There are many opportunities this week to take your mind off your impending final exams. Vanderbilt is offering everything from taekwondo to Christmas caroling to hot chocolate, and Nashville has many seasonal activities as well.
Finish on a high note, and leave school excited for the holidays!
Recreation and wellness
Give your brain a rest during this stressful time, and keep your body moving!
What: Hand-building and Painting Sessions!
When: Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m. CST
Where: Rand 308
Who: Ceramics Club
Why: Burn off some steam and get your hands away from your keyboard and onto the pottery wheel!
What: SMC Volunteering
When: Dec. 13, 5 p.m. CST
Where: Dismas House
Who: VUSM Social Mission Committee
Why: Attend a 30-minute health seminar to understand more about healthy habits relating to exercise and mental health in order to increase access to health education among formerly incarcerated individuals.
Social
Don’t isolate yourself in your room last minute cramming for exams that await you. This is your last week to be with your Vanderbilt friends before everyone parts ways, so make the most of it!
What: Caroling on the Wards
When: Dec. 11, 5 p.m. CST
Where: Light Hall 208
Who: VUSM Music in Medicine
Why: Get in the holiday spirit by joining other Vanderbilt students in singing for patients and staff at the VUMC adult hospital.
What: Hot Cocoa Open House
When: Dec. 11, 12 p.m. CST
Where: Margaret Cunninggim Women’s Center
Who: The Women’s Center
Why: Begin saying your goodbyes to friends over a steaming cup of hot chocolate.
Educational
Reserve your mental space for finals, but there are other opportunities to learn with a lot less pressure this week.
What: Warm up your resume: Hot chocolate edition
When: Dec. 11, 12 p.m. CST
Where: Career Center Lobby – Student Life Center
Who: Career Center
Why: Winter break may be a great time to start applying to summer internships, so make sure that your resume is in tip-top shape.
What: Understanding self & others
When: Dec. 14, 3:30 p.m. CST
Where: University Counseling Center
Who: University Counseling Center and Student Care Network
Why: Finals are a stressful time: At this workshop, students will learn how to manage academic and social pressures.
Around Nashville
The holidays are upon us — and Music City is ready to celebrate!
What: Zoolumination
When: 12/11-1/7, 5-9 p.m.
Where: Nashville Zoo
Why: Don’t miss out on the Zoo’s festive North Pole Village armed with holiday lights and huge silk lanterns!
What: 9 ¾ Holiday Pop-Up
When: 12/11-12/31, 1-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 1-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday
Where: The Union Station Nashville Yards
Why: If Harry Potter gets you in the holiday spirit, this decked-out pop-up restaurant is a must-visit! Come for a Hogwarts-themed meal or, for those over 21, enjoy a butterbeer by the fire.
