<p>One of my favorite ideas about college is the fact that after one or two years I'll be able to get a house with a group of friends and live off campus. The freedom is very alluring to me; however, Vanderbilt is a four year residential university, and I've read that it's nearly impossible (or at least very difficult) to live off campus as a senior. </p>
<p>However, I'm interested in joining a fraternity; would I be able to live in a frat house at Vandy?</p>
<p>My main question, though, is if anyone who's graduated from Vandy felt like they were at all missing out by having to live in a campus dorm for four years. I'd like to know how it affects social life, etc. I'm strongly considering Vandy but this is a pretty important part for me, as is the quality of social life in general. </p>
<p>Only six people live in each fraternity house, and they are all officers.</p>
<p>Living on campus is very convenient, but the lack of freedom to move off campus can be frustrating. I’\m not sure what you’re asking about social life-- living on campus is definitely more social, and people who move off tend to be a little isolated. Unlike many other schools, there aren’t really house parties at Vanderbilt, which is one reason Greek life is so strong.</p>
<p>There are suites for 4 or 6 people with like a kitchen and bathroom and all that nonsense, essentially like an apartment, so it’s not like you can’t live with a group of friends. </p>
<p>Please do not let the living situation deter you from attending Vanderbilt. I actually liked living on campus all 4 years. And like Pancaked said, everyone is in the same boat so it isn’t like you are left out of something. Plus you can still live with your friends (and have parties) in a suite, townhouse, or apartment.</p>
<p>My son is graduating this year. He enjoyed living on campus all 4 years (in fact it was one of the reasons he chose Vandy). Vanderbilt is really big on networking; they want students to interact and form friendships with a wide variety of other students. My understanding is that this is why Greek houses are not residential. Even athletes live among everyone else. They also want students to be involved, which is much more likely when students live on campus. My son feels like he had a really great college experience, being in the middle of things for 4 years. He was able to live in suites with friends his junior and senior years, and he liked the convenience of being close to classes, dining options, club meetings etc. (he’s not one who wants to spend time shopping/cooking/washing dishes so was happy to eat in the dining halls. He says the food is very good). He has seen the Vanderbilt network help many of his friends get jobs, and likes the fact that he knows so many people. Also, living off campus in a city like Nashville could really be a pain, since parking is so scarce.</p>
<p>Good luck with your decision. :)</p>