<p>I am thinking of applying to Vanderbilt, but do not know what the campus and surrounding area is like. Can people give me deatils about EVERYTHING (cleanliness, safety, type of people, the city, outskirts, etc.) I know the school itslef is great so i am not realy asking about the educational aspect of the collge, only the area.</p>
<p>I'm not a student, but a parent of an incoming freshman. I will just offer my impressions based on three recent visits. The campus is lovely, well maintained, cozy without being at all cramped. Although the university sits only about a mile from downtown Nashville, the landscaping and arrangement of the buildings prevents virtually all traffic noise from being heard on the campus grounds. There are numerous restaurants/coffee shops and other student-friendly businesses very near the campus. The area close to campus seems safe for students. Both the campus and the surrounding area are very clean, and certainly make a better impression than the area surrounding most other urban campuses I have seen.</p>
<p>I have had to call several campus offices in recent months for various reasons. Every single person I have talked to has been friendly and helpful. The difference between Vanderbilt and a couple of other universities my son was accepted at was very clear at "accepted student weekends/days". Vanderbilt provided faculty, administrators and students to talk at length to parents and students, answer questions about campus life and programs, etc. The approach was personal and welcoming, as well as informative. In fact, the atmosphere at the accepted student day we attended is one of the main reasons my son ended up choosing Vanderbilt.</p>
<p>By the way, we are not southerners, and my son went into the college search procedure convinced he was interested only in northern campuses. Once he visited Vanderbilt Univ, he changed his mind.</p>
<p>It's really tough to some up Vandy and Nashville in one thread. I'd echo midmo's comments, but also highly recommend you coming to nashville for a visit yourself. i knew nothing about the area vanderbilt was in until i visited it and that is what made my decision for me.</p>