<p>Parelli, I did not attend Notre Dame, but I did attend a university with a similar football culture. Understand that I am not American and I grew up in the Middle East. American Football was nonexistant in my upbringing. I grew up watching tennis and REAL football, the one that is played in Europe. In fact, I grew up believing American football was a brutish and mindless sport. When I first stepped on my chosen campus, I had no idea (nor would have I cared) the University had a somewhat rich tradition in Football. And had somebody told me the university had a decent football team, I would have assumed they were talking about my brand of football (European style, where players actually control the ball with their feet). The first game I attended changed all that. The moment I unwittingly walked into the stadium and watched out team win a game, I was hooked. There is something almost magical about watching one's team take the field for the first time. I follow my team's Saturday games all the way from Dubai, staying up until the very early hours of the morning just to catch a glimpse of the final score. Although football played only a small part in my college experience, it was a fun and special part nonetheless. I still don't care much for the sport of American football, but when my team takes the field, it is an entirely different story. I have even flown accross the Atlantic several times to watch big games, spending more on the actual football ticket than on the plane ticket! LOL! You cannot understand this sort of irrational behavior unless you have attended a university with a rich football tradition.</p>
<p>I know the reply date has passed, but for anyone out there considering Notre Dame, I feel like I should put my 2 cents in.</p>
<p>To the OP:</p>
<p>Yes, some of the dorms are small, but its really not a big deal. My freshman room was a double that had been a single the year before. However, with our beds lofted, we had plenty of room. Besides, as people said before, you don't spend a ton of time in your room anyway. The room I lived in this year has a large common room and a private bathroom, but sometimes I still miss the fun we had cramming all of our friends into that tiny space freshman year.</p>
<p>Also, although not everyone keeps their doors open (remember, people need to study/sleep/etc too- especially at this time of the year), there is definitely socializing within the dorms. Most of my closest friends are from my dorm. Also, as for everyone being local, that is DEFINITELY atypical. I know people here from just about every state and I only have a couple friends who live within a 2-3 hour drive away.</p>
<p>Also, we may be more laid back than East Coast people, but that can also be a good thing. As for Notre Dame spirit, I don't see how one could miss it. Campus may not have the excitement of football season right now, but just ask any student how they feel about Notre Dame and you'll get a sense of how much the average student loves Notre Dame.</p>
<p>Also, I'm sorry that your daughter's host left her alone for awhile. Most college students are busy, but usually hosts leave their prospies with one of their friends if they have to deal with other obligations. </p>
<p>As for football... I HATED football in high school. I went to one game, got bored, and left early. I barely knew anything about the rules. However, freshman year, my mom sat me down and explained the basics of football to me and bought me season tickets. I went at first because everyone else went. I'm still not a huge football fan, but I LOVE Notre Dame football. The games are a lot of fun and its hard not to get caught up in the excitement. Also, loving Notre Dame football just comes naturally because everyone here loves Notre Dame. If you're worried about being excluded. I have a couple friends who have skipped games to study or who just generally don't go to the games. You'll miss out on a lot of fun, but you won't get stoned or anything. </p>
<p>Also, I don't participate in intramural sports and, other than football and a few basketball/hockey games, I don't typically go to sporting events, and I'm never without something to do for entertainment.</p>
<p>Great post Shellzie^--I think our soph student would share your exact sentiments (even tho I have already posted!) Hopefully, coming from a student will mean something!!</p>
<p>shellzie2006 --</p>
<p>Thanks for the info, I wish it had come a few days earlier, it might have made a difference in my daughter's decision. It's good to hear there are lots of other things to do, and that it IS possible to miss the games and still have other things to do.</p>
<p>Parelli -
Why is there such an emphasis on what there IS to do besides going to the football games? You would have this situation at whatever college your daughter decided to attend - one makes for her own entertainment. No one ever stated that football games were the only source of entertainment at Notre Dame.</p>
<p>And one enters Notre Dame acknowledging that yes, football is a very big part of the school - there is no need to begrudge that fact.</p>