The phrase “distance makes the heart grow fonder” is quite accurate in the case of Vanderbilt. As a student currently studying abroad in Edinburgh, Scotland, there is an unfortunate side effect to such an incredible opportunity – missing the people, places and things you are used to seeing on a daily basis.
In an attempt to quell the FOMO I have for my life back on campus in Nashville, Tennessee, this list encapsulates everything that makes up my love letter for Vanderbilt — from friends to events that have shaped my life and experience as a Vanderbilt student.
Academics
Even though missing academics may seem a bit cliche, every Vanderbilt student considered the strength of the academic environment when applying here, myself included. I have come to love the wide breadth of topics I have learned about, the expansive number of opportunities Vanderbilt classes provide and the many subject areas in which I have taken a course. While coursework may not be something to miss, there is always something remarkable about a Vanderbilt class that stays with you for many semesters after getting your final grade.
Exploring the city
There is always so much to see in Nashville — from the bright lights on Broadway to the local record shops just outside of the city center. Nashville is a city with lots of places to explore, which provides students with the ability to take a walk off campus to discover something new every chance they have a moment of free time. Whether you want to find a new bookstore to browse or want to go thrifting, Nashville has it all, something I reminisce about while doing something similar in a new European city.
Game days
One event almost every Vanderbilt student partakes in is game day, from football to basketball to baseball. The community aspect present on days like these stands out amongst some of the best events that occur on Vanderbilt’s campus, bringing together the entire campus community in support of their favorite team taking down an SEC rival or heading to a national championship. When reminiscing on the memories made with the people you love, game days are some of the strongest examples that come to mind.
Local cuisine and restaurants
While Nashville may be most widely known for its hot chicken, there is so much more to offer within the city’s local cuisine. From small, quaint cafes situated in Hillsboro Village, like Fido, to upscale restaurants offering a fusion of cuisines like City House, there’s something for everyone to love all across the city. Whether you are searching for a coffee shop to read a book in or a restaurant for you and your friends to celebrate your birthday, Nashville’s wide array of food options has you covered.
Music scene
In my opinion, the music scene in almost every city across the country, and possibly the globe, fails to compare with what Nashville houses. There are many perks of living in Music City, with so many of my favorite artists having performed in Nashville throughout my time on campus. As someone who lives and breathes the music I listen to every day, this is something I have come to greatly miss, as I look forward to seeing many more incredible artists perform right down the street from me upon returning to campus.
Natural environments
Spending time in nature is a perk most Vanderbilt students take advantage of, from picnicking in Centennial Park to taking hikes around Radnor Lake. Vanderbilt students can even explore nature right where we live, as Vanderbilt’s campus has been designated as an arboretum for over a century. As someone who loves walking in green spaces, the environment of squirrels, birds and even cats is something I miss during cold walks to class.
On-campus activities and perks
Such an expansive campus comes with many events and places to visit or attend. From social gatherings to art museums, there are so many widely promoted and attended meetings and events, along with hidden gems scattered throughout both the main campus and Commons for students with any interest to enjoy. It is also a place where you can try something for the first time without ever thinking you would, from making pottery to recording a podcast, a feeling I truly miss.
Seeing friends everyday
This is probably the part I miss the most, as the Vanderbilt experience is not the same without the people I have come to know and love on its campus. I believe my perception of the Vanderbilt experience lies within the people who study here, as they make up the incredible community of friends and colleagues you meet every day. Whether it be in class, at an extracurricular meeting or just somewhere random on campus, the Vanderbilt community is something every student shares with friends and family when discussing their college experience after graduation.
While I am beyond grateful to experience such an incredible semester abroad in one of the most beautiful locations on Earth, there is always a point of sadness in my mind of my life back home in New Jersey and, most importantly, in Nashville. Living on campus at a school like Vanderbilt and in a city like Nashville is so unique in that there’s something for everyone, which makes me look forward to visiting new places and trying new things upon my return in the fall.
