Notre Dame de Namur University
Belmont, CA, USA

Reviews

Notre Dame de Namur University

Laura from Tustin, CA

accepted here and planning to attend soon
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Will learn a lot
I enjoyed my stay in Belmont in July, and am looking forward to going to their holiday concert in December. The campus is small and the people are so welcoming, The counselor, Julie, is so humble and helpful. They offer an amazing tutoring program and the staff is unbelievably awesome! You can talk to them easily without feeling nervous.
Will enjoy being here
I like that NDNU is small because I will have that opportunity to know the professor and get help from them.
Bang for the buck
NDNU offers tons of scholarships. I actually mailed in my leadership and community service scholarship to the dean of student services department today. Hopefully they will consider my letter and resume that I submitted. They are also offering a good music scholarship, which i am also working on and soon will submit them to the dean of music.
Tips for prospective students
I suggest contacting the counselor and meeting with them so they can know who you are and what your goals are. I also suggest taking a tour. It's beautiful.
Great for these types of students
If you are the type of person that likes or is looking for a simple, small, spacious, and surrounded by nature campus, then NDNU is the school to apply to. If you want one-on-one help and want to be noticed as a student, then you should consider NDNU.

William from Vallejo, CA

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The professors here are truly amazing and they really care for the students. They actually know my name!! Which I found that at a lot of students' professors don't know their names at other schools. They are known by numbers. I've learned so much about the world through my classes in one year. For instance in my Advanced Conversation French class we not only learn the language of France but we have in-depth debates on problems in the world, in French. Its truly an amazing learning experience at NDNU.
Am enjoying being here
Being at NDNU, for me, is better than being home. I feel like the friends that I have made will be my friends for the rest of my life. But you won't have a good time by sitting in your dorm, keeping to yourself and being a hermit. You have to get out and meet people! Not everyone bites! And I love being involved! That's the best way to meet people here at NDNU. I jumped right into leadership on campus and I love it! And now I'm Diversity Education Coordinator! Its an amazing experience!
Bang for the buck
Yes. Our school is very expensive. But based on the experience I have had so far I would say that its worth it. I have learned so much about the world and myself in one year of Notre Dame de Namur. The academic and campus experience is definitely worth the amount. And our school also provides a nice amount of financial aid. My tuition and fee was 41000. I ended up paying $8000 out of pocket.
Tips for prospective students
DO NOT BUY YOUR BOOKS UNTIL YOU KNOW YOU WILL USE THEM. The biggest mistake I made, I'd say. I bought ALL of my books before college even started. I thought I was getting ahead of the game, but I ended up only using a few of them. There were classes where I didn't even USE the book because the professor never bothered to teach from it. There's was even a class where the professor GAVE us the book and classes where I would've gotten through the class without it. Wait until you are SURE you will use your books to buy them all.
Great for these types of students
Athletes and those who come out of high school with good GPAs. We have men's lacrosse, basketball, soccer, cross country, track and field(just started), and golf. And women's tennis, softball, basketball, cross country, soccer, and track and field. And our school provides scholarships for good GPAs out of high school and there is now a special dormitory for honor students. Our school is also great for students interested in sciences and social sciences, such as biology, biochemistry, kinesiology, psychology, and sociology. And not to mention our most popular major Business Administration!

Emily from Redlands, CA

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
NDNU is a great school for those who like close-knit environments and love to make great personal connections with students, professors, and administrators. It is located in the resourceful Bay Area, and there are many resources available to students on campus, while professors and administration are available and flexible to help students at any time (average student-teacher ration = 12:1) - appointments aren't always necessary. This small university is very active in the community, and the student population is growing; more and more students are starting to flock to the less crowded, easy access, private universities such as Notre Dame de Namur.
Tips for prospective students
Application Process: have test scores, recommendation letters, transcripts, and applications ready to be sent. Counselors are available to answer questions. Follow up with your application consistently.
When you are finally accepted, know that college is all about time management and prioritizing, but it is also a growing experience. Embrace the hardships as well as the joys. Hard work pays off. You only have this time in your life once, so enjoy college, have fun, and work hard.
Academic Rigor
NDNU not only wants you to just memorize material, but they want you to engage yourself and think about applying the knowledge and principles of the material. Each professor has their own way of engaging their students (Critical thinking essays, volunteer service, etc). NDNU's focus is on being the overall productive individual and providing for the community. The core Values of NDNU are : Goodness, Integrity, Justice, Service, Diversity, Community, Learning, and Excellence.
Dorm Life
Because of the small community setting, students who live on campus get to know each other well, and develop close friendships. This benefits students in many ways of networking, study groups, etc. For a small campus there are numerous activities and many clubs. Student Leadership puts on many activities such as themed dances, resident hall activities, and volunteer service days such as NDNU's Call to Action Day.
Food and Dining
NDNU is catered by Bon Apetite, and all the food we get is organic. We receive food from local farms. All the food is fresh and delicious.
What to do for fun
We have many sports teams. Students are encouraged to go to sporting events and participate in on-campus activities. NDNU is located in Belmont, in the middle of San Jose and San Francisco. The main source of transportation is the Cal Train, which will take students from Belmont to San Jose or San Francisco for only $9, or across the Bay to Oakland and Hayward side. There are movie theaters, malls, and restaurants located close to the university. The Bay area is very diverse, and there is numerous activities a student can access because of NDNU's location.
Campus Safety
Campus security is on the job 24/7. There can be easily accessed by phone. This campus is very safe due to the size, and students look out for each other. However if a student doesn't feel safe they can call Campus Safety to escort them to their dorm or car. Resident Assistants are always on duty as well. The head of housing stays on campus. Housing and Campus Safety are always accessible

Vannessa from Victorville, CA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
this is a small campus but still big enough to explore. all the people are very friendly and its easy to make friends. the scenery around the school is also very nice with plenty of trees and even deer walking around.
Tips for prospective students
working hard is the key at this school. and if you have questions there are many people you can ask for help. its better to ask then to wonder.
Academic Rigor
the classes are not too hard, but there is still plenty of work. the most important thing is to do all the work and not procrastinate. as long as you do all the work and study for the tests you will do good.
Dorm Life
dorm life is great. it is fun and you get to meet so many different people. since you all live close to each other you can hang out often. living with a roommate can be scary but it is not that bad. as long as you do what you need to follow each others needs, you can become great friends.
Food and Dining
the food is good. you have meal plans that include plenty of food. all food is cooked fresh and they always have different options. the cafeteria is also big enough and there is plenty of room.
What to do for fun
since this school is only a 30 minute drive from san francisco there is plenty to do. if you dont have a car there are plenty of stores in walking distance of the campus.

Eleni from San Mateo, CA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
This place is my new home. Everyone knows who everyone is and where we are, all the time. The simplicity of the school is my favorite part.
Tips for prospective students
This school is definitely not a school for people who want a large student body. There are only one hundred and ninety freshman this year, and I am friends with the majority of them. But for students who do not enjoy the smaller college lifestyle, then NDNU is not for them.
Academic Rigor
When it comes down to the nitty gritty, classes are a challenge. However we have so many resources here at NDNU, that there is no reason to not pass.
Dorm Life
Dorm life is amazing. Our RA's are wonderful, and always asking if we need anything. They are also caring; for example if we go out to San Francisco for the evening, they will call and check up to see how and when we'll be back. It makes us feel like we're at home again.
Food and Dining
The food is to die for. We have amazing chefs that are here full time.
What to do for fun
We go hiking in Belmont, or on the trails around campus. At night we have movie nights in the second floor lounge with all of our friends. We enjoy watchinghorror films until were practically crying in each other's laps.
Bang for the buck
This school is my new home. I actually never want to really leave to go home anymore. Everyone here is my family. We treat eachother well and always have a great time. Whether we're in class, or out of class.
Great for these types of students
This school is amazing for students who like the smaller setting. It has a very homey feel to it; especially waking up to the church bells everyday ringing outside your window.
Clubs and Activities
I have not began to attend any clubs yet, seeing as that they have just started. But i am definitely considering the Zumba club in the near future.
Greek Life
We do not offer a Greek Life here at NDNU.
Campus Safety
Campus safety at this school so far has been nothing but a blessing. We were all given the public safety'sWe cell numbers at orientation; so whenever we are in need of them we just phone them. I feel very safe and secure with them here on campus.

Yrel from San Francisco, CA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I find the school to be a magnificent school. It is a small campus and due to its location, the school is very quiet and relaxing. The people are friendly and very proud to be part of the school.
Tips for prospective students
If you decide or have to be a commuter to NDNU, hopefully you have a car to get here especially if you come from far distances in California.
Academic Rigor
I came from a high school where we were trained to be able to sustain a lot of work, so I find the school to be well-balanced and not at all hard, well for now maybe.
Dorm Life
I am a commuter so I don't live in dorms, but I have heard from people that the dorms are very nice and as I said, NDNU is quiet so I'm guessing the dorms are peaceful.
Food and Dining
The cafeteria is amazing and wonderful! They have a wide variety of food available for you to eat and enjoy. Whether it is meat, grain, vegetables, or fruits, they have it.

Cyril from Daly City, CA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
It is a great institution that is focused on helping the students. There are many programs that aid in the students' academic success. The faculty and staff are always have an open door for their students.
Tips for prospective students
Apply here! Yes, it is a small institution, however it is more like a family. Everyone is here to help you out in your success. Friendships made here will last a lifetime. There are many opportunities for getting involved with student leadership, as well as many student jobs on campus.
Academic Rigor
All professors challenge their students to do their best. If a professor thinks you're holding back, he or she will manage to get it out of you. The workload can be heavy at times, so time management skills are a plus. Speaking to your professors if you are having a hard time in class is a MUST, so if you're falling behind, let them know.
Dorm Life
The Residence Life at NDNU is great. The Resident Assistants host at least 30 programs a month to provide residents with something to do. There are great facilities for having movie nights, game nights, and even a small fitness center that is open to residents 24/7.
Food and Dining
The food in the Dining Hall could be better. Breakfast is the best part.
Clubs and Activities
We have an office dedicated to Student Life and Leadership (SLLO). This is the centralized hub for all student activities and clubs. The Director and Assistant Director of Student Life and Leadership, as well as the Student Activities Coordinator and Residence Life Director, can be found in this office. There are many clubs and organizations that students may take interest in. If you cannot find one that suits you, start your own! The SLLO has all the resources you need to get you started.