<p>D was accepted at Vanderbilt. She wants to go for the great academic reputation but is somewhat turned off by the strong greek atmosphere. I'd love to hear from any Vanderbilt non-greeks about their experience. D is not at all into the preppy scene, name brands, nice cars....</p>
<p>I’m glad to hear that. Although I’m not officially a student there yet, from what I’ve gathered from numerous threads on this Vandy forum, the consensus on whether or not non-greeks have a great experience is quite polarized. Some students currently there claim it’s awful for non-greeks while some claim to be fine without greek life in their college life. Most parents seemed to be supporters of the fact that Vandy is a great place for everyone.</p>
<p>Parent here. My D was accepted senior year & really liked Vandy, but she opted for another school because she was turned off by the greek/party scene. She transferred to Vanderbilt for sophomore year, though, because of the academics and other opportunities. She is glad that she did. </p>
<p>She did not rush, and she does not go to fraternity parties. She’s not all that socially conservative, but she just has no interest in that side of things. She drives a 2001 American car, wears jeans much of the time, and isn’t concerned with what others wear/have. I won’t say that she doesn’t get frustrated at times by the social scene, but she has managed to find her own niche. She is involved in activities that interest her, and she does things off campus in the Nashville community, as well. She has had incredible opportunities academically, and she is very happy that she attended Vanderbilt. She will graduate in May, and she plans to stay in Nashville.</p>
<p>While I didn’t pose the question, I was/am quite interested in the response. I’m a student attending this fall, and am also curious about the social scene, and if it revolves solely around the greek scene.</p>
<p>Son is a senior. His long-time girlfriend is a senior, also. Neither has participated in the Greek scene, neither fits the stereotypes I encounter on CC, but both have really enjoyed their time at Vanderbilt and think Nashville is a great place to go to college. Both are very serious students. </p>
<p>I know a few students on CC have disputed that non-Greek students can ever really be part of Vanderbilt. I don’t know what to say to that. I know my kid, I know his gf, and I know what their experiences have been. They have been involved in clubs, volunteer work, research jobs, campus jobs, difficult academic programs, and so. They are very much a part of the campus, and they are happy.</p>
<p>I happen to be in Nashville at the moment. I spent last night with them, and I asked them what their summary feelings were, partly because of some of the stuff I have seen on this site. Their answers were the same as ever. Great place, great town to go to school in, great opportunities.</p>
<p>Neither are southerners, in case you are wondering.</p>
<p>Thanks so much for those responses. My D is also not interested in a Greek scene, drinking, etc. She’s a music student and a self-professed “nerd” who loves to have fun but not in that way. Glad to see there will be some other students there who aren’t planning on a heavy Greek experience. I see it the same way I see her in HS here in small town Texas - lots of kids are into partying, she and her friends aren’t, and she’s friendly with a wide range of kids. </p>
<p>We are also not wealthy - most of the money we ever get goes to musical instruments, which cost a lot!</p>
<p>I’m Greek but I have lots of non-Greek friends.
Knowing how my friends’ social lives are at lots of schools without a heavy Greek presence, I would say that the GDI experience here is similar if not better than that of schools that are more stereotypically academically-focused. The school has plenty of groups and activities that cater to every taste, regardless of what sort of social life they are seeking. On top of that, Nashville has plenty to offer everyone too. Few cities with colleges that compare to Vanderbilt have as many and as broad resources and things to do as Nashville. There’s art, music, sports, cool neighborhoods and parks, and plenty more. That being said, Greek life is very dominant, but I think it enhances the social scene of the school overall and does not come at the expense of other groups.</p>
<p>Thanks so much. These responses have been very helpful! My D has been very involved in clubs/activities in HS and I am sure she will find things to do at Vanderbilt also. I know she was a little concerned about not being from the south or being wealthy but it sounds as if that should not be a problem. Does anyone know how roommate selection is handled, because I know D would love to find someone else who is not planning on rushing.</p>
<p>Roommate selection is pretty much random but they ask a couple questions i.e. “What hours do you go to bed?” or “What are your study habits?” if I remember correctly. You can also request a specific person(s).</p>
<p>This is so helpful! I wasn’t planning on rushing and was a bit worried cause I was reading how Greek life is so prominent at Vanderbilt. Threw me off a bit too, but I’m excited to be finally heading back to Nashville after 4 years!</p>
<p>If your looking for a roommate, apparently a lot of people are using ■■■■■■■■.com and there’s a post for roommate discussion on the Vanderbilt Class of 2015 on facebook.com</p>