My daughter is excited to be admitted to the class of '27. Part of what drew her to ND was the strong community vibe she felt on campus, however, she wonders if that sense of community extends to everyone. Based on what I saw on other campuses, kids of similar ethnic backgrounds and/or interest naturally tend to stick together, and there isn’t much hanging out/having fun/relaxing with folks from other groups. Is that similar to the campus culture at ND,? Does the natural tendency to eat lunch w/folks like you predominate, or does the community created by the dorms overcome that?
Bumping this. Did your kiddo end up attending ND? I have a freshman there who has shared that there is not as much community feel between groups. Athletes hang out with athletes and ethnic groups stick together, at least within the international community. As for the community feel in the dorm, it really just depends on which dorm your kid is placed in. Mine is trying to keep an open mind, but so far does not love the dorm.
Sent you a DM, but will also reply here for broader community. Yes, my sense is similar to your kiddo. Groups tend to form based on their similar interest or proximity so far. We’ve heard from other parents that it isn’t uncommon in the first semester/year, but that things tend to broaden years 2-4. Re the dorm, my daughter is in one of the newer ones and sense of tradition/community not quite what she hoped for, but the dorm does seem to have a lot of activities. Most of her friends are from the dorm, but not necessarily her floor. She and roomie get along ok, but roomie is an athlete and does hang much more with teammates, which has been disappointing … no new BFF there.