Vanderbilt's Best Dorms: An Insider's Guide to Your Home Away From Home
Hey everyone! If you're heading to Vanderbilt, you're probably buzzing with excitement about classes, new friends, & Nashville life. But let's be real, one of the BIGGEST questions on your mind is probably: "Where am I going to live?" Choosing a dorm is a huge deal—it's your home base, your community, & the backdrop to so many of your college memories.
I've been there, scrolling through endless forums & trying to decipher which dorm is "the one." Honestly, it can be overwhelming. That's why I've put together this comprehensive guide to Vanderbilt's best dorms. We're going to dive deep into the housing system, from the legendary freshman Commons to the stunning upperclassmen residential colleges. I'll give you the inside scoop on the vibes, the amenities, & the student experiences that make each dorm unique. So grab a coffee, get comfortable, & let's find your perfect fit at Vandy.
Understanding Vanderbilt's Housing: It's All About the Residential College System
First things first, you need to understand Vanderbilt's housing philosophy. They're all in on the residential college system. This isn't just about giving you a place to sleep; it's about creating a holistic living & learning experience. The idea is to blend the massive resources of a top-tier university with the tight-knit community feel of a small liberal arts college.
Here's the breakdown:
- First-Year Experience: All freshmen live on The Martha Rivers Ingram Commons, a campus dedicated entirely to first-year students. This is a pretty cool setup because it instantly creates a sense of community among the new class. You're all in the same boat, navigating college life together.
- Upper-Division Housing: After freshman year, you'll move into upper-division housing, which includes traditional dorms, living & learning communities, & the highly sought-after residential colleges. These are designed to continue that sense of community & provide more independence as you progress through your college career.
This system is a game-changer. It means you're not just a number in a massive housing system. You're part of a smaller, more intimate community from day one.
The Freshman Experience: Life on The Ingram Commons
The Ingram Commons is where your Vanderbilt journey begins. It's a beautiful, self-contained campus with ten residence halls, a dining center, a fitness center, & plenty of green space. Each house has its own unique character & traditions, but they all share a common goal: to help you transition smoothly into college life.
A quick note on choosing your freshman dorm: you don't. Vanderbilt randomly assigns you to one of the ten houses on the Commons. While this might sound a little scary, it's actually a blessing in disguise. It forces you to meet people you might not have otherwise & prevents the stress of trying to pick the "perfect" dorm based on limited information.
That being said, some dorms on the Commons definitely have a reputation for being a cut above the rest. Let's take a look at the fan favorites.
The "New" vs. "Old" Dorms on the Commons
The freshman dorms are often categorized as "new" or "old." The "new" dorms were built from scratch in 2006, while the "old" dorms were built in the 1920s & 30s & renovated in 2006.
- New Dorms: Hank Ingram, Sutherland, Stambaugh, Murray, & Crawford. These are known for their spacious rooms, modern amenities, & in-house laundry.
- Old Dorms: West, North, East, Memorial, & Gillette. These dorms have more classic architectural features, like hardwood floors, but the rooms are generally smaller. Some also lack in-house laundry facilities.
Now, let's dive into the specifics of the top-rated freshman dorms.
Hank Ingram House: The Crown Jewel of the Commons
If there's one freshman dorm that consistently tops the list, it's Hank Ingram House, or "Hank" as it's affectionately known. It's the largest dorm on the Commons, housing around 290 students, & it's packed with amenities.
Here's what makes Hank so popular:
- Spacious Rooms: The rooms in Hank are some of the biggest on the Commons, with typical sizes ranging from 167 to 269 square feet. The ceilings are high, & you'll have plenty of space for all your stuff.
- Modern Amenities: Hank has study rooms on every floor, large common areas, & in-house laundry. The bathrooms are also new & well-maintained.
- Central Location: It's right next to the Commons Center, which means you're just steps away from the dining hall, Munchie Mart, & fitness center.
- Strong Community: Despite its size, Hank is known for having a great sense of community. You'll get to know your floor pretty well, & there are always people hanging out in the common areas.
One student review summed it up perfectly: "Hank House is easily the best on campus and on commons! Being the newest house, Hank is the biggest and has the best community."
Sutherland House: Spacious & Social
Sutherland is another one of the "new" dorms, & it's a close contender for the top spot. It's a bit smaller than Hank, with around 180 students, which can make it feel a little more intimate.
What students love about Sutherland:
- HUGE Rooms: Sutherland is known for its incredibly spacious rooms, with sizes ranging from 201 to 290 square feet. One student even said, "you can see just a lot of extra space no need to loft the better anything."
- Great for Socializing: The large rooms & common areas make Sutherland a great place for socializing. It's easy to have friends over, & there's always something going on.
- Modern Feel: Like the other new dorms, Sutherland has modern amenities & a clean, bright feel.
Stambaugh House: The Best of Both Worlds
Stambaugh is another "new" dorm that gets a lot of love from students. It's similar in size to Sutherland, with about 180 residents, & offers a great balance of social life & study space.
Why Stambaugh is a top choice:
- Generous Room Sizes: The rooms in Stambaugh are comparable to Sutherland, with a typical size of 201 to 310 square feet.
- A Mix of Vibes: Stambaugh has a reputation for being social, but it's also known for its great study lounges. You can find a quiet corner to cram for an exam or join a group of friends in the common room.
- Prime Location: It's located on the "Upper Quad" of the Commons, which is a popular area with a lot of green space.
A Word on the "Old" Dorms
While the "new" dorms get a lot of the glory, don't be discouraged if you're placed in one of the older dorms. Many students who live in West, North, or Memorial end up loving their experience. These smaller dorms often have a tighter-knit community, & the classic architecture has a certain charm. As one student put it, "I lived in West House... and literally like my best best friends at Vanderbilt were on my floor at West. and I don't know if I would have gotten so close with these people if we were in a huge dorm like Hank."
Upperclassmen Housing: Finding Your Niche
After your freshman year, a whole new world of housing options opens up. You can choose from traditional dorms, living & learning communities, or the highly coveted residential colleges. The housing process is a lottery system based on seniority, so you'll have a better chance of getting your top choice as you get older.
Let's explore some of the best options for upperclassmen.
The Residential Colleges: The Pinnacle of Vanderbilt Housing
The upperclassmen residential colleges are, without a doubt, the most desirable places to live on campus. They're basically brand-new, luxury dorms with incredible amenities & a built-in community. Getting into one is tough, but if you win the housing lottery, you're in for a treat.
Here's a look at the top residential colleges:
Nicholas S. Zeppos College: The New Kid on the Block
Zeppos is one of the newest residential colleges, & it has quickly become a student favorite. It's a massive, 20-story building with a gothic-style architecture that's both modern & classic.
What makes Zeppos stand out:
- Variety of Room Types: Zeppos offers a mix of singles, doubles, & 4-person suites.
- Amazing Amenities: It has its own dining hall with kosher & Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, study lounges, & beautiful common spaces.
- Prime Location: It's located on West End Avenue, close to Centennial Park & a ton of off-campus dining options.
- Vibrant Community: Students rave about the community atmosphere in Zeppos. It's a very social dorm, but it's also easy to find quiet places to study.
Rothschild College: Modern & Luxurious
Rothschild is another new residential college, located right next to Zeppos. It opened in 2022 & offers a similar level of luxury & modern amenities.
What you'll find at Rothschild:
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: Rothschild has a dining hall, a great room, study lounges, & even a black box theater for student performances.
- Variety of Living Options: Like Zeppos, it offers four-person suites, traditional doubles, & traditional singles.
- Strong Community Focus: Rothschild is designed to foster a strong sense of community, with a Faculty Head of College & resident advisors who plan events & activities.
E. Bronson Ingram College (EBI): The OG Residential College
EBI was one of the first of the new residential colleges, & it set the standard for luxury on-campus living. It's known for its beautiful architecture & incredible amenities.
What makes EBI a top choice:
- Convenient Location: EBI is right on West End Avenue, making it easy to get to classes & off-campus spots.
- Built-in Dining: It has its own dining hall, which is a HUGE plus.
- Great Community: Students love the sense of community in EBI. It's a great place to meet people & get involved in campus life.
Other Great Upperclassmen Options
While the residential colleges are the top prize, there are plenty of other fantastic places to live as an upperclassman.
- Mayfield Place: This is a unique living & learning community where students live in "lodges" of 10 people. It's a great option if you're looking for a tight-knit community & a more independent living experience.
- Kissam College: Kissam is known for its spacious suites & modern feel. It's a bit quieter than some of the other residential colleges, which can be a plus if you're looking for a more relaxed environment. It also has a Munchie Mart, which is a lifesaver for late-night snack runs.
- Morgan & Lewis Houses: These are twin apartment-style buildings that are popular with juniors & seniors. The suites have a full kitchen, a living room, & separate bedrooms, which is a huge step up from traditional dorm life.
A Quick Word on Parking & Storage
Living on campus is amazing, but it can come with a few logistical challenges, especially when it comes to parking & storage. Let's be honest, finding a convenient & affordable parking spot near your dorm can be a nightmare. That's where a service like Prked can be a lifesaver. It connects you with homeowners who are renting out their driveways & garages for parking. It's a super convenient way to find a spot that's close to campus without breaking the bank.
And when it comes to storage, especially during the summer or if you're studying abroad, things can get tricky. Instead of hauling all your stuff back home, you can use Prked to find an affordable storage solution right in the neighborhood. You can rent someone's garage, attic, or basement to keep your belongings safe & sound until you need them again. It's a simple, affordable, & hassle-free way to deal with the inevitable "stuff" that comes with college life.
The Bottom Line
Choosing a dorm at Vanderbilt is a big decision, but the good news is, you really can't go wrong. The university has invested a TON in its residential experience, & even the "worst" dorms are still pretty great compared to other schools.
Here's a quick recap of the key takeaways:
- Freshman Year: You'll be on the Commons, & while you don't get to choose your dorm, you're guaranteed to be in a community of fellow first-years. The "new" dorms like Hank Ingram & Sutherland are generally considered the best, but the "old" dorms have their own charm & a strong sense of community.
- Upperclassmen Years: The residential colleges like Zeppos, Rothschild, & EBI are the gold standard of on-campus living. If you're lucky enough to get in, you'll be living in luxury. But there are also plenty of other great options, like Mayfield Place & Kissam College, that offer a fantastic living experience.
Ultimately, the best dorm for you will depend on your personal preferences. Do you want a super social environment or a quieter, more studious vibe? Are you looking for a modern, amenity-packed building or something with a more classic feel?
I hope this guide has given you a better sense of what to expect from Vanderbilt's dorms. It's a pretty amazing place to live, & no matter where you end up, you're sure to have an incredible experience.
Let me know what you think in the comments! I'd love to hear your own experiences or answer any other questions you might have. Hope this was helpful
