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University of Notre Dame Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

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

  • 40 out of 40 people found this review useful. 1 person found this inaccurate.

    Bryan from Colorado Springs, CO

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Notre Dame provides, without a doubt, one of the finest well rounded educations that one could receive.
    Am enjoying being here

    Notre Dame prides itself on its residential life. Students are placed in residence hall that soon become their undisputed second homes. There are myriad extracurriculars, with a niche for every type of student. You will never want to leave after the first month of school.
    Bang for the buck

    Notre Dame is not an inexpensive school, but you get what you pay for. If you want an education that will stick with you, or one that covers all academic areas exceptionally, you should consider Notre Dame
    Tips for prospective students

    Prepare yourself by doing lots of extracurriculars or service. Watch Rudy. Learn the names of the starting football players. Buy lots of warm clothes, as South Bend's frigid temperatures are often the worst characteristic of Notre Dame.
    Great for these types of students

    Students who are willing to work hard, deal with some stress, and are willing to become deeply involved in their school.

  • 19 out of 19 people found this review useful.

    Lindsay from Downers Grove, IL

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    In and out of the classroom, you are guaranteed to learn...A LOT. From going to conferences and listening to lectures by distinguished professors at many different universities to the actual learning in the classroom (and the fabulous & intelligent professors), you will realize how much you truly don't know about the world and how much you truly *will* learn here at Notre Dame. And this is coming from someone who graduated within the top 2% of her high school class of 720 and got top AP, SAT and ACT scores.
    Am enjoying being here

    I couldn't find a better fit, or a university with kinder and more passionate people. Intelligent, kind, compassionate and passionate are only a few qualities of the students and professors you will encounter here.
    Bang for the buck

    Considering the about $50,000/year price tag (and the low financial aid for anyone who has parents who make over $100,000 annually), I can't make myself giving five out of five stars here.

    HOWEVER, when you graduate you are practically *guaranteed* great connections from the ND family that will get you where you want, whether it's a job, graduate school, volunteering, or nearly anything else you want to do with your life.

    So in the end, I think the big bucks you pay for the university are worth it...
    Tips for prospective students

    APPLY EARLY--I applied early action and it was great to know in *December* that I had gotten in. Waiting until March or April is not fun, as I learned with other college applications.
    Great for these types of students

    Very intelligent, passionate, compassionate, caring, and curious students. Being Catholic doesn't hurt, considering the school's Catholic values and reputation effuses through everything at Notre Dame.

  • 16 out of 16 people found this review useful.

    Athena from DC

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The classes here are almost all taught by professors who are experts on the subjects they teach, and usually know how to make things interesting. Most professors here make an effort to make themselves available to students outside of class, and there are many resources to help anyone having trouble. Depending on your major, class sizes, especially freshman year, are pretty mixed, but freshmen are required to take a seminar which gives everyone an opportunity to have an intimate, small class about something that interests them.
    Am enjoying being here

    The atmosphere at Notre Dame is truly unique. I know everyone says that, but it's true. There is a strong emphasis on community and tradition here, an atmosphere that is enhanced by the fact that most people live in the same dorm all 4 years. The fact that students come here from all over the country means that there is a lot of diversity in terms of background, political, and even religious beliefs. However, there is not much racial or ethnic diversity, and some policies here are annoyingly restrictive compared to most other schools. The positives definitely outweigh the negatives however.
    Bang for the buck

    Tuition is certainly not cheap, but the quality of the school makes the cost worth it. However, the school's large endowment allows them to provide a lot of financial aid most of the time, as well as provide resources to find financial support externally.
    Tips for prospective students

    Keep your grades up. Slacking off senior year, even second semester, not only can potentially hurt your chances of being accepted or keeping that acceptance, but it also makes the transition to college much more difficult when you're used to coasting through or skipping all of your classes.
    Great for these types of students

    Hard workers interested in more than just academic work. Athletes, actors, anyone interested in research opportunities, and those looking for lots of ways to get involved in volunteer work and social justice will find plenty of resources and options here.

  • 20 out of 25 people found this review useful.

    Kellie from Wickliffe, OH

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

    Categories Rating Comments
    Tips for prospective students

    Take the hardest classes your school offers, be involved in everything that you enjoy, be committed to the same groups for a number of years, preferably all four in highschool and rise to leadership positions, be involved at your church, and write some awesome essays that truly represent who you are for the admissions process. Good luck and God bless!
    Great for these types of students

    really smart and super involved in everything

  • 13 out of 13 people found this review useful.

    Kayla from Jonesboro, GA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am enjoying being here

    I absolutely love my school. I've always felt that there is just such a welcoming environment and everyone is always very helpful and friendly. The only downside is the weather.
    Bang for the buck

    It is defintely not a cheap school but you get what you pay for. There are so many opportunities to become involved in the school and the community and there are so many resources to help you if you ever fall behind.
    Tips for prospective students

    Be prepared for the cold! Also, take advantage of the resources the university provides for you early and start making connections with the faculty. Everyone always says that, but it really makes a difference later on. The Notre Dame network is legendary, make sure you become a part of it early!

  • 10 out of 10 people found this review useful.

    Crystal from Grand Prairie, TX

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The amount you learn at Notre Dame depends on you. As a first year student, there may be a couple of classes that have 200 people in them. If you go to lecture, take notes, and keep up with your reading, then you'll learn a lot. If not, then you're SOL. There's also those really small, intimate classes that you'll build close relationships with your professors and classmates in. Notre Dame is an academically prestigious school, so nothing comes easily.
    Am enjoying being here

    At Notre Dame, they basically force you to make friends the first week you're here. You'll find out what I mean when you attend Frosh-o. There's never a bored moment on campus, EVER. There's always something to distract you from studying. The party scene is very unique here. It depends on what you like. People throw dorm parties all the time in the guys dorms, which are basically drinking Keystone Light and squeezing 40 people in a little tiny room with the token Party Playlist for people to dance to. It can be pretty entertaining. There's also a nightclub type thing on campus called Legends, and it has a different theme every night (Friday/Saturday), like 90's night, hip-hop, old school, etc. Basically, if you're bored, just walk around North or South quad and follow the music. You'll be alright.
    Bang for the buck

    You'll get a great education, make lifelong friends, create amazing experiences, and grow in every way possible. Mind, body, soul is the motto.
    Tips for prospective students

    Take a heavy course load senior year. You jump right into work on the first day. Join a lot of clubs. It'll help you learn how to manage time.
    Great for these types of students

    Student who are hard-working, but like to have a good time. There's lots of tradition here so you gotta love that too. Don't mind being in a small town. South Bend sucks, sorry, but campus is very lively.

  • 9 out of 10 people found this review useful.

    Karyn from MO

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    In my first semester here, I feel like I learned more than I did in my last two years of high school. Classes really challenge you and they don't just teach you the material, they teach you how to think, as in how to approach an intellectual issue properly. It is very important to the professors not that they teach you what to think, but rather how to think. This intellectual atmosphere produces graduates who don't just repeat the ideas of their professors like parrots, but rather ones who can think independently and come to their own conclusions, which is much more valuable.
    Am enjoying being here

    The people here are amazing, classes are challenging and interesting, and being at Notre Dame has a certain magic to it. I love it here, but I won't say it's perfect. Notre Dame is lacking in diversity and South Bend is lacking in exciting things to do.
    Bang for the buck

    Financial Aid at Notre Dame is great. Very very few merit scholarships are given out, which to some seems ridiculous, but I like it. At other universities, if the richest kid is also the smartest kid, they will get more money, but here, if you get in, they meet your demonstrated financial need, which helps make the Notre Dame dream true for more of us, but it can still be very expensive for some.
    Tips for prospective students

    - Whatever you do, make sure you look into your area's Notre Dame Club. There are Notre Dame clubs all across the nation (and some internationally) and they offer scholarships. Be sure to apply for your club's scholarship because when it comes down to money, that could be the difference between being able to afford a Notre Dame education and not.
    - I wasn't told this until later, but apparently recommendations from English teachers look stronger than ones from other subject areas.
    - Be sure to send in A.P. scores if you have good ones. It can only help.
    - For seniors hoping to save their application: focus on your essay. In the final months (or weeks or days ... or hours) before your application is due, your resume and test scores can't be helped much anymore, but your essays can.
    - Stay positive, you'll end up where you're supposed to
    Great for these types of students

    The majority of Notre Dame students are white, upper to middle class Catholics who were involved in a lot of clubs and/or sports in high school. There is a work hard play hard mentality among a lot of people here. Students who don't fit the description, can still definitely find their niche, but some might struggle with it.

  • 6 out of 7 people found this review useful.

    Erica from Longwood, FL

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Part of Notre Dame's mission is to educate the mind and heart. I am learning a lot academically from our many wonderful professors, many of whom are renowned experts in their fields. For example, my professor for a course in Hebrew Scriptures actually worked with the Dead Sea Scrolls, translating and publishing them, for many years. In addition, my time at Notre Dame has truly helped to educate my heart and to grow in my spiritual life. Because of so many opportunities for community service (through the Center for Social Concerns and through the dorms), deepening in faith (through Campus Ministry, other religious groups, and many opportunities for Mass and the sacrament of reconciliation), and experiencing true friendship, it is an excellent environment in which to acquire virtue. In other words, Notre Dame students' minds are educated in the classroom, and their hearts are educated through invaluable experiences outside the classroom. Notre Dame provides students with the opportunity to receive a well-rounded education.
    Am enjoying being here

    I love being at Notre Dame.

    The aspect of Notre Dame that I personally enjoy most is the Catholic atmosphere. I love going to Mass in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, especially during Holy Week.

    Another part of Notre Dame that I particularly enjoy is the dorm life: the unique and tight-knit communities formed in each dorm, the awesome dorm events, and the high level of dorm pride are special at Notre Dame. I love that Notre Dame has single-sex dorms, and that each dorm is paired with a sister or brother dorm. Visiting other colleges, I simply did not see what Notre Dame has. I say these things particularly in regards to my own dorm, Pasquerilla West, which I love! As a dorm, we volunteer together at the South Bend Shelter for the Homeless, pray together in Lent through a reading group, compete (and win!) in intramural sports together, and participate in our signature event, Queen Week. In the dorm, older students are paired with freshmen, who become their little sisters, and we also have regular meetings for freshmen to come talk to older students about academics so they can be better equipped to choose a major. This is only a small fraction of the events in P.W., but it gives you a taste of what dorm life is like!

    Moreover, I love walking across our beautiful campus. In the fall, there is nothing like the leaves changing to red and yellow as the campus is packed with crowds excited to see the football games. In winter, I love seeing the Golden Dome outlined sharply against a blue-gray sky and the snow clinging to the pine trees. Spring is the most beautiful (in my opinion), with bright yellow daffodils, sweet-smelling lilacs, and the swans on the lakes.
    Bang for the buck

    I must admit that Notre Dame is expensive, but you really do get what you pay for.
    Tips for prospective students

    Take advantage of the program Notre Dame offers in which prospective students visit campus and stay with a student in the dorms overnight. It's the best way to understand what it's really like to be a student at Notre Dame and to see if it's a good fit for you! If you cannot participate in this program, I recommend at least taking a tour. But be careful--you're sure to fall in love with Notre Dame as soon as you set foot on our campus!
    Great for these types of students

    Notre Dame is great for students who are serious about their studies and willing to work hard.

  • 5 out of 5 people found this review useful.

    Benjamin from Temple City, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The professors know and fully understand you are not there to become a slave towards textbooks, they realize each individual has passions outside of academia. With that in mind, the professors do a great job challenging each individual, not by overwhelming them with work, but by giving them opportunities to succeed. I found that the level of compassion the professors embody has helped me tremendously in learning not to be a great student, but a successful individual.
    Am enjoying being here

    As a transfer student, I have a different perspective than most of the student body. Sometimes, people don't appreciate the smaller benefits of being at Notre Dame. Most people come for religion, football, and things like that. I find small things that I love about my school every single day, but the single greatest thing I love is the fact that every single individual loves being at ND. Even the school food service workers love interacting with students, and everyone glows with school pride all day, every day. Never in my life have I felt so welcome anywhere.
    Bang for the buck

    The financial aid is very helpful (but is limited). Other than that, hell yes this place is worth the money.
    Tips for prospective students

    Work hard, know exactly why you want to come here (besides the cliche reasons of football and etc). And if you don't get in, apply to transfer! :)
    Great for these types of students

    Hardworking, passionate, and fun-loving.

  • 5 out of 5 people found this review useful.

    VA Yankee

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Notre Dame has first class programs and professors, and they are available to meet when you have a question about class or an assignment.. I have had a number of opportunities to talk about how to pursue my major, internships, research and grad school.
    Am enjoying being here

    I work hard because I love what I am doing. I have been able to continue community service activities that meant a lot to me in high school, and have found many new interests. The campus is awesome, and so are the people.
    Bang for the buck

    Don't be fooled by the sticker price. ND will help you find a way to make it work.
    Tips for prospective students

    Take the hardest classes your school offers. Develop non-academic interests. Be prepared for cold weather.
    Great for these types of students

    Self-starters, hard workers, top academic skills, passion for service.

  • 3 out of 3 people found this review useful.

    Heather from Saint Cloud, MN

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

    Categories Rating Comments
    Tips for prospective students

    Don't just focus on your grades; your essays count for a lot!
    Great for these types of students

    High achievers, but still want a great experience without too much competitiveness.

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    NotreDame15

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    notre dame is simply amazing. academics, a sense of family, spirituality- if these things are important to you, nd is a fantastic place to be. being here has been a truly transformative experience in my life.
    Tips for prospective students

    take a lot of ap classes. they are very important on your application, and a surprisingly high number of them are accepted for credit by the school. i already had a few dozen credits when i got here, which was a nice way to get out of some of the (many) university requirements.
    Academic Rigor

    some classes are tougher than others. the difficulty, i think, depends greatly on the major you choose. science and engineering majors, as well as archies (architecture students) don't have it easy, but from what i can tell, that's true almost anywhere.
    Dorm Life

    all of the dorms are single-sex. parietals are also enforced (more or less), meaning boys can't be in girls' rooms and girls can't be in boys' rooms past a certain time each night. those may not sound like good things to you, but a lot of people learn to like them. those who don't find ways to get around them.
    Food and Dining

    high-quality, varied, healthy, good-tasting food. for the vegetarians out there, there are almost always several good options at any given time of day.
    What to do for fun

    most fun things are on-campus. there isn't much to do in south bend, but i can honestly say i've never been bored from lack of things to do. if you come here and you take your academics seriously, you'll be busy with schoolwork most of the time, anyway.
    Bang for the buck

    i can't say with any certainty yet whether the amount we pay to go here is worth it (since i haven't graduated), but i will say that you get access to a lot of fantastic opportunities by coming here. the high (very high) cost of coming here is much like paying to go to a buffet. it's worth it, but only if you go out of your way to enjoy as much as you can while you're there.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    the grotto is one of my favorite go-to spots on campus. it's a cave-like place with places to put hundreds of candles, lit up night and day by people who come to light a candle and pray. it's a beautiful place to be.
    Great for these types of students

    motivated. socially conscious. catholic. pre-med. business. theologian. vegetarian. studious. legacy.
    Clubs and Activities

    there's an app for that? there's a club for that.
    Greek Life

    there are no university-recognized fraternities or sororities. some say that the single-sex dorms act to fill in for their absence. i think they can, but only if you seek it out.

  • 3 out of 4 people found this review useful.

    Carmen from Dallas, TX

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Notre Dame is one of the finest institutions in the country. There is no doubt that those who come here have to work hard in every class. The hard work pays off though.
    Am enjoying being here

    Has probably the best college environment in the world. So much school spirit at pep rallies and sporting events. One of the best football gameday environments in the country. Enrollment is under 10,000 and everyone is very close knit. The campus is absolutely gorgeous and there is always something to do.
    Bang for the buck

    Tuition is high but the education and friendships you will make will definitely be worth it. Classes are tought but definitely prepare you for the real world.
    Tips for prospective students

    Work hard in high school and be very involved both in school and out of school. Know what to expect from the classes and people at Notre Dame.
    Great for these types of students

    Those who love cold weather, college football, and single-sex dorms.

  • 2 out of 3 people found this review useful.

    Chase from Orinda, CA

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    They have an excellent balance of majors here and I think that I would fit in well.
    Will enjoy being here

    The campus was beautiful and from what I can tell this school truly values a diverse campus body.
    Bang for the buck

    The alumni network is simpole astounding
    Tips for prospective students

    Visit. You won't regret it.
    Great for these types of students

    Athletic and well-rounded

  • 2 out of 3 people found this review useful.

    Lauren from Penfield, NY

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    Notre Dame is a prestigious school with excellent facilities and teachers.
    Will enjoy being here

    The campus is gorgeous and everyone is very friendly.
    Bang for the buck

    They don't give merit, even for their honors program, which can be a problem.
    Tips for prospective students

    I was accepted at Notre Dame and invited to the Reilly Program in which I spent four days at the university at no cost. The campus was beautiful and I loved it there, but they did not make attendance affordable for me.
    Great for these types of students

    If you qualify for financial aid, can afford to pay the tuition, or are willing to take out loans, Notre Dame is a fantastic school for those who can afford it.

  • 1 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Nicholas from Bellevue, WA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Tips for prospective students

    (Work hard in high school, start applications early/be really thorough,) apply early action, visit, realize what a uniquely amazing and opportunity-filled community ND really is!
    Great for these types of students

    Students who care greatly about their studies and about their future and are looking for the best opportunities possible, but who also want to have a great college experience socially/spiritually etc.

  • 0 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Carlos from Oakley, CA

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

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    Seems to be a really good school that has a nice view

  • 0 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Nicholas from Crown Point, IN

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will enjoy being here

    The campus is so full of pride and history its infectious

  • 0 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Patrick from Wilton, CT

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

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    Notre Dame is a top notch institution of higher education. The professors are knowledgeable, award-winning, and helpful. Most importantly, you'll be surrounded by other incredibly smart, driven students who will bring the best out of you and work with you to learn the material in your classes.
    Will enjoy being here

    Notre Dame has arguably the strongest alumni network of any American university. They are so tight knit in their memory of their collegiate experience, a phenomenal one for all who attend. For those religiously inclined, there are many opportunities for one to grow stronger in their faith whether it be in the chapel located in your residence hall or at the beautiful Grotto. As a guy, I am looking forward to the interhall sports, the most extensive intramural program I have seen at any University, including full-pad football. Also, football weekends are legendary.
    Bang for the buck

    Forbes recently released their college rankings using a methodology designed to illustrate educational bang for the buck. Notre Dame was ranked 18th.
    Tips for prospective students

    Don't be scared away by the fact that it's a Catholic university or that it has some strange rules. They are not aiming to force religion on you, only to present the opportunity, and since when do you follow rules?

  • 0 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Tyler from Marengo, IL

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

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will enjoy being here

    Culture on campus is absolutely incredible. From interhall sports to football Saturdays, this is a place where you can immerse yourself in college life and love every minute of it.
    Tips for prospective students

    Take the most rigorous schedule possible in high school, especially junior and senior years. Be involved not only in class, but in sports and clubs. Reach out in your community, and take up leadership positions. The admissions staff wants to see a well rounded individual, so get involved!
    Great for these types of students

    Intelligent and social, someone who loves to get out and have fun but can buckle down and study when necessary.

  • 0 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Michelle from Notre Dame, IN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Notre Dame has some great Faculty and challenges your intellect
    Am enjoying being here

    I love the atmosphere the campus provides, including the school spirit and beautiful campus
    Bang for the buck

    A Notre Dame education is worth it, hopefully upon graduation a job will show for the work you have done

  • 3 out of 8 people found this review useful. 1 person found this inaccurate.

    Nekai from Bluewater, NM

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    In my opinion, my perspective of life will be so much wider. Doors will open, opportunities will be available to me.
    Will enjoy being here

    Notre Dame is a place where I have never been. If I am accepted, I know I will enjoy being at the campus. It will be a new experience.
    Bang for the buck

    I am not the wealthiest kid, but I am applying for scholarships.
    Tips for prospective students

    Do the best you can, and you will get so much more out of life.
    Great for these types of students

    This college would be great for students who are willing to imurse themselves in education and willing to do the work.

  • 0 out of 3 people found this review useful. 1 person found it offensive.

    Kevin from Los Angeles, CA

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    What is the average class size, and is there ever hands on learning with the professors?
    Will enjoy being here

    What's the atmosphere like in the school, do staff have the same enthusiasm as students?
    Bang for the buck

    The school seems expensive, should I have to worry about it?

  • 1 out of 5 people found this review useful.

    Hannah from Milford, CT

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

    Categories Rating Comments

  • 1 out of 9 people found this review useful. 2 people found this inaccurate.

    Jimmy from Atlanta, GA

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments

  • 6 out of 20 people found this review useful. 1 person found this inaccurate.

    Mahjeed from Mather, CA

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Tips for prospective students

    visit the campus
    Great for these types of students

    academically inclined

  • goirish

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Academic challenging.
    Socially engaging.
    Immense opportunities for internships and programs, they're loaded.
    Tips for prospective students

    Make sure to research the values of the university FULLY before you come. Be sure to VISIT the school. Keep an OPEN mind.
    Academic Rigor

    I did the whole full IB thing, and that doesn't really compare academically to ND. The learning is really independent and intensive. Most people here are academic minded. As long as you master time management and study your passions you're in good shape.
    Dorm Life

    Our dorms are like they're own frats/sororities, sans all the exclusivity and hoopla. Dorm pride is big on campus. Your dorm feels like your home and is usually really supportive.
    Food and Dining

    Dining halls are great, definitely a large amount of choices and they switch it up every now and then, which is nice. There's a permanent salad bar, pasta bar, homestyle, Mexican station, Asian station, among other things. There are two big dining halls. Besides that we have Burger King, Taco Bell, Subway, and a little convenience type store. You never really have to leave campus for food unless you really want to. Meals are pre-paid in a meal plan so you'll never go hungry. There is a Five Guys, Chipotle, and Jamba Juice across the street from campus. Overall really good.
    What to do for fun

    Parties, multicultural events, sporting events, TONS of clubs - seriously, whatever you are into there is a niche for that. There is never a dull night, even on weekdays. As long as your with the right people you can make fun pretty much anywhere.
    Bang for the buck

    Financial aid office was really nice to me. I've gotten meals, a plane ticket, movies, etc paid for. Most events usually have free food that is really good. All of the institutes and organizations on campus have TONS of study abroad/research/funding opportunities. If you have something that you want to explore or are passionate about - ND will find a way to help you out, believe me. However, big things are competitive simply because the caliber of students here, but that is expected.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Too many to name! How about the annual snowball fight against North and South Quad? Wake Week? The 3rd floor of the Hesburgh Library? Seriously, you have to come to ND to find out. There are so many myths, legends, and stigmas surrounding so many things and places. It's really funny and continues to be.
    Great for these types of students

    Open-minded people who are dynamic and willing to step out of their comfort zone. Friendly people who are very active in the community. Passionate people who aren't just all about the books.
    Clubs and Activities

    They have clubs for most cultural groups, if you're interested in a club type it in google and I'm sure it would pop up. The clubs are all really easy to join - not exclusive at all. As long as you are open and friendly you will be welcomed with open arms.
    Campus Safety

    I walk back to my dorm at the wee hours of the night and I never feel unsafe. This is not to say that campus is picture perfect - it is always ideal to take safety precautions. I think violence/danger can happen anywhere so it's always good to be cautious. However, I have not run into any problems and neither have any of my friends. They have the blue light system, officers on bikes around campus and safewalk.

  • Alexa from Camas, WA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Notre Dame is a top university, academically, spiritually, and socially, that provides students with the education and alumni network needed to succeed in the workplace. Emphasis is also placed on the Catholic character, and while about 20% are not Catholic, Catholic values such as service and respect are emphasized in the Notre Dame community. People at Notre Dame are generally kind, conscientious, and helpful towards one another as well as to guests who visit from off campus.
    Tips for prospective students

    Be involved in your community, be a leader in groups in which you are involved, and work hard in school! AP and IB programs are the most helpful academically, because they will prepare you for classes and exams, but they are still high school classes, and you will probably have to pick up your reading and studying to keep up the same grades you got in high school at Notre Dame.
    Academic Rigor

    As at all top-ranked universities, classes are challenging and interesting. However, professors and TAs are always willing to help, and keeping up with the material makes even the most challenging classes (like organic chem or linear algebra) doable. Notre Dame's unique First Year of Studies (FYS) program matches freshmen with advisors to help with any academic concerns the student might encounter in choosing a college and major, and when students transition into their colleges and majors as upperclassmen, they are assigned a new advisor to assist with questions within those programs.
    Dorm Life

    Dorm communities are very close-knit overall. Students are randomly assigned to dorms in the first year, and the majority choose to stay in that dorm for four years. Also, not many upperclassmen move off campus, preferring instead to remain with their families in the dorms. All dorms are single-sex by building, which is fairly unique to Notre Dame. Men and women can be in each other's rooms until midnight on weeknights and 2 am on weekends, a policy known as parietals. After this time, they must be in the lobby of the dorm or in another public building on campus. Many students do not support this policy--not only does it achieve the University's goal of keeping men and women separate at night, it also hinders men and women studying together. However, support for parietals mainly stems from knowing that your roommate will not have their significant other staying the night, with you sleeping on the common room couch.
    Food and Dining

    Notre Dame's South Dining Hall was rated second in the country after the Culinary Institute's dining hall. There is a wide variety of food served, including fresh fruits and vegetables, sandwiches, grilled foods, pasta, stir fry, and homestyle (meat and potatoes). Almost all the food is cooked well and there is enough variety for everyone to find the food that they want. The variety also means that it is nearly impossible to get tired of dining hall food--there is always another option.

    Campus cafes also provide a tasty food option for students. Some cafes have basic snacks and drinks, but others, such as Waddicks (O'Shaughnessy Hall) or Greenfields (Hesburgh Center), serve hot food such as soup, pancakes, and burgers. Students' meal plans generally include 14 meals per week as well as Flex Points, which are a part of the meal plan that can be spent at any of these on-campus cafes.
    What to do for fun

    There are numerous options for fun, both on weekends and weeknights. These include sports, plays, concerts, lectures, debates, clubs, dorm dances, and cultural events. Football is of course a big deal at Notre Dame, and nearly all students attend the games in the fall. In the spring, basketball and hockey are the most popular. Plays and concerts might be put on by students or by visiting groups. One popular place to go for concerts and dancing is Legends, an underage nightclub that is on campus. Other events might be held at the performing arts center, a new building with state-of-the-art performance halls and a cinema. An example of a cultural event that students might attend is Fiestang, a celebration with food, songs, and dancing put on by the Filipino Club to celebrate Filipino culture and diversity at Notre Dame.

    On weekends, many students also attend dorm parties, generally held at the men's dorms on campus. Although the University's official policy does not permit the underage drinking that is inevitable at these parties, generally, they are not broken up by dorm staff.
    Bang for the buck

    Although it is one of the more expensive universities in the country, the tuition costs are definitely worth it. It is possible for a student to take nothing away from their Notre Dame experience, but at the other extreme, it is possible for students to be involved or even lead multiple activities, making the education worth the cost. It really depends on the student's willingness to take advantage of the thousands of opportunities available on campus.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    There are quite a few traditions and legends about Notre Dame:
    -Don't walk all the way up or down the front steps of the Dome. If you do, you won't graduate.
    -Don't walk on the grass on God Quad, the quad in front of the Dome.
    -If you walk around both lakes with someone of the opposite gender, you will marry that person.
    -If you kiss someone under the arch of Lyons Hall, you will marry that person.
    -The ghost of 'The Gipper,' a football player who died in the early 1900s, haunts Washington Hall, the student performance hall.
    -The animators of Shrek graduated from Notre Dame, so they modeled Shrek's voice and mannerisms after a chemistry professor. DuLac, the name of the kingdom, comes from the Unversity rule book, and Lord Farquaad originates from Carroll Hall, which is the farthest dorm from central campus, said to be on Far Quad.
    Great for these types of students

    Students who like to be involved in the community and in extracurriculars in addition to working hard academically are probably the best fit for Notre Dame. Most students are also athletic, and many are musical.
    Clubs and Activities

    There is a club for every imaginable interest, and if there is not one for you, it is very easy to start a club and find people to join. Some categories are cultural clubs, service clubs, musical/theatrical clubs, acadmic clubs, and social/political clubs. Examples of clubs include Pasquerilla East Musical Company, Quiz Bowl, French Club, Circle K, ND Republicans, and Asian American Student Association. It is very easy to find out about clubs and join them, and generally they are not very time-consuming.
    Greek Life

    There is no Greek life. Alumni Hall, a men's dorm, is the only dorm permitted to display Greek letters (delta omicron gamma for their mascot, the Dogs). The lack of Greek life places much less pressure on students to join a fraternity or sorority, and helps the dorms gain more of a sense of family or community.
    Campus Safety

    Campus proper is very safe, but straying too far off campus could lead to trouble. At any time of day, ND Security Police patrol all areas of campus, so there are rarely problems with safety on campus. However, at night especially, wandering into South Bend, even just on the opposite side of the lakes, invites trouble, although near campus there are blue light boxes in case of an emergency.

    On campus, students' belongings are rarely stolen--students leave their phones and IDs unattended at tables in the dining hall or student center on a regular basis without incident. Instances of assault are also rare, though they mostly happen under the influence of alcohol at parties.

  • Rachael from New York, NY

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

    Categories Rating Comments
    Tips for prospective students

    Don't be a slacker your senior year of high school. It still counts!
    Don't apply early unless your application is not going to look any better after the first semester of senior year.
    Academic Rigor

    Challenging courses and there are so many to choose from! When I visited, I was able to sit in on a few classes. The professors are knowledgeable and enjoy hearing what you have to say. Though some of the basic core courses may have a lecture hall full of students, most classes are actually pretty small.
    There is also so many opportunities for undergraduates to do research and study abroad.
    Dorm Life

    Though Notre Dame's dorming system is not the most popular to many people, I love it. The people within each hall form a strong bond and the hall traditions are awesome. I also like the idea that I won't have to be worried about looking cute when leaving my room to just go to the bathroom because of the single sex dorms.
    Food and Dining

    So much delicious food! It is a good thing most students are athletic or we would all gain the Freshman 15.
    There is also a Chipotle nearby!
    What to do for fun

    Football games in the fall!
    There are interhall sports and many different clubs: cultural, academic, etc.
    Bang for the buck

    Though Notre Dame might give you sticker shock, the education is totally worth it. Their alumni network is one of the strongest in the world. Notre Dame students usually do not have a hard time finding a job right after graduation due to the alumni connections.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    The golden dome is iconic. It also helps you to navigate around campus because it can be seen from pretty much anywhere on campus.
    Great for these types of students

    Well-rounded, Catholic, can live with the cold, likes a challenge, wants to study abroad
    Clubs and Activities

    So much to do on campus! Many people get involved in interhall or club sports.
    Greek Life

    None. The residence halls are supposed to replace sororities and fraternities.
    Campus Safety

    I felt very safe on campus. People I talked to had not complaints about campus safety.

  • Laura from Hampton Bays, NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    If you want a school that has spirit, athletics, great academics, spirituality, and friendly people than Notre Dame is perfect for you! It's an amazing family atmosphere and I highly recommend it. This not only nurtures your intellect but also nurtures your spiritual and personal growth.
    Tips for prospective students

    come visit! you can spend the night as a prospy and get a real idea of how amazing the school is!
    Academic Rigor

    Top ranked school so obviously classes will be a bit difficult, but if you can get past the admission's board than you'll be fine :)
    Dorm Life

    Dorms are all single sex and have strict rules about being in the opposite sex's dorm past midnight on weekdays and 2 am on weeknights. This rule seems horrible but its kinda nice to not have to worry about looking good 24/7. Still pretty bad overall
    Food and Dining

    Ranked top five dining halls for a reason
    What to do for fun

    Off campus parties, dorm parties, bars (only a few though), SPORTS GAMES
    Bang for the buck

    I love this school so I would say its definitely worth the high price tag. The networking you receive is priceless.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    too many.... best locations: 1. Football Stadium 2. Grotto 3. Golden Dome 4. Touchdown Jesus.... I could go on and on
    As for traditions, most center around football and there is nothing better than fall at notre dame
    Great for these types of students

    sport enthusiast, determined, over-acheiver, friendly, catholic
    Clubs and Activities

    tons of clubs to join and activities to do all the time
    Greek Life

    none
    Campus Safety

    never felt unsafe on campus

  • Marcus from WI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    The University of Notre Dame is a privately funded, Catholic, liberal arts university. It is most well-known for athletics, especially football, ethics and social justice studies, and the Mendoza School of Business. Notre Dame also boasts a beautiful campus and a deeply involved alumni network.
    Tips for prospective students

    Come to campus in the spring, summer, or fall if you can, and not just to look around. Take an official tour, and I recommend staying overnight in a dorm. It'll help you get a better feel for what being on campus will be like.

    Also, search for the Notre Dame Job Board, and apply for a position somewhere before or shortly after arriving on campus. That will prevent you from getting stuck doing food services, which isn't terrible but certainly isn't as good as the opportunities for students who search around in advance.
    Academic Rigor

    Notre Dame is consistently ranked by US News and World Report as one of the best undergraduate teaching programs in the country, and academic rigor has a lot to do with that. Classes, especially in architecture or the sciences, are tough, but they prepare you well to go to graduate school or into the workforce, and most of the professors here are engaging teachers who are also very accessible outside class time. Students collaborate well together, too, which makes the academic expectations challenging but managable.
    Dorm Life

    Dorm Life at Notre Dame is a unique experience. All undergraduate dorms are single-sex. That can make it a bit tough at first to find friends of the opposite gender, but the male and female dorms interact a lot, and the university is otherwise co-ed. Dorms have their own sports teams, including, for male dorms, full-contact football. Because you'll be in a dorm with people of the same gender from all different years, there isn't much social distinction between seniors and freshmen, and the upperclassmen help the freshmen with things like finding locations, picking classes, and studying. Dorms can become very tight-knit groups.

    Notre Dame also has something called Parietals, a rule which states that residents can get in trouble for having a person of the opposite sex in their room during the hours of midnight to 9am on weekdays and 2am-9am on weekends. This is enforced on the honor system in most dorms, and it is in place to foster a stronger sense of community within the residents of the dorm, as well as to give residents a little more privacy on their way to the shower.
    Food and Dining

    South Dining Hall, which looks on the inside like the Great Hall from Harry Potter, is one of the best campus dining halls in the nation. Food is all-you-can-eat, and there's usually a wide variety available, including special foods for holidays and football games. There are also several good cafes on campus and a small grocery store. Options nearby but off campus are limited, but expanding.
    What to do for fun

    Clubs and dorm activities are big draws for students. Nearly all students are involved in some kind of extracurricular activity. Athletics and service are especially popular. Additionally, performances and films are an almost constant presence at the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center, and there are parties in the mens' dorms and off-campus every weekend.
    Bang for the buck

    Notre Dame is an incredibly expensive school. That being said, they are committed to meeting 100% of every student's demonstrated financial need, and admission is need-blind. Even if you're in a situation where you'll have to pay full price, though, I recommend doing it. There are advantages for students here, particularly the alumni network, that don't exist in many other places. Additionally, Notre Dame puts a lot of effort into making sure that you can graduate in four years if you want to, so you don't have to worry about paying for a fifth year to finish a bachelor's degree.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Notre Dame has a strong tradition as a football school, to the point where many Catholic images on campus have unofficial football-related names. The large mural on the south side of the Hesburgh Library, facing the stadium, has been affectionately dubbed 'Touchdown Jesus', and there are statues on campus called 'First Down Moses' and the 'Holy Handoff'.

    Another iconic Notre Dame symbol is the Golden Dome of the main administrative building. Allegedly, the seal on every student's diploma is imbued with a little of the gold from the dome.

    Two Notre Dame graduates were intimately involved in the creation process of the original Shrek movie, and they included a few nods to the University. For example, Shrek's accent and physical appearance are modelled after a professor on campus, and Duloc comes from Du Loc, the Notre Dame policy handbook, which includes an old rule about 'keeping off of the grass' on God Quad. Walking on the grass on God Quad is still considered bad luck.

    Students never walk up the imposing front steps of the main building, but instead use doors set behind the staircase. This is because it is said that if a student walks up the front steps, he or she will not graduate.

    Additionally, each dorm has its own set of traditions.
    Great for these types of students

    Students who want a close relationship with their professors will fit in well here. Most non-introductory classes have fewer than twenty students, and professors hold office hours for the express purpose of speaking with their students. There are many opportunities to build close relationships with one's professors, who can be a valuable resource later on when applying to other schools or for jobs.
    Clubs and Activities

    Students are involved in all manner of clubs, ranging from social justice issues, to academic interests, to sports and beyond. There are over 300 active clubs on campus, and almost every student participates in one or more. Additionally, the process for starting a club is fairly straightforward and easy. As long as there are people willing to be officers in a proposed club and said club is not too similar to an existing club, you are free to form it and receive funding for it from the university.
    Greek Life

    There is no Greek Life at Notre Dame. Instead, community is focused around the single-sex dorms, which have their own student governments, athletic teams, and social events.
    Campus Safety

    Notre Dame is not immune from the problems that plague all college campuses, but it is closed off from the city of South Bend and patrolled by an effective police force. I generally feel safer here than at home.

  • Laura from Glenview, IL

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments

  • Jenny from Effingham, IL

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

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    My family has been part of the Notre Dame legacy for as long as I can remember. We go to the football games and my brother is attending there now. He is so happy with his choice and I am so excited to go there next fall.
    Academic Rigor

    It is a educational school -- they have fun stuff too, but there is more of a focus on what you are learning and how that will affect our future.
    Dorm Life

    You have to live in the dorms your first year with a random roommate. My brother loves his roommate and the dorms are so close to each other. They have rivalries and mascots and are know for hosting different events.
    Food and Dining

    The food is dining hall food and can't be perfect but it is still pretty good.