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Notre Dame de Namur University Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

See Notre Dame de Namur University reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending Notre Dame de Namur University. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free Notre Dame de Namur University reviews, or contribute your own Notre Dame de Namur University review if you're a current student there.

  • 7 out of 7 people found this review useful.

    Laura from Tustin, CA

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    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.

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    William from Vallejo, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    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!

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Paula from Discovery Bay, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    There are great teachers here at NDNU who give you the one-on-one help that you need to get the most out of your education.
    Am enjoying being here

    You come to NDNU and it's like being apart of a family. You become really close with your classmates and are involved with everything on campus. These are friends that can last forever and that really care for you.
    Bang for the buck

    depending on what you are here for, it's great and there are plenty of financial aid options for you to stay here at NDNU
    Tips for prospective students

    If you want a small school with personable teachers, this is the place for you. Be your best here and you will get the best education.

  • Cyril from Daly City, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    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.

  • Brittney from Redwood City, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Notre Dame de Namur University is a small (less than 2000 students), Catholic Liberal Arts institution nestled in the foothills surrounding the San Francisco Bay. NDNU is more than a school, with the small class size and professors who truly care it is a family. And if anyone asks it is the real Notre Dame. :)
    Tips for prospective students

    To get the most out of your NDNU experience, get involved! Whether your interest is programming, student government, social justice or recreation, there is always something to fulfill your needs and desires at Notre Dame de Namur University.
    Academic Rigor

    Depending on the program you are interested in the rigor will vary. The physical sciences departments are known for their strong staff and academic caliber. While some programs are more rigorous than others all of the majors have a strong basis and will encourage critical thinking and personal exploration.
    Dorm Life

    The dorms and Residence Life services are in their second full year of revitalization. Many of the facilities and furniture are top of the line and the Resident Assistants and Housing professional staff are always working hard to provide residents with a multitude of fun and exciting opportunities to get involved and relax.
    Food and Dining

    The Dining Services Hall or The Cafe as it is known on campus provides a nice selection of comfort foods and new creations that always leave students wanting more. And should The Cafe be lacking exactly what you are craving, drop a suggestion and the staff will have that item usually by the next week.
    What to do for fun

    While Belmont is a small bedroom community, the campus is always hosting some event to get you involved. Plus the campus is located on the SF peninsula equal distance from San Francisco The City and San Jose.

    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    VIVA, is the annual casino night and dance hosted my the student-led Programming Board. Each year there is a different popular theme and admission is free. There is a small fee to play the Vegas style poker, blackjack or craps tables but the prize is so worth the prizes given out at the end of the night.

    There is also a 12-hour Dance-A-Thon. The DAT is a philanthropic event also hosted my the Programming Board and usually in association with the Associated Students of NDNU where students, faculty and staff have the opportunity to fundraise for the selected charity by dancing the night away.

    How many campuses have a mansion that houses their financial aid and admissions? NDNU does! The mansion, as it is so fondly called, used to belong to the founder of the Bank of California.
    Great for these types of students

    Notre Dame de Namur University welcomes a broad range of students. The students whom seem to excel here and have the most enjoyment are the ones who are willing to take a chance, get involved and sometimes get their feet wet (we do have a few fountains on campus).
    Clubs and Activities

    The university is home to 45 active clubs and organizations; including six cultural clubs, five service clubs and a nice mixture of social and specialty clubs. In addition to the clubs, students are welcome to get involved in the Associated Students of NDNU, the Programming Board committee and any of the many community based projects happening from month to month.
    Greek Life

    If you are looking for a university with a rich Greek life, NDNU is not the place. The university does not have any affiliation with the major social fraternities and sororities.
    Campus Safety

    The campus is an incredibly safe environment; where students, faculty and staff are comfortable to pursue any of the many offerings of NDNU.

  • Kiara from Sacramento, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    The small size of the school is a blessing education-wise, but curse socially. The professors are excellent. Overall it's a good school.
    Tips for prospective students

    Clear all of your expectatons.
    Greek Life

    None

  • Tess from Petaluma, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    I think that NDNU is an overall good school. The campus is very pretty, the professors are great, and the class sizes are fairly small. The students here have many resources available on campus to aid them in being successful.
    Tips for prospective students

    In order to be successful at NDNU, you must be very persistent and make sure that your voice is heard and your needs are met.
    Academic Rigor

    The classes are here are small and each teacher is usually willing to spend time to work with you individually to make sure that you understand the material.
    Dorm Life

    The dorms are not too bad. I live in New Hall and it is alright, aside from the bugs and dirt. The floors are tile so they collect a lot of dust, and because I live on the first floor, I constantly have bugs in my room. A big issue I have with the on-campus housing is that it takes forever and a day to get maintenance over to fix any issues.
    Food and Dining

    The food in the Cafe is pretty good. They have many options for people with special food needs (i.e. gluten free options, vegan, etc.). Many of the vegetables and fruits available are organic and local. Also, the staff is extremely friendly and so good at what they do.
    What to do for fun

    For the 21+ crowd, there are many bars and clubs in the area to go to. Also, the school is a 10 minute walk to CalTrain, which can take you as far north as San Francisco and as far south as San Jose, which provide many opportunities for fun. CalTrain lets off right by AT&T park in San Francisco so Giants games are also a fun thing to do.
    Bang for the buck

    While this school is very expensive, I believe that with the courses provided and the availability of one-on-one time with professors, it is well worth the money. Housing, however, is not as
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Ralston Mansion is a really cool place to explore on campus. Also, the campus has many cool little spots to hang out whenever you have some down time.
    Great for these types of students

    NDNU is very diverse so I think it is a great school for all types of students.
    Clubs and Activities

    At the beginning of each semester there is a club fair where all of the clubs on campus have a table with their
    Greek Life

    There is no Greek Life on Campus at NDNU, but I'm sure if someone were interested in starting a fraternity/sorority, many people would also be interested in joining.
    Campus Safety

    This campus is very safe and I never feel worried that anything is going to happen to me.

  • Unknown

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    This school offers many great courses and programs. It involves students to take part in something bigger and encourages social justice and helping others. You will have many memories that you can look back on and be proud of.
    Tips for prospective students

    Make sure all of your courses transfer from other community colleges and keep a positive outlook.
    Academic Rigor

    Some classes here are worth the money. Teachers challenge you and expect you to succeed in all your courses.
    Dorm Life

    Living in the lower classmen dorms can be fun, at times. For those who want more privacy live in the suites.
    Food and Dining

    Some days its good, and others not so much.
    What to do for fun

    The location for this school is the best. Were only 30 minutes away from San Francisco and 30 minutes away from San Jose. Your close to everything and should have no trouble finding something fun to do.
    Clubs and Activities

    Plenty of clubs to join and be a part of.
    Greek Life

    No Greek life at this school.

  • Emily from Redlands, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    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

  • Marisa from Castro Valley, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    What to do for fun

    my friends and i like to go to the city.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    the campus is very small.
    Greek Life

    none.

  • Martha from San Mateo, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Wonderful faculty with top-notch credentials!
    Am enjoying being here

    The campus is a beautiful park-like setting in a major metropolitan area, but far enough away from Oakland, San Francisco and San Jose.
    Bang for the buck

    Sometimes it is better to be at a campus where you do not need a car and can walk everywhere easily. (The best deal is to be a slightly older, commuter student and live off campus.) Church is right there!
    Tips for prospective students

    Buy a parking pass--there is a lot of competition for parking and you don't want to be late to class while circling around the lots looking for an opening.
    Great for these types of students

    Students who like to get involved with projects for community betterment will enjoy this school. Also, it is good for the arts such as music performance, dance and theater. There is a strong international community, here! Visual artists and writers find a happy home here, too. If you like to study business, this is also a way to advance your career through the evening program.