<p>My son, a junior, is enamoured of Nashville because of the music scene and has put Vanderbilt on his list without really knowing anything about it. He's a violinist and a guitarist and has done lots of music here but he's not winning concerto competitions or anything like that; still, he loves the idea of playing for something like Nashville Strings Machine one day (while at the same time, being a research physicist-ha!).</p>
<p>He would be a physics or math major and possibly minor in music. He'd like to try and visit this summer (he has a friend within an hour of the school) but I'm not sure he'll get a very good picture of what the school is really like during the summer.</p>
<p>Is there a strong Christian community on campus? If someone isn't interested in drinking and fraternities, is there a place for them at Vanderbilt?</p>
<p>Yes, there are some very active Christian organizations on campus and there are students who don’t drink. I am not going to say they are in the majority, but there are many. There is a strong Baptist Student Union, Vandy Catholic, and a very active RUF organization. So there are definitely Christian groups and some students within those groups that are non-drinkers.</p>
<p>There are tons of inexpensive and even free concerts at venues close to school. There are lots of events on campus. There are many organizations on campus for students interested in a myriad of activities and volunteer opportunities. There are plays, singing groups, service groups, etc, etc. </p>
<p>RUF is VERY active on campus, and there are several other Christian groups on campus, as well. There is a Christian fraternity, I believe. Some sororities seem to attract more conservative girls. Students who want to go to a particular church can usually find someone to give them a ride.</p>
<p>I won’t pretend that there aren’t a lot of students who love to party. However, there are plenty of things to do (and students to do them with) for those who would prefer to find other things to do. Those who love to party most likely find those who don’t to be boring … and their activities might be considered boring … but if these are the things the non-partier likes to do, then they aren’t boring to that student.</p>
<p>There are many campus events that are well attended by partiers and non-partiers alike. There are performances of all kinds, musical and otherwise. Service organizations like alternative spring break also provide a social outlet for those who are interested in more than just partying and studying their way through college. Non-drinkers and drinkers aren’t necessarily two separate communities in all cases. I wouldn’t advise drawing a line in the sand because the two groups seem to coexist happily at Vandy although you will also find the extremists on either end of the spectrum that feel the need to judge. I would encourage you to approach the situation and to be open to making friends based on who they are as people. All drinkers are not bad people and all non-drinkers are not necessarily good people. You will meet a lot of new people going to parties initially, and if you find yourself in a position that is uncomfortable for you, you can call it a night. But I think you will miss out on a lot of the college experience if you decide to avoid situations where drinking may be part of the attraction. There will be other non-drinkers present in most cases, I can assure you.</p>
<p>I am not sure how many Muslims there are in undergrad programs. There are a bunch of Malaysian students, and I believe they are Muslim. There is a Muslim Student Association. You could speak with the Dean of Students & ask to be put in touch with someone from the MSA … they could answer questions you might have related to being Muslim at Vandy. (that is, if you are Muslim - if you are just asking, then sorry for assuming)</p>
<p>“Is there a strong Christian community on campus?”</p>
<p>I don’t think that your son would have any trouble finding Christian community at Vanderbilt. There are a lot of Christian groups on campus, such as CRU, RUF, Vandy Catholic, BCM, and BYX. This fall, a group of freshmen started a group called Midnight Worship, and it has grown past fifty or so in the last few months.</p>
<p>@Chicago Bears</p>
<p>“What can one do for leisure rather than drinking?”</p>
<p>There are some good opportunities for recreation. It seems like every nice day there are people out playing soccer, football and/or frisbee out on the lawn. The surrounding area is good for runs and there are always intramural sports happening. That is just the type of stuff that I like to do. In any case, I doubt you’ll have trouble having fun at Vanderbilt.</p>
<p>@kelsmom
Yea I just did t want it to be that I have a possibility of being alienated. Are the Malays international students? Just curious.
My religion also prohibits drinking. Yay, common grounds :)</p>
<p>Nashville is known for country music but it has become the LA of the east music wise. Lots of musicians come to Nashville to record and perform. You will find plenty of musical genres to enjoy. Indie music is pretty big in Nashville.</p>
<p>"Indie rock is a sub-genre of alternative rock that originated in the United Kingdom and the United States in the 1980s. The meaning of the term “indie rock” is contested today by many musicians, fans and commentators. Most use the term “indie” to describe any rock music produced by artists working within the network of independent record labels and underground music venues that emerged in the United States and elsewhere in 1980s and 1990s. Others see indie rock as a distinct genre of rock music with a specific artistic aesthetic, and care less about the context in which it is made. "</p>
<p>Hmm, my son says his band (he’s a violinist/mandolinst) is sort of Indie; I would classify it as sort of folk rock but they are definitely independent and finishing up their first recording. I have no idea what-if any-record label will be used. What makes them a little unique is the presence of a violin, mandolin, melodica, and ukulele. </p>
<p>But I digress…It’s good to know there’s a place at Vanderbilt for a kid like my son.</p>
<p>cool I play the ukulele as well!!
I hope I meet your son…
Many popular indie bands got thier start at a college.
Like MGMT and Vampire Weeekend ( this one in Columbia)</p>
<p>It’s a college with 6,800 undergraduate students… there are going to be tons of “Non-drinking Christians”. If you want a school specific for a kid like your headline suggests, try a predominantly christian college. But, as I said, there are going to be non-drinking christians at any medium-large sized college, which fits Vandy’s size.</p>
<p>kelsmom,
You said you believed there was a Christian fraternity on campus. Do you happen to know which one it is? I was just accepted and am very interested in joining a Christian group when coming to Vanderbilt. I am also considering joining a fraternity, which is very different from a Christian organization I understand, but I want to get the best of both worlds. I love all the southern traditions, such as dressing up for games etc. but I also do not want to conform to what everyone else does. So a Christian fraternity would be great for me.</p>
<p>For an interesting Christian perspective of something to do in Nashville do a search and checkout Rocket Town. It was started by a Christian Musician and my daughter loves spending time there. Lots of concerts and other events along with various service opportunities and regular scheduled Bible studies. The Anchor is another Christian opportunity in Nashville where she likes to spend a lot of time.</p>