Transportation & Dining

As you prepare to live off campus, make sure to lock down transportation options, consider meal plans and local dining perks, and understand parking rules so you can stay connected to campus and thrive independently in Nashville.

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Transportation & Dining

As an off-campus student, having reliable transportation and access to convenient dining options is key to maintaining a balanced college life. Vanderbilt supports students with a variety of services, from parking permits and public transit access to flexible meal plans and campus currency. With nearby grocery stores, delivery options, and pedestrian-friendly areas, it’s easy to stay connected to campus and the broader Nashville community.

Transportation

  • Getting to Campus

    Vanderbilt offers a variety of transportation options for your commute to and from campus.

    Learn more about Getting to Campus.

  • Parking on Campus

    Parking is primarily reserved for upper-division students (juniors and seniors). A limited number of spaces are available to sophomores on a first-come, first-served basis. Once these spaces sell out, a waiting list is created. Reserved permits are also available on a first-come, first-served basis. Students must park in areas designated by their permit type.

    Learn more about Undergraduate Parking.

    View interactive and print-friendly parking maps here.

  • Parking off Campus

    In the event you have to park off-campus, consider the following guidelines:

    • Park your car in appropriate places.
    • Learn the acceptable and legal places for parking at your house or apartment.
    • Understand it is a violation of Metro Nashville ordinance to block a sidewalk, driveway, or fire hydrant with a parked vehicle.
  • Moving around Campus

    From shuttle services to bike share, there are many options to seamlessly move around campus.

    • VandyRide (night transportation)
    • Mobility Rides (for students with accessibility needs)
    • Campus is highly walkable
    • Bike racks are available across campus

    Commercial scooter riding and parking are currently prohibited at nearly all on-campus locations.

    Learn more about Moving around Campus.

Dining Options

  • Meal Plans

    Students living off-campus can purchase any meal plan available to students living on-campus, but it is not required. The following meal plans are optional and available to students living off-campus.

    • Off-Campus Lite: 80 meals/semester
    • Off-Campus Plus: 160 meals/semester
    • Off-Campus Max: 240 meals/semester

    Learn more about pricing and sign up for an optional meal plan on the Campus Dining Meal Plans webpage.

  • Taste of Nashville

    The Taste of Nashville program lets Vanderbilt students use Meal Money to explore local restaurants off campus.

    • Swipe to dine: Students use their Commodore Card like a debit card at participating restaurants.
    • Meal Money eligible: Off-campus meals are paid from students’ Meal Money balance.
    • Neighborhood favorites: Options span Hillsboro Village, Midtown, West End, and Elliston Place.
    • Easy account management: Balances can be checked or reloaded online or at the Commodore Card Office.
    • Alcohol policy: Students 21+ may purchase up to two alcoholic beverages per transaction—with food.

    Learn more at Taste of Nashville.

  • Food Delivery & Grocery Stores

    Students receive discounts on the following food delivery services:

    Nearby grocery stores include:

    •  Kroger
      • 2201 21st Ave S (Hillsboro Village)
      • 2615 8th Ave S (Melrose)
      • 2131 Abbott Martin Rd (Green Hills)
    • Publix Super Market
      • Dr Martin L King Jr Blvd, 1010 (Belle Meade)
      • 2223 8th Ave S (Melrose)
    • Whole Foods Market
      • 1202 Broadway
    • Turnip Truck
      • 1920 Broadway
    • Nashville Farmers' Market
      • 900 Rosa L Parks Blvd
  • Meal Money vs. Commodore Cash

    Students who need additional access may upgrade to a full on-campus meal plan any time throughout the semester. Doing so will include an amount of Meal Money, which is important to distinguish from Commodore Cash.

    • Meal Money: Non-taxable when used on campus, including dining halls, Munchie Marts, food trucks, and Taste of Nashville restaurants. Unused Meal Money from fall rolls over to spring but expires at the end of the spring semester.
    • Commodore Cash: Taxable and refundable. Usable at dining facilities, the Vanderbilt Bookstore, post office, vending and copy machines, and more.

    Learn more at Card Services.

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