Vanderbilt 1L Taking Questions Forum

[poprox]

Is there an efficient way to avoid driving out to places? I like to "have a good time" if I'm at a bar on a weekend. So driving would kinda put a damper on that.

This I cannot say for sure. I know that you can find cabs aplenty in Nashville, but I don't know about the gay friendliness of places that are within walking distance of Vandy. Maybe someone else who lives there can chime in on this.

[thickfreakness]

Is there an efficient way to avoid driving out to places? I like to "have a good time" if I'm at a bar on a weekend. So driving would kinda put a damper on that.

I think you're going to have to cab it or have a DD. It doesn't seem like catching a cab is that big of a problem in Nashville, especially if you're splitting the fare with some folks.

[td6624]

Ah, cabs. I guess those can work. haha. I've just always longed to live in an area with solid public transportation. I haven't read much positive stuff about Nashville's.

And I mean... I guess I'm articulating this badly. Bars don't have to be gay friendly. Just not gay unfriendly, if you know what I mean. Me and my SO aren't big PDA people, so it wouldn't be all that obvious that we're queers.

[thickfreakness]

Ah, cabs. I guess those can work. haha. I've just always longed to live in an area with solid public transportation. I haven't read much positive stuff about Nashville's.

And I mean... I guess I'm articulating this badly. Bars don't have to be gay friendly. Just not gay unfriendly, if you know what I mean. Me and my SO aren't big PDA people, so it wouldn't be all that obvious that we're queers.

I think Nashville is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the south. Obviously, there are going to be places in any city where you shouldn't go if you're gay (just like if you're a hipster, [insert social group here], etc.), but I think there are definitely a good bit more friendly places in Nashville than your typical southern city. Besides, I doubt people will know unless you do engage in tons of PDA. And if you do get nasty looks for PDA, it's more likely because of the PDA, not because you're gay. PDA is for high school kids. Maybe I just say that because I'm an old married fart.

[td6624]

And if you do get nasty looks for PDA, it's more likely because of the PDA, not because you're gay. PDA is for high school kids. Maybe I just say that because I'm an old married fart.

No no. You say that because it's gross.

[thickfreakness]

And if you do get nasty looks for PDA, it's more likely because of the PDA, not because you're gay. PDA is for high school kids. Maybe I just say that because I'm an old married fart.

No no. You say that because it's gross.

Gross, obnoxious, unnecessary, whatever, lol. Honestly, the places where you'll get flak for being gay are probably places that suck to hang out at anyway.

[gogators]

There are gay people yes, and no its not a problem. I know some people at the law school who are openly gay and it doesn't really seem like people even think about it. Besides, for my section anyways, I would say we're a little more left of center on social issues. Also, we have VERY little interaction with the undergrads unless you do things that directly involve them like going to the gym or doing intramurals (which usually end up being mostly grad students anyways).

[gogators]

Is there an efficient way to avoid driving out to places? I like to "have a good time" if I'm at a bar on a weekend. So driving would kinda put a damper on that.

I think you're going to have to cab it or have a DD. It doesn't seem like catching a cab is that big of a problem in Nashville, especially if you're splitting the fare with some folks.

Observationalist talked about this in the Vanderbilt 2013 thread and he was very accurate. You can easily make it out to all the bars with the bus system and not have to pay for cabs. The buses don't necessarily run a lot, but they run on time.

[td6624]

Besides, for my section anyways, I would say we're a little more left of center on social issues.

What about on fiscal ones, just out of curiosity?

[gogators]

Besides, for my section anyways, I would say we're a little more left of center on social issues.

What about on fiscal ones, just out of curiosity?

Same probably. And I would say more "left of center" professors than not.

[td6624]

Got another one for you, if you have an answer.

Are there many Vandy students who seem like they want to end up in government and/or politics? That's a door I'd like to keep open, but not necessarily something I'm ready to commit to (if that were the case, I'd probably just head out to DC and GW). From what I've seen it seems like Vandy can help you get your foot in the door doing just about anything if you do well. Is that the right impression?

[gogators]

Got another one for you, if you have an answer.

Are there many Vandy students who seem like they want to end up in government and/or politics? That's a door I'd like to keep open, but not necessarily something I'm ready to commit to (if that were the case, I'd probably just head out to DC and GW). From what I've seen it seems like Vandy can help you get your foot in the door doing just about anything if you do well. Is that the right impression?

Absolutely. Professor Newton, who I think I might have spoken about earlier, has incredible ties to the State Dept. In addition, I know of opportunities at the DOJ, White House, etc. that are targeted towards Vandy students and have plenty of Vandy applicants. I understand what you are thinking about politics/government, and would say that I do not think attending Vandy would hamper you at all but its certainly not GW or GULC where Gov. jobs are shoved down your throat.

[cutiewiddlebebe]

What are the meal plan options?

[gogators]

What are the meal plan options?

Traditionally, none. There is a cafe inside the law school that some people eat at, but the vast majority of people either bring lunch or walk across the street to Panera, Cheeseburger Charlies, Wendy's, Mellow Mushroom, Qudoba, Five Guys, etc. I literally only know one person who has a meal plan (which is run through the University and requires actually walking through campus to a dining center). That being said, he does use the meals occasionally but not often and I have joined him on occasion because since its rare to have interaction with the undergrads its a nice refresher.

[MF248]

Any thoughts on what to expect at this ASW?

[gogators]

Any thoughts on what to expect at this ASW?

A lot of strung out 1L's lol. Our huge writing assignment is due on Tuesday night and then finals are literally right around the corner. But we'll still manage to have some fun with the 0Ls I'm sure.

[Borachio05]

How tolerable is living in Nashville? Does the gimmicky touristy nonsense get to you eventually? Will someone who hates country music be able to find respite from it? On a scale of 1-10 what is the level of redneck that you experience regularly (I live in the south and where I am it is definitely a 7-9)? How is the diversity? How is the food - is there a place where you can get a good sandwich (unlike everywhere else I've been in Tennessee)? Are there lots of young people or do you have to seek them out?

This may seem a bit insincere but they are all concerns of mine.

1 - I never see tourists unless I go down to Broadway (which is rare since there are a million bars around the University)
2 - Nashville is actually a liberal city compared to the rest of TN (haven't had a non-Democrat mayor in like 75 years)
3 - My friends are huge food buffs and while I don't particularly care much about where I get food, they seem to rave about the immense variety of options. Don't know much more about it though.
4 - I don't like country music very much but its definitely something that doesn't come up especially if you don't go down to Broadway. Now, if you do go down there, there are places that aren't country but you get what you get.
5 - Nashville is a very young city, a lot of young professionals so its definitely not redneck.

Now if you go outside of Nashville all these things can change, but as a person who rarely leaves the city limits, I don't have a problem.

Sounds like Nashville is Austin's hillbilly cousin. Can't wait to visit this weekend!

[VandyTakingQuestions]

Since I can't find enough ways to avoid studying for exams, I'll bump this thread and take some questions.

[malfurion]

Since I can't find enough ways to avoid studying for exams, I'll bump this thread and take some questions.

I'll be applying next cycle and Vandy definitely is on my list. I was surprised to see the estimated cost of living expenses is around $22K; that sounds high considering I thought COL in Nashville was pretty low. Have you guys been using up the full budget or are you able to borrow less than the max amount?

Also, I'll be 31 when I start law school. I know that's not *really* old but do you think I'd have any trouble fitting in at Vandy? Are non-traditional students generally accepted by the rest of the student body? Be honest.

Anything you know now about Vandy (good or bad) that you wish you had known before you started law school there?

[VandyTakingQuestions]

Since I can't find enough ways to avoid studying for exams, I'll bump this thread and take some questions.

I'll be applying next cycle and Vandy definitely is on my list. I was surprised to see the estimated cost of living expenses is around $22K; that sounds high considering I thought COL in Nashville was pretty low. Have you guys been using up the full budget or are you able to borrow less than the max amount?

Also, I'll be 31 when I start law school. I know that's not *really* old but do you think I'd have any trouble fitting in at Vandy? Are non-traditional students generally accepted by the rest of the student body? Be honest.

Anything you know now about Vandy (good or bad) that you wish you had known before you started law school there?

One of the biggest reasons I choose Vandy was the low cost of living in Nashville. I'm not sure why they set the COL so high, but the city is very cheap to live in. I took out the max just in case and I have plenty left over to get me through the summer. I'll probably take out a lot less next semester. I'm not sure what my classmates did.

Some of the most popular and outgoing people here non-trads (like 40+). Honestly there is no problem with being a non-trad, they seem to have no problem fitting in. Also, 31 is kind of on the cusp of even being a non-trad anyway. You'll have no problem fitting in.

Nothing really surprised me when I got here, I had done a lot of research and knew what to expect. One of the cooler things Vandy does is send out this huge Nashville & Vandy guide (the "Orbiter Dictum") when you get accepted. It includes pretty much everything you could want to know about the city and the school. I guess one thing is Tennessee has no income tax but a very high sales tax (9.5%), so buy as much stuff as you can before you get here.

[malfurion]

Thanks for the response! I just read that there's some bad flooding and tornados in Nashville right now, hope you guys get through it safely.

[VandyTakingQuestions]

Thanks for the response! I just read that there's some bad flooding and tornados in Nashville right now, hope you guys get through it safely.

Haha, thanks! It's pretty bad in some parts of town I hear.

[jenesaislaw]

The weather has been absolutely insane today. It stopped for now, but will pick up again in a few hours. I've heard we've had between 6-10 inches in Nashville, and up to 13 inches outside of it. The flooding has been horrible. I think two of the main interstates were closed. There are videos of trucks floating down them. Restaurants buried. Pretty much the apocalypse.

I'm a Vandy 2L also willing to take questions.

To answer the COL question. I probably spend about $1400/month (including health insurance, cell phone, food, rent, utilities, misc.). I eat out a lot, don't spend that much at bars (I'm cheap - prefer to pregame), and live in a very nice apartment complex. You can definitely live cheaper than I do.

[pleasetryagain]

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.

[beesknees]

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.