<p>Vanderbilt does not have a journalism program, although there are opportunities for students to participate in several media outlets. As far as formal opportunities go, NU almost definitely offers more along those lines.</p>
<p>Both have pretty significant fraternity/sorority scenes, but Vanderbilt’s is probably more involved in organizing campus-wide events. Students who are not interested in joining have no trouble fitting in at either campus, in the experience of my kid at Vanderbilt and his friends at NU.</p>
<p>I have the impression that Vanderbilt’s campus offers more in the way of music events on campus. Nashville is a center of the music industry, and it easy and often inexpensive to hear well known groups.</p>
<p>The weather question is more important for some than for others. I spent half a dozen years at the Univ. of WI, during one of the coldest periods in the midwest. During that time, I visited Chicago rather often. Then, I lived in northern Indiana, and again, I visited often. I don’t mind the cold, but there is no question there will be more outdoor events at Vanderbilt, more hanging out in the sunshine, and if that is something a student likes to do, the winters in Chicago will seem long.</p>
<p>One more difference that may be significant: the living situation, particularly after freshman year. The Commons residential college for freshmen is brand new at Vanderbilt, and I don’t believe NU has a similar program. At Vanderbilt, all undergraduates are expected to live on campus for four years; a variety of housing options opens up after freshman year, although there are lotteries and applications involved. I think–could be wrong–that many, if not most, NU students live in Evanston, off campus, as upperclassmen. The fact that so many undergraduates are living on campus is probably one of the reasons the Vanderbilt campus is so cohesive and lively.</p>
<p>Enjoy your visits.</p>