<p>I've been doing research on Vanderbilt and it seems to be a great school for my major (elementary education) but I'm not sure if I would fit in. </p>
<p>I'm an academically inclined student, so I'll put in the time and effort to make sure my work is it's best, but I don't spend all of my free time reading books and being studious. I'd enjoy going out to coffee shops and such and I also like to party a little, but I probably wouldn't be out all night every night partying.
[Main question: Is the party scene really big/are there other things to do?]</p>
<p>Also, do students tend to stay on/near campus? As a northener would I feel out of place?</p>
<p>Does Greek life dominate at Vandy? I'm not sure whether or not I want to join a sorority, but if I decide that I don't want to I don't want to have nothing to do/be ostracized (to be extreme) or such. </p>
<p>How big is the drinking/smoking/drug scene on campus?</p>
<p>Sorry if I sound completely ignorant, I guess in general I'm just asking what the general Vanderbilt campus feel/social scene is like.</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Well Vanderbilt has a wonderful education school. Im from Nashville, and have family who have attended there, and Vanderbilt has a beautiful campus, and there are alot of shops and great restaurants in the area. There is a greek life at Vanderbilt, but its not a major part of the campus. I think like 40% is in a sorority/fraternity. Hey if you ever visit Nashville, you should go to Shipleys doughnuts or the pancake pantry. The food is AWESOME!</p>
<p>I’ll tackle this piece by piece:</p>
<p>The party scene is what you make of it. Greek life is big, so there’s usually something going on at the frats on the weekends. If that’s not your thing, lots of students frequent the bars on Demumbreum and downtown (Thursday nights especially), and there are parties in Towers suites (upperclass dorms) on the weekends also. I also know a lot of people who don’t drink or party and love Vandy.</p>
<p>All undergrads are “required” to live on campus all 4 years, however the university lets some seniors live off campus because the dorms can’t fit everyone. Those seniors who do get off-campus housing tend to live within walking distance.</p>
<p>There are lots of northerners…actually, there are lots of people from all over. New York, Texas, and Florida jump out to me as the most represented (besides Tennessee, of course).</p>
<p>Greek life is pretty big…about 50% of girls are in sororities, and something like 30% of guys are in frats. I chose not to join a sorority, but I have lots of friends who were in them and love it. Since so many people are Greek, I feel like that makes them more open to the “independents” than at other schools, where the Greeks are a lot more cliquey.</p>
<p>Lots of students drink, especially since Vanderbilt is one of the rare schools that allows it on-campus. I know of some students who do drugs (pot mostly), but it’s not a huge number, from my experience.</p>