<p>Hey everyone!
I'm wondering what life at ND is like for a very liberal (and very religious) person who isn't into partying . Are there things to do on campus besides drinking and raving that many people participate in?
Second, what is African American life like?</p>
<p>Thank you all for your time!
Rachel</p>
<p>This ground has been covered many times. </p>
<p>Lots to do, drinking not required. </p>
<p>Liberal and conservative people on campus is reflective of our society’s mix. ND is not bastion of exclusively liberal views (as at so many colleges). </p>
<p>African Americans are a minority at ND just as they are in the US and in each state of the US. Most students accept each individual for who s/he is and honestly do not get caught up in race and ethnicity. The school supports ethnic identity organizations but it would be difficult and ill-advised (the campus is too rich in diversity to limit yourself to people with the same skin color) if someone wanted make that organization her exclusive social group. </p>
<p>The res life program / dorm system forces people to interact. There are African Americans, Mexican-Americans, Mexican, Panamanians, Brazilians, Chileans, Koreans, Japaneses, Chineses, Vietnamese, whites (of various ethnic origins including Irish, Italian, German, Polish, Turkish, French, English and Russian), lots of Catholics, a fair number of Protestants, some Jews, a few Bhuddists and Muslims, and an atheist or two represented on campus who are not athletes. We all live in the same dorms. </p>
<p>If you can visit, do so. If your ethnic identity fully defines you, then you may feel more comfortable somewhere else. If you are a bright, multifaceted, intelligent, interesting and interested individual, then you may have a wonderful 4 years on campus.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>Well said WestCoastCali17! </p>
<p>Notre Dame, as I’m sure you’ve heard, is a school that plays host to a largely Conservative student body. This is certainly not reflective of every students’ political leaning; merely a generalization. Plenty of students are liberal and you’ll be able to figure out who those people are fairly quickly. Also, the campus (as with just about every major, private University) is largely white. There are, however, a number of programs and clubs that center on ethnic diversity. Additionally, it has been my experience that most students respect (if not always understand) people of all ethnic backgrounds. That’s just part of the culture here. We’re all a family and we care about each other regardless of such things. </p>
<p>Also, when it comes to alcohol, I’d say that a good portion of the student body drinks at least occasionally. While hard liquor is prohibited on campus regardless of age, things like beer and wine are fairly prominent. That said, no one (in my experience) will ever pressure you to drink, and there are plenty of folks who stay away from alcohol altogether. The great part about being a University student is that you’re an adult and can make your own choices; and, at ND, no one is going to judge you for them. </p>
<p>Good luck! </p>