Visiting Vanderbilt University Campus

I plan on visiting Vanderbilt soon to get a feel for the school. Are there any specific things or places that I should check out on campus to get the full experience?

Visiting Vanderbilt is a great way to get a true sense of the environment, so good on you for taking that initiative. It's a beautiful campus with a lot of places that can give you insight into the student life here.

Definitely start by taking a campus tour. This will give you an official overview of what the school has to offer and includes many significant buildings. While on the tour, pay attention to the academic buildings related to your intended major or area of interest, and don't hesitate to ask your guide any questions you might have regarding academics.

Following the tour, you can venture out to the areas that you didn't get to see. The Ingram Commons is a great place to stop, as it is the residential area for first-year students. Walking around and seeing the Vanderbilt campus's residential colleges can give you a feel for what it's like to live there.

If you're interested in socializing or extracurricular activities, checking out the Sarratt Student Center and the Student Life Center could be beneficial. These locations host a multitude of student-led activities and are buzzing with student conversations and interactions.

For outdoor spaces, Vanderbilt's campus features The Martha Rivers Ingram Commons' lawns and outdoor areas. Also, make sure to visit 'The Lawn,' which is a popular spot for outdoor activities and lounging, especially on sunny days.

Lastly, if you can, try to schedule your visit on a weekday during the academic year. It's quiet during the weekends, and the real campus feels are during the weekdays when everyone is going about their business attending classes, eating lunch, or engaging in club activities. Remember to interact with as many students as possible. In addition to being a source of vast insider knowledge, these conversations can give you a real feel of the campus vibe and the student community.