This is the last of the special Commodore Connection series for incoming parents and guardians. We hope that these newsletters have been informative for you and your student’s successful transition to Vanderbilt. Starting in October, you will receive the same monthly Commodore Connection as all parents and families, which will continue until your student graduates. We are so glad to have you as part of our Vanderbilt community!

Sign up for the AlertVU community portal to receive notifications in the event of an emergency that poses an imminent threat or danger to the Vanderbilt community.

Getting Around Campus

Vanderbilt offers a variety of transportation options for students, including bike racks around campus for personal use, free rides on Nashville’s bus system, VandyRide nighttime shuttle service around campus, designated rideshare pickup and drop-off locations and more.   

Sporting Events

All Vanderbilt students have access to a free student ticket account and free tickets. Student ticket policy varies slightly among sports. For the 2025 football season, students will need to claim a ticket for every home game. 

VandySafe

The VandySafe app, available for iPhone and android, integrates with the university’s safety and security systems to provide students with added safety on campus. With VandySafe, users can contact VUPD by phone or in a real-time chat, trigger a mobile Bluelight that shares their location instantly with VUPD, initiate a “Virtual Walkhome” so VUPD can monitor their walk, and take advantage of many more features.  

Community/Anchor Link

Vanderbilt’s student organizations and identity centers enable students with shared interests to find one another in a supportive, welcoming and inclusive environment. These organizations enhance the vibrant Vanderbilt community and create opportunities for students to empower and learn from one another. 

Specific organizations range from Vanderbilt Student Government to special interest groups like the Geology Club, Running Club and Vanderbilt Piano Society, among many others, to official associations like the American Medical Student Association and the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists.

Anchor Link is a crucial tool for Vanderbilt’s 500+ student organizations. It serves as the central calendar for student life and has groups for every registered student organization, residence hall, living-learning community and more.

Experience Vanderbilt
Experience Vanderbilt is a student-led, university-supported initiative that provides undergraduate students who qualify with funding for extracurricular activities that have fees. These extracurricular activities include student organizations, club sports, arts and cultural experiences, service trips, outdoor recreation trips, Greek Life or any official Vanderbilt student organization that has fees associated with participation. 

Vanderbilt Parent Ambassador Program

By being a Vanderbilt Parent Ambassador, parents can be involved where and when they want. We have opportunities in your area, virtually and on campus that range from welcoming new Commodore families to volunteering at various events. 

Parent Socials

Want to meet other Vanderbilt families in your area? Parent Socials are a wonderful opportunity for VU families to engage with one another on a regional level and foster deeper connections in a small, casual setting. 

Vanderbilt Chapters

Vanderbilt Chapters are part of a vibrant Vanderbilt experience. They provide a great way to connect alumni, parents, students, and friends worldwide. Each chapter's volunteer leadership, with assistance from the Alumni Association, plan and implement a full calendar of events. 

Official Vanderbilt Parent and Family Facebook Group

The Vanderbilt Parent and Family Facebook Group is private and solely for parents and guardians of current Vanderbilt University students. It was created to engage, inform and connect members of this community. It is a great place to ask questions of families who have been in your position and to be updated about new ways to get involved with Vanderbilt.

Hear from 2025 Vanderbilt graduates Destiny and Kaisal as they share how they found community on campus.  

The Martha Rivers Ingram Commons

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