Daughter just another ridiculously happy freshman at Vanderbilt. We first visited when she was still in middle school and it impressed her enough to apply years later. It’s that beautiful. Went back this past April and stayed at the Marriott on campus. It was great, but have stayed at the Loews across the street since then and like both. Both hotels offer a Vanderbilt rate - call and ask for it. The Loews also puts you on the club level and in a room with a great view of the school. As far as food, there are So many good places to eat in Nashville but our favorites are Barcelona Wine Bar (order the paella for the table) and also Adele’s - possibly the best brunch I’ve ever eaten. Greenery by campus is a great lunch break. There is a small retail strip between Vanderbilt and adjacent Belmont university that has some fun local spots and good for wandering. The area is very walkable and Vanderbilt doesn’t allow freshman to bring cars so they learn to navigate the city by other means. A quick Uber or taxi to BNA airport - not even $20 or 20 minutes. Another Uber to 12th street and eat at BarTaco (what else do you really need?) and peruse cool vintage shops and the best of nashvilles boutiques.
If you’re of a certain age, like me, you might have thought of Vanderbilt as an Uber southern school that is more about rich kids than smart ones and you couldn’t be more wrong. The academics are spectacular and balanced. In my daughters election class this fall guest speakers have included both Nancy pelosi and Mitch McConnell. The institutional neutrality is something i wish more schools would adapt - I’m looking at you Ivy League. If you’re unfamiliar with their policies and priorities then listen to this podcast interview with the chancellor
Most important to me as a parent is as this simple fact: Vanderbilt is consistently ranked the happiest school and it just oozes with good vibes. Cannot underscore this enough. Kids are truly happy here. Happy is good! Have another kid at an ivy and no one calls it a happy place, impressive yes, fabulous education, check, happy, no, some happy kids, like mine, but way more intense. Vanderbilt is what college should be. A relaxed, and collaborative place where joy is part of the curriculum. Go to a Vanderbilt football game and it’s like stepping back in time 30 years. So much fun! And not the semi-pro atmosphere of the big SEC schools nor the sparsely attended Ivy League games this is rooting for the home team like crazy till you lose your voice and wander back to the old school tailgates for a beer.
Dorms are very nice and spacious. All freshman live in the commons - a gathering of residential houses that are set aside just for freshman with its own eating places, gym etc. All of Vanderbilt is residential housing for all four years, very similar to Yale’s. This is a wonderful thing and underscores the schools commitment to building community. They are doing so many things right, I honestly think this is the best school in the country right now. Daughter turned down some higher ranked/ivies etc to beg off the waitlist here and has zero regrets.
Go into the admissions office and the staff there is so warm and welcoming, talk to them and you’ll get a clear sense of why this place is so darn hard to get Into - because people here are actually nice and care about the students. You’ll feel like an honored guest - they are that nice. Between two kids who neither did ED, and applied far and wide, I’ve seen a lot of schools and this admission staff, even the receptionist, stands out as the best.
Okay sorry I’ve turned Into a sales job for Vanderbilt. But just be sure to walk the campus and get a feel for it. It’s graceful and beautiful and then wander through the Greek row and see the fraternity houses adorned with clever signs for the football team and ongoing parties with bands. Fun.
And then the Nashville music scene…..
Well that’s for you to research on your own.
Good luck and enjoy the visit.