Vanderbilt 1L Taking Questions Forum

[VandyTakingQuestions]

that scuks.. its a bright sun shiney day in east tennessee .. for now..

I've asked this before but now that weve got some new students in here:

where do you guys live? I dont need your address obviously but what neighborhoods? Is living in one of the surrounding areas (i.e bellevue) a good idea or would you recommend living closer to campus and paying the premium? I plan to live alone for all 3 years (unless I meet my wife or something equally unlikely happens) so what you recommend? I have no additional funding outside of the loans equaling the estimated COA.

I live about 10 min from school near Berry Hill. I needed a little bit more room and have pets, so I didn't want to get an apartment. It seems like most people live in the apartments right across the street from the school. There are a variety of options, like the Barbizon or 20 & Grand.

If you want a house or something bigger going to Bellevue or something similar would be a good idea, but if you're getting an apartment I'm sure there are plenty of cheaper options closer to the school. However, I never looked for an apartment so I really can't say for sure.

I'm trying to work out my budget and I was wondering how much to expect to pay for utilities. I currently live in a unique town where utilities are sky high due to geography (our water bill, for example, is around $70/month for 2 people and its not because we've installed decorative waterfalls).

Edit: Assuming a 1 bedroom apartment.

I know a lot of apartments around here have utilities included. If you're paying separately it's obvious going to depend on the size of your place and usage. I came from the North east and I'd say I'm paying about 1/2 to 3/4 of what I was paying back home. I have a house here, and I think I paid about $100 ever 3 months or so for water, if that helps at all.

[beesknees]

Thanks for the responses! I'm looking at a 1 bedroom, about 600 sq ft. What should I budget for electric? I know it depends on usage, but I'm not crazy wasteful or ultra conservative - so whatever the average is, I assume I'd be close to it. I just have no idea how much to expect because in college, my utilities were always included.

[gogators]

Thanks for the responses! I'm looking at a 1 bedroom, about 600 sq ft. What should I budget for electric? I know it depends on usage, but I'm not crazy wasteful or ultra conservative - so whatever the average is, I assume I'd be close to it. I just have no idea how much to expect because in college, my utilities were always included.

Electric usually runs me about 80, Comcast however is expensive, running me about 90 a month, no water bill

[jenesaislaw]

that scuks.. its a bright sun shiney day in east tennessee .. for now..

I've asked this before but now that weve got some new students in here:

where do you guys live? I dont need your address obviously but what neighborhoods? Is living in one of the surrounding areas (i.e bellevue) a good idea or would you recommend living closer to campus and paying the premium? I plan to live alone for all 3 years (unless I meet my wife or something equally unlikely happens) so what you recommend? I have no additional funding outside of the loans equaling the estimated COA.

I live in the Grove. I really like living close to campus (~2 miles). Takes me about 7 minutes to get to school in the morning, tops. Usually about 10-11 to get home. I'd be really annoyed if it were any longer. I hate driving in a big way. That said, since you will be living alone I would recommend living near where many people live (e.g. The Grove). That'd just be my personal preference.

Bellevue is currently under water. Make sure that wherever you live is not damaged.

To the other person paying utilities, it depends on whether your apartment uses gas or electricity for heat (I hear gas is slightly more expensive, but I don't know for sure). My 3BR townhouse, 2 stories and 1300 square feet runs about $250-$350 per month for utilities. We do not do Comcast internet, so we lose out a bit there - but AT&T Internet is 1000x better. Comcast internet was the bane of my existence last year and the beginning of this year. I do love their cable service, though.

[biglll]

Thank you guys for such a great opportunity!
Btw, I have deposited already and I'm very excited about Vandy, but have not visited the campus yet.

My million dollar question is: how competitive is it, honestly? Yes I know that there's no ranking, etc. I wonder, to what extent are the pitfalls of law school's competition really downplayed in Vandy, and specifically:

How important is it generally perceived by the students to be at the top of the class, given that you still have a curve? What's the estimated percentage of people dying in the library? What would be a typical work/life balance for those who earn grades above average? How many d-bags/nerds have you met so far?

Thanks!

[VandyTakingQuestions]

Thank you guys for such a great opportunity!
Btw, I have deposited already and I'm very excited about Vandy, but have not visited the campus yet.

My million dollar question is: how competitive is it, honestly? Yes I know that there's no ranking, etc. I wonder, to what extent are the pitfalls of law school's competition really downplayed in Vandy, and specifically:

How important is it generally perceived by the students to be at the top of the class, given that you still have a curve? What's the estimated percentage of people dying in the library? What would be a typical work/life balance for those who earn grades above average? How many d-bags/nerds have you met so far?

Thanks!

I think Vanderbilt is just as competitive as every top school, except that there isn't any "cut throat" competition that some places are known for. People have been very generous with sharing their outlines and talking about classes, discussing thoughts on research for LRW, etc.

Being at the top of the class is very important depending on your goals. To get into any top program you're going to have to be an "over achiever", so of course everyone is going to be trying to get the top grades. That being said, work/life balance is much better than I thought. The most work comes around finals or before a major paper is due, but the bulk of the year I found myself with plenty of free time. I study in the library in the mornings during class, but I do the bulk of my studying at home, so I'm not sure how cramped the library is right now.

As far as major d-bag gunners, I haven't met one yet. There are 1 or 2 people that take more than their fair share in class, but I think it would be harsh to call them gunners. I had way more gunnerish people in college. Everyone seems to have an aversion to be one of the "gunners" in the class. Of course there are some people who are extroverted and extremely friendly, and others that like to keep to themselves, but on the whole everyone is very friendly to one another.

[krj02004]

I was accepted at Vandy and sent in my deposit... though I still have some other offers and waiting to here back about financial aid (since Vandy was VERY disappointing on that end). I already went to ASW and I loved the campus, students, and overall atmosphere.

My question is not academically related and probably seems silly, but I was wondering what the dating scene is like at Vandy and Nashville in general. (Dating.... NOT partying/bar trolling).

Not that there will be any time to date, haha. But I'm single, a mom, and would like to be in a place where there are at least opportunities (even if I'm not actively looking for them). Who knows, maybe if I survive 1L there will be more time to think about having some fun in the romance department in 2L or 3L? Or not?

[VandyTakingQuestions]

I was accepted at Vandy and sent in my deposit... though I still have some other offers and waiting to here back about financial aid (since Vandy was VERY disappointing on that end). I already went to ASW and I loved the campus, students, and overall atmosphere.

My question is not academically related and probably seems silly, but I was wondering what the dating scene is like at Vandy and Nashville in general. (Dating.... NOT partying/bar trolling).

Not that there will be any time to date, haha. But I'm single, a mom, and would like to be in a place where there are at least opportunities (even if I'm not actively looking for them). Who knows, maybe if I survive 1L there will be more time to think about having some fun in the romance department in 2L or 3L? Or not?

Well I'm attached so I can't say for sure, but I think there are ample opportunities to date. Nashville is a fun and entertaining town, and the partying/bar trolling does give you opportunities to meet people inside and outside the school.

Even during 1L year you'll be able to find time to date if you really want to, or maybe not considering you're a single mom with major responsibilities. It's hard putting myself in your shoes, but I'd say that Nashville and Vandy have an above average dating scene and the work load isn't so much that a normal student wouldn't be able to find time to date.

[littleorphanannie]

sylvan heights - any thoughts?

[VandyTakingQuestions]

sylvan heights - any thoughts?

Cool area. Close enough to the school that the commute is nothing, but far enough from the city to get a bigger bang for you buck in housing.

[TheVoynichManuscript]

that scuks.. its a bright sun shiney day in east tennessee .. for now..

I've asked this before but now that weve got some new students in here:

where do you guys live? I dont need your address obviously but what neighborhoods? Is living in one of the surrounding areas (i.e bellevue) a good idea or would you recommend living closer to campus and paying the premium? I plan to live alone for all 3 years (unless I meet my wife or something equally unlikely happens) so what you recommend? I have no additional funding outside of the loans equaling the estimated COA.

I live in the Grove. I really like living close to campus (~2 miles). Takes me about 7 minutes to get to school in the morning, tops. Usually about 10-11 to get home. I'd be really annoyed if it were any longer. I hate driving in a big way. That said, since you will be living alone I would recommend living near where many people live (e.g. The Grove). That'd just be my personal preference.

Bellevue is currently under water. Make sure that wherever you live is not damaged.

To the other person paying utilities, it depends on whether your apartment uses gas or electricity for heat (I hear gas is slightly more expensive, but I don't know for sure). My 3BR townhouse, 2 stories and 1300 square feet runs about $250-$350 per month for utilities. We do not do Comcast internet, so we lose out a bit there - but AT&T Internet is 1000x better. Comcast internet was the bane of my existence last year and the beginning of this year. I do love their cable service, though.

Thanks for answering our questions! I am considering living in The Grove next year, but I usually like to do most of my studying at home and was wondering about what the general environment is like there. Do you find it to be quiet enough to study in your room, or do you really have to go to the library to get work done?

[djgoldbe]

Another housing question. Are the barbizon/20 and grand / similar places overpriced? Is it worth being a bit further out from campus in order to get more bang for your buck? I will have a car - I don't mind driving but would prefer to be close - and obviously parking is a concern I would assume. Other than that I have no kids/pets/SO to worry about. 1100-1200 rent for a 1 bedroom seems pretty pricey to me, I'm just wondering if it's worth it.

[krj02004]

Another housing question. Are the barbizon/20 and grand / similar places overpriced? Is it worth being a bit further out from campus in order to get more bang for your buck? I will have a car - I don't mind driving but would prefer to be close - and obviously parking is a concern I would assume. Other than that I have no kids/pets/SO to worry about. 1100-1200 rent for a 1 bedroom seems pretty pricey to me, I'm just wondering if it's worth it.

I'm looking to rent in the that price range for a 2 bedroom... check belmont, sylvan park, and hillsboro areas. Only 10-15 min drive to campus. FOr more bang for your buck, there are nice places in bellevue too.... but it's a 20-25 min commute.

[djgoldbe]

Another housing question. Are the barbizon/20 and grand / similar places overpriced? Is it worth being a bit further out from campus in order to get more bang for your buck? I will have a car - I don't mind driving but would prefer to be close - and obviously parking is a concern I would assume. Other than that I have no kids/pets/SO to worry about. 1100-1200 rent for a 1 bedroom seems pretty pricey to me, I'm just wondering if it's worth it.

I'm looking to rent in the that price range for a 2 bedroom... check belmont, sylvan park, and hillsboro areas. Only 10-15 min drive to campus. FOr more bang for your buck, there are nice places in bellevue too.... but it's a 20-25 min commute.

Hrm, I don't think id want more than a 5 minute drive tbh. But thank you, I'll check out the distances.

[pleasetryagain]

Another housing question. Are the barbizon/20 and grand / similar places overpriced? Is it worth being a bit further out from campus in order to get more bang for your buck? I will have a car - I don't mind driving but would prefer to be close - and obviously parking is a concern I would assume. Other than that I have no kids/pets/SO to worry about. 1100-1200 rent for a 1 bedroom seems pretty pricey to me, I'm just wondering if it's worth it.

I'm looking to rent in the that price range for a 2 bedroom... check belmont, sylvan park, and hillsboro areas. Only 10-15 min drive to campus. FOr more bang for your buck, there are nice places in bellevue too.... but it's a 20-25 min commute.

Hrm, I don't think id want more than a 5 minute drive tbh. But thank you, I'll check out the distances.

then it looks like you will spend around $1000 for a one bedroom.

[krj02004]

Another housing question. Are the barbizon/20 and grand / similar places overpriced? Is it worth being a bit further out from campus in order to get more bang for your buck? I will have a car - I don't mind driving but would prefer to be close - and obviously parking is a concern I would assume. Other than that I have no kids/pets/SO to worry about. 1100-1200 rent for a 1 bedroom seems pretty pricey to me, I'm just wondering if it's worth it.

I'm looking to rent in the that price range for a 2 bedroom... check belmont, sylvan park, and hillsboro areas. Only 10-15 min drive to campus. FOr more bang for your buck, there are nice places in bellevue too.... but it's a 20-25 min commute.

Hrm, I don't think id want more than a 5 minute drive tbh. But thank you, I'll check out the distances.

then it looks like you will spend around $1000 for a one bedroom.

For sure. I've been to the campus, reserached CL, and I'm working with a real estate agent as well. Anywhere within 5 min to campus is def. $1000+. But if you have that kind of dough, go for it!

[sdv]

I have to say I don't understand the aversion to being a bit further out. Bellevue is 9 miles away; I made it in 12 minutes when I was apartment hunting. Sure, traffic will add to that, but one can control for traffic by avoiding rush hour (coming to school early, staying late, for example). I guess I just don't understand why anyone would pay that much to live close (without a roommate)!

[krj02004]

I have to say I don't understand the aversion to being a bit further out. Bellevue is 9 miles away; I made it in 12 minutes when I was apartment hunting. Sure, traffic will add to that, but one can control for traffic by avoiding rush hour (coming to school early, staying late, for example). I guess I just don't understand why anyone would pay that much to live close (without a roommate)!

+1!

[djgoldbe]

I have to say I don't understand the aversion to being a bit further out. Bellevue is 9 miles away; I made it in 12 minutes when I was apartment hunting. Sure, traffic will add to that, but one can control for traffic by avoiding rush hour (coming to school early, staying late, for example). I guess I just don't understand why anyone would pay that much to live close (without a roommate)!

I'm not unwilling to get a roommate - so perhaps I can save some $ that way. I just 1) am not a morning person, so every minute I can sleep is a bonus in the mornings and 2) hate sitting in traffic. Plus, a 10 minute drive is really not that close, bellevue is over 10 miles outside of downtown, so that's 10+ minutes from lots of other things like restaurants and bars etc. Different strokes for different folks I guess :p

[gogators]

For everyone looking to live near the law school:

It is possible to find a place within walking distance for less than $1000. For example, University Square, which is right behind Adelecia, has privately owned apartments for less than $1000 a month. In addition, there are smaller houses in that same area as well that are below the price. However, square footage is less and utilities and cable run at least 150 a month. I pay 800 for a 1 bedroom, and about 200 a month for comcast and utilities while being able to walk easily to the law school. KEEP LOOKING!

[krj02004]

For everyone looking to live near the law school:

It is possible to find a place within walking distance for less than $1000. For example, University Square, which is right behind Adelecia, has privately owned apartments for less than $1000 a month. In addition, there are smaller houses in that same area as well that are below the price. However, square footage is less and utilities and cable run at least 150 a month. I pay 800 for a 1 bedroom, and about 200 a month for comcast and utilities while being able to walk easily to the law school. KEEP LOOKING!

Hmmmm... quality of the apartment and amenities?

[sdv]

For everyone looking to live near the law school:

It is possible to find a place within walking distance for less than $1000. For example, University Square, which is right behind Adelecia, has privately owned apartments for less than $1000 a month. In addition, there are smaller houses in that same area as well that are below the price. However, square footage is less and utilities and cable run at least 150 a month. I pay 800 for a 1 bedroom, and about 200 a month for comcast and utilities while being able to walk easily to the law school. KEEP LOOKING!

Hmmmm... quality of the apartment and amenities?

I'm curious about this as well - along with square footage.

[gogators]

For everyone looking to live near the law school:

It is possible to find a place within walking distance for less than $1000. For example, University Square, which is right behind Adelecia, has privately owned apartments for less than $1000 a month. In addition, there are smaller houses in that same area as well that are below the price. However, square footage is less and utilities and cable run at least 150 a month. I pay 800 for a 1 bedroom, and about 200 a month for comcast and utilities while being able to walk easily to the law school. KEEP LOOKING!

Hmmmm... quality of the apartment and amenities?

The quality is good. Zero complaints. I don't know the square footage, sorry. But, there are two different sizes. The smaller one I have personal experience. The living room is decent size, and there is a separated kitchen. Bedroom is large enough and the bathrooms too.

[sp63]

Thanks for taking questions!

Where do you park if you are driving to campus? Is it close to the Law School?

Also, is Vanderbilt a Mac friendly school with respect to exam writing software? If you had to estimate, what is the breakdown between Mac and PC users?

[djgoldbe]

Thanks for taking questions!

Where do you park if you are driving to campus? Is it close to the Law School?

Also, is Vanderbilt a Mac friendly school with respect to exam writing software? If you had to estimate, what is the breakdown between Mac and PC users?

I'm not a current student but I'm pretty sure the exams require windows so at the very least you'll need to have bootcamp/a windows OS set up.