<p>Here is what I can provide, albeit not from personal experience but rather from what I’ve picked up from friends who have attended:</p>
<ol>
<li>Student Life</li>
</ol>
<p>A: One of the big things you need to know is that in the fall football takes up most of your Saturday. Between the pep rally, tailgating, steaks with the Knights of Columbus, and the game itself it will take up a huge chunk of your time. On the plus side, you don’t even need to like football to get into the excitement and atmosphere of the game. I don’t really follow football at all, but I was invited to a game and absolutely loved it.</p>
<p>I’ve heard that your friends are largely based on who is in your hall and the clubs that you do. I recommend going out and joining things to expand your friend base. But you’ll find some of your best friends in your dorm hall, regardless of which one you end up in.</p>
<p>In terms of being a non-athlete, it can be frustrating. It is especially difficult (I’ve heard) to deal with a few of the arrogant collegiate athletes. Most I have seen have been very kind and down to Earth, but there are all types. Most people like to maintain their fitness, which can involve anything from an extra PE class, to working out at the Rock, to interhall athletics, to running figure eights at the lakes. You won’t have to deal with a huge amount of testosterone or competition if you don’t want to, a large percentage of students do not exercise regularly beyond the required PE courses.</p>
<ol>
<li>Dorms and facilities</li>
</ol>
<p>It really varies. Different dorms have different appeal. Some dorms have a lot of space, some have high ceilings, and some have just fabulous locations. Some don’t have air condition if memory serves, but it isn’t a big issue except for maybe two weeks of the year, as it tends to stay from moderately warm to pleasantly cool during the fall and spring, and chillingly cold in the winter. </p>
<p>I have a few friends who are in science and they keep telling me about how Notre Dame is really pushing the “research institution” approach. For that reason, they have invested a great deal in new facilities for their students. They have some new dome thing that some of my friends saw during their visit, and they said it was incredible. The facilities, in short, are modern.</p>
<ol>
<li>Academics</li>
</ol>
<p>Workload for engineers is much heavier than that of, say, a business major, but compared to programs at Purdue University and the other top schools, it is very manageable. I hear that you will work most of the week on schoolwork/activities, but if you manage your time effectively you can get most of the weekends off (except before the big tests!). I’ve heard pretty good things, but nothing incredible. </p>
<p>The freshman year will not be packed. Notre Dame is unique in its First Year of Studies program, which essentially standardizes classes for freshmen. You get to explore a little bit and get your required courses out of the way early so that you can focus on your major the next three years. The freshman year is quite nice, and it helps you acclimate.</p>
<p>I hope these have helped, and if you have any questions let me know!</p>