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First-Year Housing FAQ’s

*Policies are subject to change due to COVID-19 guidelines and protocols.

Room Assignments

How do I complete my housing application?

The First-Year Student Housing Application will be available in the Housing Portal in early April. You will need your VUnetID and password in order to access the housing application. All incoming first-year students are required to submit an application. The deadline to submit an application is June 1.

Can I choose which House I live in?

First-year students are randomly assigned to houses. Requests for assignment to specific buildings will not be considered.

When will I receive my room assignment?

Room assignment information will be emailed to all incoming first-year students on or around August 1.

Can I see my room prior to move in?

We do not show rooms before move in. The houses are closed while we prepare them for your arrival. You may find photos and room tours for most types of rooms here.

Can I change my room assignment before I move in?

Rooms are assigned randomly, not by request. However, there is a room change request period that begins about two weeks after the start of classes. Students will be notified in August of the exact date of the request period.

How do I apply for reasonable accommodations under the ADA?

Our office partners with the Office of Student Access to ensure consistency in evaluating requests for reasonable accommodation in housing. Please visit their website for more information. The deadline for submitting accommodations requests for reasonable accommodations is June 1.

Houses and Furnishings

I have a maintenance problem in my room. What do I do?

Complete a Maintenance Request Form in the Ready App

Emergency repairs

Immediately report to residential staff in your area issues that endanger health, safety, or the building structure.

Fire & life-threatening emergencies

Call 421-1911 immediately.

What is the size of my room?

The Commons Houses comprise a wide variety of different room types. Room dimensions and configurations vary from house to house and also within houses. For this reason, we are unable to provide measurements for specific rooms.

What size is my bed?

The bed size is 36 X 78. Regular twin sheets will fit the bed, twin XL sheets will fit if you use a mattress topper.

What furniture does the university provide?

Vanderbilt provides a 36 X 78 twin-size bed, a desk, a desk chair, two 3-drawer chests, and a closet for each student. Each room contains overhead lighting, blinds, a full-length mirror, a trash can, a recycle bin, Xfinity On-Campus IPTV Service, and campus Wi-Fi. A full breakdown of the items in each space can be found here.

May I remove university furniture from the room?

No. University furniture may not be removed from the room. We strongly advise students to move into their rooms before deciding whether to bring additional furniture. Space is limited and University-provided furniture may not be removed in order to make room for students’ furniture.

May I bring additional furniture for my room?

We do not recommend bringing additional furniture until you survey your room.

What items are prohibited?

Please see the Student Handbook for a complete list of prohibited items. For quick reference, do not bring these items to campus: anything that can produce open flames (candles, oil lamps, incense, etc.) and appliances with exposed heating coils. Do not bring wireless printers, wireless access points (routers, hubs, wireless game consoles, etc) because they interfere with and degrade Vanderbilt’s wireless network.

How often are community bathrooms serviced by housekeeping?

Community bathrooms are serviced daily by housekeeping staff.

Where can I do my laundry?

Laundry rooms are in each of the first-year houses with the exception of North, East, and Memorial. Students residing in North, East, and Memorial are given access to a neighboring house that has laundry facilities. Dry cleaning and bundled laundry service is also available on campus. Information about the laundry service is available here.

Who can access the houses and floors?

All houses are secured using a mobile card access system for exterior doors, interior stairwells, and elevators. Students have mobile card access only to the houses to which they are assigned. 

What do I do if I get locked out of my room?

If you are locked out, please visit the Hank Ingram Front desk which is staffed 24 hours a day.

Can I occupy my room over break periods?

The Vanderbilt housing contract excludes Fall Break, Thanksgiving Break, Winter Break, and Spring Break. However, Vanderbilt extends to students the privilege to stay over breaks provided that they register online at the Housing and Residential Experience website. Prior to each break, you may register to stay over the break on the Housing Portal.

What is my mailing address?

Mail and package deliveries are not accepted at the houses. All residents are provided with a mailbox at the Campus Post Office. Mail and packages are delivered there. You will receive your mailbox number with your housing assignment on or around August 1. Please visit the Vanderbilt Mail Services website for more information.

Move-In

When do first-year students move in?

First-year student move-in day is TBD. Housing assignments and move-in instructions are emailed on or around August 1, including your assigned move-in time.

Can I move in early?

Prior to move in, we are busy getting the houses ready for your arrival. As a result, we are unable to grant early arrival requests.

Can I have items shipped to me prior to move in?

Yes. Please visit the Mail Services website for detailed information.

Vanderbilt Campus Dining and VU Meal Plans

Please visit the Campus Dining website for more information.

Other Questions

Where are the amenities located?

Amenities can be located here. 

Can I bring a car to campus?

No. First-year students are not permitted to park cars on campus.

How far away is Nashville International Airport?

The airport is located 9 miles east of campus. Students can travel by taxi, shuttle or public transportation. Taxi fare to the airport costs $25-$30.

Where are the closest ATMs?

ATMs are located at Sarratt Student Center, Hill Student Center, Music Rehearsal Hall (drive-thru), Branscomb Quadrangle, The Vanderbilt Clinic, and Medical Center North. Sun Trust and Regions Bank have full-service branches within walking distance of campus.

What is the VandyRide?

The Vanderbilt University Department of Public Safety administers the VandyRide shuttle bus service at Vanderbilt University. The hours of operation for the VandyRide are 6:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. daily.  A walking escort may be requested, at any time, by calling the VUPS Communications Center at (615) 322-2745. For complete information about the VandyRide service, including routes, stops, and times, please visit their website at VandyRide.