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Transfer Student Appreciation Week

A group of transfer students posing for a photo with Office Max, the K-9 dog.

The 5th annual Vanderbilt University Transfer Student Appreciation Week (TSAW) features social and educational events for transfer students and transfer student supporters. Transfer students are a vital part of the Commodore community, and we want to highlight their contributions and accomplishments. TSAW is scheduled to align with National Transfer Student Week from Monday, October 19–Friday, October 23, 2026.

Questions about the week’s events can be directed to residentialcolleges@vanderbilt.edu.

To learn more about TSAW events, click on the corresponding tabs in the drop-down menu. 

  • Saturday, October 17

    Southern Festival of Books

    Saturday, Oct. 17 | 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m. | VCL Satellite (Rothschild College)

    Join Residential Colleges for the Southern Festival of Books on Saturday, Oct. 17 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Southern Festival of Books: A Celebration of the Written Word is among the oldest literary festivals in the country and features performance stages, food trucks, and numerous publishers, authors and booksellers.

    All attendees will meet at the Vanderbilt Center for Languages Satellite (Rothschild College) for brunch with Professor Helmuth, and to sign the field trip and transportation waivers. At 11:30 a.m., all attendees will depart from Rothschild College and ride to and from the Southern Festival of Books via Lyft.

    The field trip includes brunch, transportation and admission to the Southern Festival of Books. Attendees are responsible for any other purchases.

    Spots are limited and an RSVP is required. If you RSVP, you MUST attend. If you can no longer attend, change your RSVP.

    RSVP on Anchor Link.

  • Sunday, October 18

    Kickoff

    Sunday, Oct. 18 | 6:30–8:30 p.m. | Highland Quad

    Join Residential Colleges and Housing & Residential Experience to kickoff Transfer Student Appreciation Week with an outdoor movie–Halloweentown, yard games and a popcorn bar on Sunday, Oct. 19, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Highland Quad. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair for seating.

    The Kickoff provides the opportunity to informally interact and build your network of peers.

    Weather note: In the case of inclement weather, this event will be canceled.

  • Monday, October 19

    Craft & Game Night

    Monday, Oct. 19 | 6–7 p.m. | Blakemore House & Broadview at Vanderbilt Lobbies

    Join Residential Colleges and the Student Center for Belonging and Communities for a Craft & Game Night on Monday, Oct. 20, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Blakemore House Lobby or Broadview at Vanderbilt Lobby. Enjoy board and card games, make friendship bracelets and treat yourself to a sweet snack.

    The Craft & Game Night provides the opportunity to informally interact and build your network of peers.

  • Tuesday, October 20

    No English Karaoke

    Tuesday, Oct. 20 | 4:30–5:30 p.m. | VCL Satellite (Rothschild College)

    Join Residential Colleges and the Vanderbilt Center for Languages (VCL) for No English Karaoke on Tuesday, Oct. 2, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the VCL Satellite (Rothschild College). Sing your favorite non-English song and enjoy a sweet treat.

    No English Karaoke provides the opportunity to informally interact and build your network of peers.

     

    Food for Thought

    Tuesday, Oct. 20 | 6:30–8 p.m. | Senior Associate Provost’s Residence 

    Looking for an outstanding meal and even better conversation? Join Senior Associate Provost Biddlecomb and distinguished guest speakers for an intimate, intellectually stimulating dinner series.

    Designed to present participants with fresh perspectives on new and familiar topics, each event brings together a small group of students and campus leaders over a outstanding meal. Come hungry for engaging dialogue, meaningful connections, and thought-provoking ideas that extend well beyond the classroom.

    Event Details

    • Format: Small-group hosted dinner & open-ended discussion
    • Host: Senior Associate Provost Biddlecomb & Special Guest
    • What to Expect: Thought-provoking topics, interactive dialogue, and great food

    Seats are limited to keep conversation personal and engaging—reserve your spot at the table!

  • Wednesday, October 21

    Donuts and Doubts

    Wednesday, Oct. 21 | 10 a.m. to noon | Sarratt Gallery

    Join Residential Colleges for Donuts and Doubts on Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Sarratt Gallery. Bring a question for the Center for Student Wellbeing or an academic advisor, and enjoy a free donut. This is the perfect chance to get answers and connect with academic and wellbeing resources before fall break.

Transfer Student Appreciation Week schedule of events.