Student Profile
Jacqueline
- Class: Junior
- Major: Psychology
- Gender: F
- High School:
- Transfer Student: N
Big Picture
I love the work/life balance at Vanderbilt. Students are really serious about their academics (in general) but they are definitely willing to go out hard thursday nights and the rest of the weekend. If I could change one thing, it would be the prevalence of sororities on campus. I know that many poeple have had great experiences, but I haven't, and I feel stuck as if I have stay in my sorority. For those who do not have a lot of money, it's a huge financial committment, and while that's not an issue for me, I don't really like paying $1000 a semester for something I don't like. I think the school is just right ni size. When my friends who go to school up north think of Vandy, they have that rich, stereotypical greek work-hard play-hard idea of the school. However, everyone from home is very impressed that I go to such a prestigious school. I spend most of my time on campus in towers, where I live because that's where most of my friends are. I also spend a significant amount of time in rand/sarratt and buttrick. I don't think Nashville is exactly a college town, but I like it more. I love downtown; there are tons of restaurnats and shopping. I like living in a city as opposed to a typical college town. I don't really have an opinion on the administration. Juicy campus has been the biggest controversy, and it is really affecting a lot of students. I think there is a lot of school pride which has particularly been evident with Vandy basketball. It's pretty unusual how early we get out of school, but I like it! I will always remember my experiences at rites of spring. The most frequent student complaints involve housing - everyone gets so angry about that.
Academic Life
All of my professors know my name. Marketing has been my favorite class, as well as Human Sexuality. Economic statistics was my least favorite course. Students study time varies a lot because everyone has different priorities; I tend to study a lot because I am taking a heavy courseload. I wouldn't say that students have tons of intellectual conversations outside of class, but they do happen, and that's a good thing. Class participating depends on the type of class; this semester, it is common in all of my classes. Students are not really that competitive; but I am. The most unique and enjoyable calss I have taken is Human Sexuality. I am a psychology major, and I have enjoyed all of the psych classes I have taken .I feel as if the professors have been really engaging and knowledgable, and willing to help outside of class. I spend lots of time communicating with professors outside of class. I feel like Vandy's academic requirements are fair; they're rigorous but it could be worse. I think Vandy is very geared toward getting a job (at least in certain fields like managerial studies and engineering)
Student Body
I fit in very well with the "typical" vandy kids. However, I know that as an international student, it might be very hard to adjust to the mainstream vanderbilt lifestyle. Some people don't at all and live in McTyiere. It's a personal preference. Most students wear jeans and a teeshirt (often greek) to class. Some girls dress up a lot, but I tend to be REALLY casual especially when it's cold. You can see Vandy's emphasis on brand named apparel. I don't feel like different types of students interact unless they are forced to through some type of class that requires group work or some organization like ASB. The first table is the group of blonde sorority girls who are all dressed up. The second table is a group of atheletes wearing their atheltic stuff. The third table is a group of freshmen who feel really out of place. The fourth table is a group of girls from an NPHC organization. Vanderbilt students are from everywhere - I'm from TN but the majority of my friends are from the Northeast. I feel like the majority of people are come from middle income families; they are well off but not swimming in money. There are exceptions but that's how I see it. I think students are politically aware but not active. I know that with the election it has been great to argue with people. Vandy has the stereotype of being conservative; I've witnessed a lot of liberals around me. I think it's just hard to tell.
The Best Things
I love the people around me - I think it's a great mix and it creates a stimulating academic environment
The Worst Things
I don't like the stereotypes. I feel like it causes unnecessary social division.
