instagram worthy.

6. Blair School of Music

I’m a Blair student, so I wanted to go put my books away and find some of my classes before everyone got here. The music building is kind of secluded from commons and main campus (rip). Come support your musician friends and see a concert at Blair every once in a while! Please! Because we take like 12 classes 🙂 #terrified

Blair Courtyard
Turner Recital Hall

That’s all I have for now! If you’re interested in seeing more of my photography visit- https://lanadas.myportfolio.com/

Media Intensive 2024 – Behind the Scenes

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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. 

First Eid Away from Home

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Eid-al-Fitr this year held a profound significance for me, a combination woven with threads of both joy and introspection. While traditionally a time of triumph marking the end of Ramadan—the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar—observed by fasting from dawn to sunset to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammed (PBUH), my journey through this sacred month was a blend of emotions that transcended the ordinary.

From the predawn hours, where the world slumbered and I shared in the silent communion of suhoor; the meal eaten early in the morning before dawn— to the vibrant gatherings of iftar; the meal to break the day’s fast–, weather at EBI or amidst the warmth of Vandy MSA; Muslim Student Association, each moment was deeply ingrained in its hue. Yet, amid the camaraderie and spiritual fervor, a revelation unfolded- a realization that I had stepped into adulthood, a daunting and liberating realm.

In the solitude of each day’s end, I found solace in the familiar cadence of my mother’s voice, a lifeline tethering me to home amidst the vast expanse of university life. Our conversations, a sanctuary of familiarity, softened the edges of loneliness and imbued each day with a sense of belonging.

But amidst the challenges, there was grace. Surrounded by friends who became pillars of support, this Ramadan became a pilgrimage of the soul, drawing me closer to Allah. Freed from the constraints of obligation, I found resonance in the verses of the Quran, each word a beacon guiding me on a journey of self-discovery.

In Surah al-Baqarah, Allah’s words echoed with timeless wisdom, reminding me that the path to goodness knows no bounds of time or circumstances. It is a race, not against others, but against oneself (Baqarah ayah 148)—a journey toward becoming the best version of oneself, imperfect yet earnest in its pursuit.

As I reflect on Eid, it is not with sadness, but grateful for the different experiences that have shaped me. From the laughter shared with friends to the quiet moments of introspection, each memory is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the boundless mercy of Allah. As I carry these moments in my heart, I am reminded that Eid is not merely a celebration but a journey—a pilgrimage of the soul, guided by ibadah (worship/faith), love, and the enduring promise of renewal.

If you haven’t been to the library yet, you’re not alone

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As Vandy students, I think we throw around the term “imposter syndrome” rather carelessly. I’ve gotten into the habit of coating my most candid statements in a glaze of sarcasm, and “imposter syndrome” definitely gets a nice, shiny makeover whenever I say it. But I think for me, and for many people I’ve talked to this first week of our second semester, that insidious imposter syndrome has made itself a permanent residence in our daily routine. 

So my question for you is, How many times have you been to the library?

Last semester, I avoided the libraries like my life depended on it. Stevenson? No, I’m only taking one STEM class this semester. Central? I might annoy people while I wander trying to find my way around. Peabody? Well, there are people doing group work there, and I’m not. 

The bottom line is that I relied all too heavily on my earbuds to block out the noise of Commons last semester. And while I like how cozy Commons feels on rainy mornings, and the hominess of my dorm desk, and the people I chat with in the Crawford common room, these were all just justifications for my avoidance of the library. 

I didn’t go to the library last semester because I didn’t feel like I belonged there. It’s a silly manifestation of the serious self-doubt that I think many of us still hold. At least I certainly do. 

The library is intimidating for many reasons. For one, Central in particular is an actual maze. People talk about the names of every level and the elevators that each go to different floors, and it sounds an awful lot like the changing staircases at Hogwarts. Beyond the navigational unknowns, Central is also just huge. My high school library had one room. Central has, like, a lot more than that. For me, the silence was also intimidating. If you’re trying to avoid being noticed, don’t unzip your backpack in Stevenson.

How dramatic.

But seriously. I had barely been to a library since middle school. 

By the end of last semester, I grew desperate enough to attempt Central a second time, after my first visit in August. I went to the seventh floor. It was 7 a.m. on a Friday morning, and the library was mostly vacant. I meandered until I found a seat I liked, opened my laptop to begin work on my Spanish essay, and noticed the sunny light of the window and the strange freedom of silence hanging in my earbud-less head. By 11 a.m. (thanks to a canceled class), I had had my most productive 4-hour study session since move-in. Thanks, library.

I recognize that most people will find this post ridiculous. And yeah, it is. But a fear of the library is a bit more than just, you know, a fear of the library. Coming to Vanderbilt was intimidating for many of us because it was the first time we had to worry about the possibility of being at the bottom of the class, falling behind, or struggling to make an entirely new set of friends. The list goes on for sure, and I know that at least for a small collection of us the list includes using the library. 

But I want to tell you, it’s not about the library. It’s about wondering whether you belong here, deserve to be here, and are a legitimate student at Vanderbilt. Let’s set the record straight: you don’t have to be taking 18 credit hours, getting into a research lab, or making waves in a student org to make those statements true, so don’t let your mind tell you otherwise. If going to the library means confirming to yourself that, yes, I too am a talented, curious, and interesting student at Vanderbilt, then you should go. 

This semester as you’re making your study schedule, fit in times to go somewhere new. Remind yourself that spaces are physical representations of our internal beliefs, and inhabit them with a bit less trepidation. 

Last semester I was pretty open about my irrational fear of the library, and most of the time I was met with either laughter or dismissal. But not every time. Although we’re all navigating this college experience with different compasses and different loads on our backs, you are not entirely alone. 

It’s okay to still feel less than at-home here. But to prove to ourselves that one day this will feel more comfortable, more normal, we need to put ourselves out there sometimes, even if it’s just in going to the library.  

Take care of yourself this semester. 

(Here’s Sofia El-Shammaa’s article on how to get mental health support on campus.)