Driven by a bold vision to offer undergraduate students a dynamic residential college experience, Vanderbilt University will plan to build four new residential colleges in its Central Neighborhood.
The new Central Neighborhood would be an extension of the dramatic transformation within the West End Neighborhood, which was completed in August 2024 after 12 years of planning and construction and include thoughtfully designed green and collaborative spaces and will incorporate sustainability and accessibility in line with the goals of the FutureVU initiative.
DEDICATED GROWTH
"The addition of these new residential colleges marks another significant step in Vanderbilt's ongoing transformation," said Eric Kopstain, vice chancellor for administration. "These spaces are not just buildings-they represent our dedication to creating a sustainable, accessible campus that provides students with a vibrant and collaborative environment where they can live, learn and grow."
PAVING THE WAY
The reenvisioning of the Central Neighborhood will comprise two projects-the upgrade of the current utilities in the area and the construction of four residential colleges.
Starting May 2025, Vanderbilt will prepare to upgrade utilities such as cool and hot water lines and burying overhead utilities such as the electric and internet cables. The Central Neighborhood Utilities Initiative is a crucial component in supporting the university's sustainability goals and future campus growth.
Plans for the reimagined Central Neighborhood include the demolition of its existing residence halls-Branscomb Quadrangle and McTyeire Hall-as well as the University Club to make way for the new residential colleges. Construction could begin as early as summer 2025, with the new residential colleges expected to welcome more than 1,300 students for the 2028-29 Academic Year.
"For decades, these residence halls have served as a home away from home for countless students," said C. Cybele Raver, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. "Thanks to the generosity of Vanderbilt's alumni and donors, we are able to bring this vision for residential colleges to life and pave the way for future generations."
ENHANCING THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE
The four new residential colleges would be designed to support the goals of the university's residential colleges program by creating spaces for academic experiences beyond the classroom, featuring mixed-use spaces for collaboration, green spaces to promote sustainable living, and a variety of single and suite living options.
"Our vision for the Central Neighborhood reflects Vanderbilt's commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and intellectual growth," said Tiffiny Tung, vice provost for undergraduate education. "By creating spaces that integrate living, learning and community engagement, we are continuing to enhance the student experience in ways that prepare students to thrive at Vanderbilt and beyond."
Residential colleges are designed to create opportunities for students to pursue integrative learning, dialogue across difference, engage in advocacy, foster leadership potential and forge global connections. They are unique communities where students can grow into future leaders together. By integrating experiential learning into residential life, residential colleges provide students with an abundance of accessible opportunities outside the classroom to get to know their peers, build relationships with faculty, collaborate on immersion projects and expand their interests.
The colleges also add value to the student experience by deepening students' knowledge of campus resources that will support their academic success, health and well-being, and by creating dedicated opportunities for students to relax, unwind and connect at weekly study break events and annual signature events and parties.
ABOUT RESIDENTIAL COLLEGES AT VANDERBILT
Vanderbilt University is currently home to 16 residential colleges that are innovatively designed to weave together a student's academic experience into their living facility. Each one is a unique home away from home that unites undergraduates through a shared sense of community and belonging. Beginning in 2008 with the opening of The Martha Rivers Ingram Commons for first-year students, the residential colleges program has since expanded to include six upper-division colleges along West End Avenue.
