First-Year FAQs
Today I grabbed coffee with a girl from my high school who’s coming to Vandy (I can’t believe Move-In Day is SATURDAY!). I tried to answer any questions she had and I figured some excited first-years out there might be curious about them too:
- Can I fit a futon in my room?
If you really want to, then it’s definitely possible (start by lofting both beds). I don’t really think you need one though, because my hall would just hang out in our common room where there were plenty of comfy chairs and tables.
- Do I need my own printer?
While this is also not a necessity, I would suggest getting a printer because it’s so convenient. I like being able to print out a paper I finished at midnight in my pajamas and be done with it, but if you don’t mind waking up a little early, there’s a printer in the Commons Center, the bottom of Sarratt, every library on campus…you get the idea. Also, printing on campus is really cheap so you don’t need to freak out if your printer decides to freeze up right before finals.
- Will it be weird without a car?
Not at all! So many restaurants and shops are within walking distance of campus, and if you really want to go downtown or see a movie at Green Hills then cabs are a great option. There’s also a bus system for Nashville that a few of my friends have conquered but I have yet to try. Another great (and free!) option is befriending older kids with cars who can drive you places or let you borrow their car…because that’s what friends are really for.
- What is VUcept?
VUcept is an orientation group led by an older student, a VUceptor, and a faculty advisor. As soon as the new students move in, they meet with their VUcept groups and get acquainted with campus and college life. After classes start, VUcept is called Vanderbilt Visions and acts as a short weekly “class” that continues to offer advice and check in on how everyone is adjusting.
Vanderbilt does recruitment in the spring, so the only official Panhellenic event in the fall is Panhellenic Preview Day, where potential new members visit every house for 15 minutes. Each sorority does hold a philanthropic event in the fall, though, which first-year students can attend and talk to more girls about each house. The Panhellenic Council will also hold a few informational meetings throughout the semester too so you don’t need to worry too much about it yet!
- Will Vanderbilt be a lot harder than high school?
Vanderbilt is definitely an adjustment, but it’s completely possible to do well academically. You’ll have to manage your time wisely and keep a good work ethic, but the professors want you to succeed and there are tons of resources to help if you’re struggling. My biggest advice about this question would be don’t freak out, the adjustment will come pretty naturally and you’ll figure out how to work best with so much independence.