Hello, I am currently considering Nd and would like to know what students do daily. Specifically, how much time do y’all spend on schoolwork every day? I want to know if it will be difficult to maintain my level of academic excellence and also have a social life at Notre Dame. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank You
I think it really depends on the major and the amount of credits you are taking. College of Science and Engineering are known for being more workload heavy than Mendoza and Arts and Letters. It also depends on the activities that you do outside of class. Some clubs meet for a half an hour a week and some for 4 hours a week. It’s definitely manageable. I still have time for a social life and to participate in activities outside of school. I think as long as you don’t procrastinate you will be fine. Plus, everyone else is in the same situation so you learn hwo to manage it together.
@ldnelson02 - not a student - I 'm a parent of a rising junior. My DS is a double major in accounting and music. He was able to double major due to some AP credits that helped in a few areas. ND does accept some AP credits.
The typical schedule, if there is such a thing, is 5 classes, 3 credits each. With his double major, my DS has 6 classes this semester; 2 on M,W; 4 on T, Th. One of the M,W classes also has a Friday class. Even with that, he is able to manage bring part of two band ensembles and do some DJ gigs for various clubs and dorm functions.
He feels it is manageable. I agree with the above post that it really will depend. My DS roommate is an architecture major. His course load is heavier than my son with the double major. So, major will dictate how heavy the workload will feel. It will also depend on how you are able to adjust to the college environment.
I think every school wants you to succeed. Notre Dame has a number of support structures in place to help. I feel the hall environment is a huge help for students during this transition to adulting. Good luck with your decision.
@ldnelson02 Just a thought, but there are a ton of student videos / Vlogs posted by students at lots of colleges, offering a “day in the life of…” glimpse at life on campus. Just go to YouTube, search on ‘University of Notre Dame vlogs’ and I’m sure you’ll get lots of insights from the student videos posted.
I don’t go to Notre Dame, so can’t offer any more insight on your question.
Input from parent of a rising senior who is a civil engineering major. Yes, as a previous poster indicated engineering majors are work horses…but it comes down to how well you manage your time. My DS is also in NROTC which also has it’s own commitments including fitness, additional classes, and event participation…as a result DS takes 18-21 credit hours each semester. Even with all of this, works out daily, participates in intramurals, played club baseball, and volunteers for community service…most school nights in bed by midnight. He has a routine and has made the most of his college experience. He knows how to manage his time and prioritize and still balances academics and social. Also has time for various core friend groups…his NROTC buddies, his dorm buddies, his sports buddies, and his study buddies…dont know how he manages but he made the Dean’s list…so it is doable.