Ask a Vanderbilt senior what they wish they'd known as a first-year student, and it's likely you'll hear that it's to "say yes" by joining a club, taking a hike, or going to that concert close to campus. Vanderbilt life happens inside and outside the classroom, and here you can dive into an endless lineup of events, campus traditions, community groups, and more adventures than you could imagine.
Here's where to start.
YOU'VE GOT TO … SEE ALL THE WAYS TO CONNECT
There are more than 450 registered student organizations and clubs at Vanderbilt-from service to culture to arts to religion and groups for club sports, fraternity and sorority life, student government and other special interests. Explore how to get involved across Vanderbilt or head to Anchor Link to browse student organizations that interest you.
Community also takes shape where you live, learn and spend time with others. Across campus there are so many ways to meet people, build relationships, connect around shared interests and experiences, and discover new ones. Check out our many centers to build your community.
Each person who is part of our campus shares one commonality: You belong here. It's not a slogan-it's a value we build resources and experiences around. You at VU is where to find them.
YOU'VE GOT TO … EXPLORE NASHVILLE AND GREATER TENNESSEE
Vanderbilt sits in the middle of a vibrant Nashville, with the parks, lakes and trails of greater Tennessee close by.
Student-led WilSkills curates outdoor experiences from hikes and horseback riding to weekend camping trips, caving, canoeing and more.
In the heart of downtown Nashville, you can do it all at a discount. Check out the Nashville Perks page curated by Student Affairs for discounts on the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, Frist Art Museum, National Museum of African American Music, Nashville Predators and more.
There are also so many ways to volunteer your time and help the community.
YOU'VE GOT TO … TAKE CARE OF YOUR PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELLNESS
We are committed to helping you thrive and maintain lifelong wellness practices that last well beyond graduation.
The David Williams II Recreation and Wellness Center is your go-to for workout facilities, fitness programs, club and intramural sports, nutrition resources and more.
When it comes to mental health and well-being, the Student Care Network brings together resources across campus to help you find just the support you need.
- Student Care Coordination is often the best place to start. Care coordinators collaborate with you to understand your needs, develop a success plan, connect you to the right on- and off-campus resources, and follow up to make sure it's working.
- The Student Health Center has you covered, whether sick or injured. There are no office co-pays for routine visits.
- The University Counseling Center provides counseling and psychiatric services. It also offers group therapy and workshops that provide support for students to discuss challenges, develop skills and build connections.
- The Center for Student Wellbeing offers academic and well-being coaching, programs and resources to help students manage stress, build healthy habits and thrive.
YOU'VE GOT TO … CHEER ON THE DORES ON THE FIELD, STAGE AND BEYOND!
Being in the SEC means there are so many ways to cheer on the Dores! Check out the teams and catch the latest Commodore sporting events.
Want the full picture? Catch everything from sports to Vanderbilt Blair School of Music concerts, to special guest speakers on the Events@Vanderbilt calendar. Browse events by the day, week or month, or use the search option to find exactly what you're looking for.
YOU'VE GOT TO … EAT WELL!
Campus Dining is celebrated for its delicious and diverse food offerings across dining halls, cafes and Munchie Marts and more. Campus dining frequently hosts special events, including collaborations with student organizations, chef demonstrations, holiday celebrations and the ever-popular Underground Supper Club.
The Taste of Nashville program lets you spend Commodore Cash or Meal Money at off-campus restaurants within walking distance of campus.
YOU'VE GOT TO … LEARN BEYOND THE NASHVILLE CAMPUS
Vanderbilt's motto Crescere aude (pronounced kreh-sheh-ray ow-day) is Latin for "dare to grow." Each student has a unique passion and perspective on how to live out this motto, especially through their Immersion Vanderbilt experiential learning projects.
And for some, that means stretching beyond the Nashville campus.
Vanderbilt University-New York City
