<p>Okay, I haven't visited the campus of Notre Dame yet, but I hope to apply for the Fall of 2006. I have heard so many conflicting things about the setting of the school. Is there nothing to do outside of the campus? I think that someone said that there is a theatre and a bowling alley and that's pretty much it. If that is, is there a city anywhere close?</p>
<p>You really need to go visit. If you need a vibrant or happening surrounding community to be happy, ND is probably not the place for you.</p>
<p>That said, Chicago is a 1.5 hour drive or train ride. I will tell you that most kids don't regularly go into Chicago. ND is a <em>very</em> social school and they have tons of social events on campus. To be honest, I've never seen or heard of the bowling alley and my son is now a junior. They usually see movies in regular theatres. Notre Dame has the usual just-off-campus restaurants and bars.</p>