Favorite Off Campus Study Breaks
With my second fall semester winding down, I should be studying for finals, but all I can think about is Christmas Break! I’ve only been back from Thanksgiving for a week, and I’m already overwhelmed by the end of semester assignments and finals prep. Some days, the best thing for my sanity is to take a study break and venture outside of the VanderBubble. From needing a change of scenery, to fighting hunger and boredom, my list of Nashville favorites is sure to help!
My Favorite Restaurants:
-Satay: Satay is an awesome Thai restaurant that’s walking distance from main campus and on the card (which means I can totally justify eating there every week)! From their amazing Thai Fried Rice (my personal favorite) to their Boba Tea, you’re sure to find something you like. And, they even deliver for those nights when you are absolutely too tired to make it to the dining hall, let alone all the way to the restaurant.
-Nama: Nama is a sushi restaurant right down the road from Satay, so also walking distance from main campus! It’s on the card too, so its perfect for when you want to feel fancy without breaking the bank. Even better, on Monday and Thursday nights, they have a half-priced sushi menu loaded with their most popular rolls. It’s definitely a go-to for date nights, girls (or guys) nights out, and birthday celebrations!
-The Pharmacy: To get to The Pharmacy, you have to take a car (or Uber), but it’s totally worth the drive! They arguably have the best burgers in Nashville, and I think they might have the best fries and milkshakes too. While The Pharmacy doesn’t take reservations, they use an app called NoWait, which lets you stand in line virtually before you even get to the restaurant.
-Edgehill Café: This café is walking distance from Commons and became my go to brunch spot freshman year! They not only have amazing brunch food, but great coffee too, which is a must to get me out of bed on Sunday mornings. The best part is, after you eat breakfast, you can stay and study for a bit while you finish your coffee. It’s perfect for when you need a change from the dining hall food or your usual study spot.
My Favorite Things To Do:
-Centennial Park: Centennial Park is one of my favorite places to take a study break. It’s a super short walk from my dorm (on Main Campus) and the trip can double as my daily exercise. Also, it’s a great place to go with friends when you want to put your laptops down and hangout away from campus!
-Hillsboro Village: Hillsboro is right behind Commons and is home to some of the best places to eat in Nashville! From the amazing coffee and food at Fido, to the famous ice cream at Jeni’s, there’s always a close place to grab a bite to eat. Also, there are so many cute boutiques and knick-knack shops in Hillsboro that are perfect for last minute shopping (from formal dresses to birthday presents)!
-Christmas Lights: This one is more applicable for the winter months, but looking at Christmas lights is one of my favorite parts of the holiday, and Nashville doesn’t disappoint! Last year, I went to the Dancing Lights of Christmas, and the lights at the Opryland Hotel are on my list for this year. This is definitely my ultimate study break during the most stressful time of the year!
