I was looking at the major attractions in South Bend and I saw that the South Bend Farmers Market was #10 and a Studebaker museum was also in the top 5. I only found one street with about 15 stores/restaurants right next to Notre Dame. Does Notre Dame have any off-campus nightlife or is it in the middle of nowhere?
It’s in South Bend. What do you expect?
South Bend is a fairly large city but it is a workaday city not geared to college students. If you want to go to college in a vibrant city look at schools in Chicago, Boston or New York.
It’s not as “in the middle of nowhere” as some rural colleges, but definitely more “in the middle of nowhere” than others. There’s no commuter-type public transportation to any big city nearby, if that’s your question.
If you are a car trip away, or seriously considering the college, you really should visit to get a true feel.
South Bend is an older, seen-better-days, second tier Midwestern industrial city. While the city is nothing special, you can hop a direct train to Chicago and be there in 1.5 hours. Also, there are some nice beaches on Lake Michigan less than one hour away.
YES
Mishawaka is a short bus ride from campus, and there’s a mall, movie theatre, plus a number of other large stores like Costco and a Super Target, Bed Bath and Beyond, Home Depot, and a number of fun restaurants. One of my favorites restaurants when I visit is the Evil Czech, and we plan to go there when we drop off our students next week. Check out TripAdvisor Mishawaka restaurants, and you’ll find some good places.
I don’t think ND students go into South Bend a lot, and it isn’t walking distance. However, as you mentioned, there is the Eddy Street Commons right next to Campus which does have restaurants and some shops.
Yes, it is rural. My D didn’t like how far it was from a major city. Its about 2 hours from Chicago with no traffic.
Notre Dame is in no way rural! It is in a suburban neighborhood of South Bend. Look at Bing maps!!!
If you want a school with a huge off-campus nightlife scene, then a school in a major city may be a better fit for you. If ND seems like a school you might like, visit and see what you think.
We live in a Chicago suburb and my D is a sophomore at Notre Dame. South Bend has restaurants and bars and a night life but it is a medium sized city in the Midwest not a major metropolitan area. I would describe Notre Dame as somewhat self-contained. If you want to go shopping you can be on Michigan Avenue within 90 minutes.