Reasons why Vanderbilt is best in the Spring

Vandy pride anchors in us all, but there’s something about those April showers and May flowers that waters our spring-reawakened bloom of school spirit. Around this time every year, I’m amazed by our beautiful campus.

Below are some of the reasons why our campus and culture are at their best when the buds are bursting.

More oxygen

4th grade science tells us that trees are good. They give us oxygen. Because Vanderbilt is a national arboretum, we’re flooded with an influx of fresh, breathable air when the trees come back alive after winter. I don’t know about you, but I definitely need that extra oomph of oxygen to keep me alert through that final push of finals work.

More air equals higher grades, right? Yep.

Blankets of trees

Along with the beautiful trees all over campus, full bushes of leaves serve as the perfect excuse to not go to class. It’s getting to that point in the semester where you sometimes need to skip class just to do all the work you need, or binge watch Parks and Rec in your bed – I don’t judge.

Freshman use getting lost as an excuse all the time, and I’m here to tell you that you can now too. The trees actually get so full that it’s almost impossible to see building names. Just look for the brick building. “Sorry, Professor, Mother Nature is keeping me from class.”

Fragrant paths

The things about Spring in Nashville is that we get those heavy rain storms as well as perfectly sunny days. When the trees are so full and then the rain pours, flowers coat every pathway on campus. Not only does walking on the petals make you feel like royalty, but it also swirls the best fragrances through the air.

This natural explosion of sweetness gives you an excuse to not use perfume or cologne. Or shower.

Studying outside

Unfortunately, we’re all bogged down with unwelcome finals preparation. And unlike first semester, we don’t have magical holiday decorations frosting campus to keep spirits high. BUT what we do have is the wonderful opportunity to study outside on Alumni, Library, and Commons Lawns.

Multi-tasking is the Vanderbilt way, and Vandy in Spring means studying outside and catching some anti-depressant Vitamin D. This is your long-awaited opportunity to pretend you’re from that college brochure picture.

Eating outside

This may seem trivial, but the Rand Rush is real and terrifying. The good news about Spring is that you can vacate that monstrosity and eat your food in the peace and wide open space of outside. The lines get easier to navigate because people aren’t just bumping around and into each other with huge backpacks and trays of food.

You have The Pub patio, the Grins patio, plus any and all outdoor benches, lawns, and walls. Food tastes better outside, trust me.

Squirrel entertainment

Sassy Spring Squirrel

While squirrels don’t hibernate, they do tend to sleep far more often during Winter months. Now that the Spring sun shines upon us all, the Vandy squirrels are even more riled than usual.

Sure, they fill us with fear and loathing when they jump out of the trashcans, but the massive Spring tour groups are out as well and it sure is funny to see the squirrels assert their dominance over the unsuspecting visitors.

The return of pastels

As the temperature climbs, Vandy tosses neutrals aside and all the colors pop back into ensemble pieces. Vanderbilt has a reputation for being preppy, but even for the bohemians among us, florals and fun patterns are back as we feel happier with the sun shining.

Whether you love wearing an entirely pastel outfit or you just love to mock all the salmon shorts guys wear for some reason, Spring brings us the joy of colorful clothing.

Spring, Rites of

Let’s be real – this is why Vanderbilt is the best in the Spring. Our on campus music festival even has Spring in the title. With the promise of Rites comes the promise of day fratting, great live music, and even better memories (or lack thereof).

Ring in the blooming spirit, some bumpin’ music, and the DGAF spirit of the end of the school year.