The transition from Commons to Branscomb is a familiar one for some Vanderbilt students. First-years start off living on the improved, detailed, and clean Commons campus, and many migrate to Branscomb Quad — a building so old their parents could have lived in it — their sophomore year. The stark realization on move-in day that they are no longer in buildings created for first-year students is something that hits everyone at one point or another, but what makes this quad so special? 

Branscomb Quad consists of four buildings that all share a yard, which surprisingly has a lot to do in it. There are tables surrounding the yard that are nice to do work at on a sunny day. The best aspect of this yard, though, is the swing set. Whether it’s a snowy day, a sunny afternoon or a late night on the weekend, the swing set is always there. 

The four buildings in Branscomb are Lupton, Stapleton, Scales and Vaughn, all varying from co-ed or single-gender floors. Lupton has seven floors, all with communal bathrooms and private study rooms on each floor. What really sets Lupton apart is the fact that it has an elevator and houses the laundry room that all four buildings share. Stapleton, Scales and Vaughn have communal showers, and suite-style bathrooms shared by four people. There are sadly no elevators, but each of these buildings only has a maximum of three floors. 

Moving on, Branscomb Quad has one of the biggest lobbies of any of the dorms here. The expansive “Lup Lounge,” as students like to call it, includes two massive rooms with desks, couches and chairs as well as a piano. You can find people having meetings, studying independently or with a group and relaxing here. What makes this dorm even more special is the Munchie Mart directly next to the entrance and lobby. You can be sure to see quite an array of people here, grabbing a quick lunch, a late-night snack or essentials for their dorm. 

In addition to the yard, lounge and Munchie Mart, Branscomb is incredibly close to Greek Row, Rand Dining Hall, Sarratt Cinema, the mail room, the Vanderbilt Bookstore and many other buildings on campus. You can leave your dorm and be at class in Buttrick five minutes later without breaking a sweat. It encourages students to be active around campus because it is so accessible. 

Not only does the building itself have several appealing aspects, but it also fosters a sense of community. Sophomore Jiya Patel touched on this.

“I love how most of the sophomores here at Vanderbilt are concentrated in one quad,” Patel said. “Scomb has strengthened my friendships and given me an opportunity to make new friends on my floor, even as a sophomore.”

Sophomore Callie Hendrickson shared a similar sentiment. Since the majority of sophomores are all contained within a few yards of each other, a special community is fostered in this dorm. Students are able to grab a quick snack together at Munchie Mart, watch a movie in ‘Scomb lobby together, host small gatherings in their dorms or just visit each other to catch up about life. 

“I love living in Scomb because all my friends are here,” Hendrickson said. “I don’t do anything — my laundry, ride the elevator, fill up my water bottle — without seeing someone I know. It makes every day so much fun.”

On the other hand, a few sophomores do not live in this quad. There are residential colleges and Greek housing available, all still close to Branscomb Quad, but offering different amenities. 

“This year, I have had the pleasure of living in my sorority house, a refreshing change from Branscomb,” sophomore Scarlett Prather said. “The experience has been made by the living space, quiet study spaces, a well-equipped kitchen and convenient laundry facilities.” 

Branscomb Quad is one of the most popular places to live as a sophomore due to the many aspects it offers to residents, inside and outside of the building. Its location, amenities and layout allow it to foster a fun sense of community among sophomores, which is important to carry over from their first year and to enjoy before potentially going abroad their junior year. The sophomore class is able to create an unbreakable bond here before continuing their college careers.