<p>What is the social life like at Vandy? What do most students do to have fun on the campus? Also, what is Nashville like? Is there a great nightlife, shopping, sporting events, etc?? What's the best thing about Vandy and Nashville? Any other opinions on this school's social life is greatly appreciated! Thank you! (:</p>
<p>Sportygirl many believe students at VU have the best social life and the most fun of any top 20 university. They have an active greek community, SEC athletic entertainment (football team # 23, and baseball team #2) with stadiums on campus. There are a ton of clubs, service organizations and intermural sports available. Nashville is a fun city for young adults with 20 colleges, the NFL, a large arts community, lots of clubs & restaurants with patio decks and live entertainment. Do you enjoy music? Nashville has everything from new upstarts, to studio musicians, to the biggest names playing within 3 miles of campus.<br>
Vanderbilt offers social balance to an elite education and tends to attract students who believe much of what you learn in college happens outside your 15 hours/week in class. Vandy tends to attract balanced students looking for a holistic college experience.</p>
<p>Regarding your question about shopping in Nashville–there are several quirky little shops and restaurants in Hillsboro Village which is within walking distance of campus down 21st Avenue. A bus ride (free with VU ID) further down 21st is the Mall at Green Hills with lots of high-end stores, restaurants and a movie theater nearby. If you know someone with a car, you can easily get to the Cool Springs Galleria south of town and the recently reopened Opry Mills Mall which is northeast of campus.
Follow West End Ave about 2 miles into downtown and you will find Bridgestone Arena which brings in major concerts/performances and is home to Nashville’s NHL team. Elsewhere downtown is the NFL stadium and and a bit further out, a minor league baseball park. There is also a symphony orchestra in Nashville (to which students can get discounted tickets) and a nice art museum.</p>