Moving around Campus

Walk

Walking is a fantastic way to navigate both campus and the surrounding areas, also offering numerous health and wellness benefits. When you have time, consider exploring nearby attractions such as Centennial Park, Taste of Nashville restaurants, Hillsboro Village, and more—all within walking distance.

Aerial view walk path
Section Contents

Walk

While walking may not always be feasible due to weather conditions or other circumstances, every time you choose to commute to campus on foot, you're making a positive impact.

Prioritizing your wellbeing is as simple as stepping outside for a walk. Fresh air, a change of scenery, and movement can boost energy, reduce stress, and improve focus—helping faculty, staff, and students feel and perform at their best.

To prepare for rainy days, consider keeping a sturdy umbrella, rain jacket, and rain boots on hand to make your walking commute more comfortable.

Walking Routes on Campus

Whether you're looking for a quiet moment alone or a way to connect with others, our thoughtfully designed walking routes make it easy to take a break, reset, and recharge.

Each loop allows you to choose the pace and distance that works for you, with benches along the way to pause, reflect, or spark creativity.

Walking Routes

Walking Meetings

Walking meetings are another great way to enjoy the outdoors while making conversations more engaging, collaborative, and productive. By weaving movement into the day, we’re committed to fostering a campus culture that supports both well-being and fresh ideas.

Tips for hosting a walking meeting:

  • Communicate in advance - This allows participants to prepare by wearing comfortable shoes, dressing appropriately, and knowing what to expect.
  • Be mindful of mobility needs – Choose an accessible route with smooth, even surfaces, minimal inclines, and benches along the way.
  • Set an agenda - Keep it simple and focused on discussion-based topics that don't require notetaking.
  • Keep it small - Groups of 2-5 people work best to ensure everyone can participate in conversation.
  • Walk at a relaxed pace - Walk at a speed that allows easy conversation and ensures participants don’t feel rushed or out of breath.
  • Take breaks if needed - Build in time for rest or hydration breaks, especially if it's a long walk or hot sunny day.
  • Summarize key takeaways - Send a quick follow up email summarizing important points and next steps.

Walking Safely

Please familiarize yourself with and utilize the safety features available in the VandySafe app, which include:

  • Contacting VUPD via phone call or real-time chat
  • Triggering a mobile Bluelight to instantly share your location with VUPD
  • Initiating a “Virtual Walkhome” where VUPD can monitor your walk to your vehicle or home
  • Accessing real-time information about VandyRide.
  • Find out more about the VandySafe app and download it here
  • For any safety issues or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact VUPS:

Walking Resources

Finding your way around and outside of campus will be much easier and enjoyable with the use of our available resources:

Contact Us

If you still have unanswered questions, please visit the Commute Concierge page or email MoveVU@vanderbilt.edu