Double ‘Dores: The Perks of Going to the Same College as Your Sibling
On the eve of high school graduation, I was bombarded with the same question by many of my friends: “Don’t you think it’s weird that you are going to the same university as your older brother?” I understand my friends’ point of views, but going to Vanderbilt with my brother has never bothered me. In fact, I have found more advantages than shortcomings throughout my first year at Vandy. Here are a few of the perks of going to the same college as my older brother:
1. A CAR: At Vanderbilt, you are not allowed to bring a car to campus until your sophomore year. Therefore, all the first-years rely on their own two feet. (Literally!) I personally enjoy my daily walk from the Commons to Main Campus; I love how Vanderbilt is a homey, pedestrian-friendly environment surrounded by the urban bustle of Nashville.However, my brother is a junior, so he brought a car to campus this year. While I don’t usually utilize our car, it is relieving to know that I always have a vehicle on hand.
2. Textbooks: Both my brother and I are on the Pre-Medicine track, so I am currently taking classes he has previously taken, such as Biology and Chemistry. As most college students know, and prospective students will soon find out, textbooks are very expensive. Since my brother already had these textbooks, I was able to simply borrow them, lowering the cost of my textbook bill. However, there are other options for purchasing textbooks, such as buying previously used items or renting items. These options are easy ways to reduce the cost of your textbook bill.
3. A Familiar Face: While college is the time to meet new people and diverge from your comfort zone, it is always comforting to have a familiar face. I was the only student from my high school in the Class of 2015, so I did not know anyone when I arrived to Vanderbilt. It is reassuring to know that the one kiddo I’ve spent my whole life with is only a few quads away. Whether it’s a lunch date, just passing by on campus, or stocking up on dorm supplies, it’s nice to frequently see someone that I love dearly.
One might think that I simply chose Vanderbilt based on the fact that my brother is a student here. While this isn’t true, attending the same school has been a very beneficial experience. I mean, taking advantage of him is one of the many great aspects about being a Vanderbilt student. (Just kidding, bro!)