Even though Nashville, Tennessee, is in the South, the temperature in the winter months usually averages around 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and temperatures can drop as low as 20 to 30 degrees. Vanderbilt even experienced its first snowfall of the fall 2025 semester on Nov. 10. 

Below is a list of ways you can stay warm — or at least attempt to do so — on those cold walks to class, while trekking to Central Library to study for finals or while waiting outside your dorm for an Uber to the airport for Thanksgiving or winter break.  

Café Carmichael hot chocolate  

Do you still have Meal Money or Commodore Cash left over? Take a quick pit stop at Cafe Carmichael to get a cup of hot chocolate. They also have a plethora of coffee and tea options to keep you warm. 

The various pastries and sandwiches at Cafe Carmichael can be warmed up for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Its wide variety of options are sure to keep you warm and satisfy any craving you may have.   

Cafe Carmichael is fully decorated for Christmas, complete with wreaths and table decor. These decorations add to the warm atmosphere of the dining hall and will make you forget the cold weather outside.  

Bundle up! 

The best way to beat the cold is to wear layers. Grab an extra sweatshirt, pair of gloves or a scarf on your way out the door to ensure you stay warm on your walk to class. Do not be afraid to bring too many warm items with you; they can always be taken off and stored in your book bag. 

Some creative ways to layer that may help you stay warm on especially cold days are wearing leggings or a base layer under jeans, multiple pairs of socks and putting on various sweatshirts or fleece equivalents until you no longer feel cold.  

Proper footwear 

If possible, make sure you have shoes that will best prepare you for cold and potentially snowy conditions. It’s time to get your Uggs or winter boots out of the back of your closet and move them to the front. With the weather in Nashville as unpredictable as it is, you never know when you will need them.  

Make sure your shoes have proper traction in case you encounter a snowy or icy day. Fleece-lined shoes are a great option for when it is cold outside with no precipitation. Hand warmers can also be put in your shoes — as well as pockets, gloves or mittens to make you warmer.  

Stay indoors as much as possible 

While it is important to get your daily vitamin D intake, on extremely cold days, it is best to stay indoors as much as possible to avoid the cold. If you live in a dorm where the rooms, dining hall and study rooms are connected, make sure you take advantage.  

If not, be sure you have everything you need to stay indoors and warm. Consider purchasing warm food items, such as soup or oatmeal, at a Munchie Mart or a grocery store, so you have something to warm you up once you return to your room if you venture outside.  

Explore new study spots 

Although it may be too cold to enjoy outdoor study spots, take advantage of the various buildings around campus to find your new favorite study spot. The recently completed Garland Hall has lots of beautiful new places to complete your homework and is centrally located on campus, right across from Rand Hall.  

The upper floors of Buttrick Hall have beautiful views of nature, allowing you to admire Vanderbilt’s campus from the warm indoors. Central Library is also a great option, as you can get a warm drink from Suzie’s Cafe downstairs if you still feel a chill while completing your homework or studying for an exam.   

Try a new workout  

One of the best ways to stay warm is to move your body. Although running in extreme cold or on ice is not the best idea, especially because you do not want to end up like that lady on the news who bragged about snowfall being perfect conditions for running and then fell, The Rec has many workout classes for you to try. The Rec also has plenty of space if you prefer to work out alone.  

If the temperature becomes warmer one day, consider taking a run or walk through Centennial Park or around campus. Be on the lookout for the various dogs being walked around campus or the park, especially in the early morning, to make your exercise more enjoyable.  

Be careful when driving 

Especially if it is snowing or there is salt on the ground in preparation for snowfall, be careful if you are driving. Double-check that your vehicle has four-wheel drive, or that it has been enabled, to ensure you will not go slipping and sliding as you drive to Target for a carrot to finish the snowman you just built with your friends on Alumni Lawn.  

Before you hit the road, make sure you allocate additional time to heat up your vehicle. Turn on heated seats if you have them, and don’t forget to do the same for additional passengers in the back row.   

As fall ends and winter begins, it is important to keep these reminders in mind to stay warm. Hopefully, these tips will help you avoid the worst of windchills, cold temperatures or potential snowfall during this chilly season.