Vanderbilt Summer Institutes – Residential Life

Jump to: Out of Class | Schedule | Housing | Dining | Free Time | Asynchronous Work | Evenings & Weekends | Residential Staff | FAQ

Out of Class

While Vanderbilt Summer Institutes are academically focused, it isn’t only about the academic experience. We believe that life outside the classroom is just as important as what goes on inside. Vanderbilt Summer Institutes staff work hard to create programming that enlightens and excites Vanderbilt Student Institutes students when they are not in class. Each weekday evening, students will be able to participate in a wide range of activities—from Ultimate Frisbee and field days to tie-dyeing and talent shows, there is never a dull moment. In addition, time is built into the schedule to allow plenty of opportunities for you to unwind and socialize with new friends.

Typical Schedule

Below are typical weekday schedules for Vanderbilt Summer Institutes. Please keep in mind, however, that “typical” days are rare at VSI, and students should expect schedule modifications, as necessary.

Information about check-in and check-out times can be found on the Admitted Students page. As a reminder, students flying alone must be old enough to travel alone without the Unaccompanied Minor Service. Vanderbilt Summer Institutes cannot provide Unaccompanied Minor escorts for individual travelers.

* Room Curfew and Lights Out/All Quiet times may be extended on weekends and occasionally adjusted during the week to accommodate special activities or events.

Housing: The Ingram Commons at Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt leads the country in its commitment to create the best possible undergraduate learning environment. At the heart of this objective lies the mission of The Ingram Commons—a unique program designed to make the first-year college experience challenging, fun, and fulfilling. This collaborative community nurtures and develops proactive, intentional learners and invites an invigorating exchange of ideas. Learn more at commons.vanderbilt.edu.

At Vanderbilt Summer Institutes, students don’t have to wait until they are a college student to enjoy The Ingram Commons experience. The Ingram Commons will be “home away from home” at VSI. This array of first-year residence halls combines the best of modern conveniences within classically elegant architecture. The Commons residence halls are centrally air-conditioned and include access to laundry facilities. Dorms and/or floors are separated by gender. Large common areas for games and social interaction are also prime features of each residence hall and provide students with shared space to take part in their living and learning community. A temporary home on The Ingram Commons will provide a sneak peek into Vanderbilt’s residential experience for first-year students.

Dining

Vanderbilt Summer Institutes students eat most of their meals in campus dining halls, which offer a wide variety of healthy and savory selections including vegetarian and vegan options. Students with food allergies and/or dietary restrictions will find VU dining to be an accommodating partner. We understand that dietary restrictions can be serious in nature. Don’t hesitate to call our office to discuss meal accommodations. All meals served in the dining halls or at Vanderbilt Summer Institutes–wide events are covered in the tuition. However, students may choose to bring some money from home to purchase coffee drinks and snacks from on-campus markets.

S.O.F.T. Time (Rising 11th/12th Grade)

After the academic day, students will typically have about two hours of S.O.F.T. (Sign Out Free Time) time. During designated S.O.F.T. times, students will have extended boundaries that include designated off-campus locations. Students often use this time to visit CVS, check out the Vanderbilt Bookstore and explore Hillsboro Village. Vanderbilt Summer Institutes Staff members are available at the perimeter or vicinity of the boundaries. Please note that, apart from S.O.F.T. time, students are not able to leave campus.

Asynchronous Work

Each afternoon during S.O.F.T. time, VSI students will complete 30-45 minutes of a carefully curated asynchronous assignment from their course instructor. Asynchronous assignments are designed to reinforce, synthesize, and support the rigorous Vanderbilt Summer Institutes classroom experience so that the instructor can maximize students’ in-class learning time. Examples of asynchronous assignments include, but are not limited to, scholarly readings, reflection posts related to course material, problem set completion, or final project preparation.

Either a computer or iPad will be needed for completion of assignments during asynchronous times because students will need to log into Brightspace, Vanderbilt’s learning management platform, to access materials.

Please note, all students will also utilize Brightspace to access important residential life information such as activity sign-up forms and the Vanderbilt Summer Institutes student handbook. We also have restrictions on the use of these devices, which we will ask students to follow. The policy for use of electronics will be outlined in the student handbook. Vanderbilt Summer Institutes is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Vanderbilt Summer Institutes has a limited number of loaner laptops. Please contact our office (vsa.pty@vanderbilt.edu) by April 1, 2026 if you will be unable to bring an iPad, tablet, or laptop to campus.

Evening and Weekend Options

Vanderbilt Summer Institutes strives to offer a variety of low-, medium-, and high-energy activities so that each student may select the activity that best matches their interest and curiosity. Other events are arranged—from theme dances to Vanderbilt Pre-College carnivals, scavenger hunts, and movies, weekends on campus are engaging and fun. All outings and activities are included in the tuition cost. Students may wish to bring spending money to purchase souvenirs/ snacks.

Winding Down Each Day

After a full day of class and events, students have time to wind down each night with a stretch of free time. This time is designed to allow students the chance to catch up with floormates, have one last conversation on the floor’s common area, and begin preparing for bedtime. Students also check in with their proctor group during this time for proctor group bonding, daily reflection, and important reminders for the days ahead.

Safety, Health, and Student Supervision

Vanderbilt Summer Institutes recognizes the importance of proper health and safety for everyone in our program. Our trained staff live in the residence hall, supervise activities, and maintain the overall well-being and safety of students during the program. Students spend the majority of their evenings and weekends participating in supervised events and activities. Discretionary time will vary by session. The VU Police Department partners with Vanderbilt Summer Institutes in securing the residence hall and campus. The Vanderbilt Summer Institutes residence halls house only program participants and authorized Vanderbilt staff. All students are provided with electronic access cards to their residence hall.

Because Vanderbilt Summer Institutes is an opportunity to experience communal living, some of the responsibility for health and safety rests with students. Students will be informed of the program guidelines for behavior, participation, and campus boundaries in the Vanderbilt Summer Institutes Student Handbook, which will be provided upon admission. All rules are designed to foster a healthy, respectful environment where everyone can find success and enjoyment. In the event that a student needs medical attention while at Vanderbilt Pre-College, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, which includes the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, is located next door to the campus. Specific policies about personal medications, health history, student health concerns while on campus, and insurance requirements are outlined in the required welcome paperwork and Vanderbilt Summer Institutes student handbook.

Residential Staff

Our leadership team includes full-time PTY staff who move into the dorm and work closely with carefully selected and trained residential proctors. Proctors foster community within the residence hall and guide students through evening and weekend activities. Each Vanderbilt Summer Institutes proctor lives on the same hall as their assigned proctor group of 8-12 students. Students meet each evening with their proctor groups and enjoy occasional group outings together. Vanderbilt Summer Institutes residential staff is large in number, and positions range from program assistants to the head of operations, and residential program assistants. Our staff is eager to welcome each session’s students to campus and provide a warm and encouraging environment for new and returning students.

FAQ

Click here to view the Vanderbilt Summer Institutes Frequently Asked Questions page.