Life at Notre Dame

<p>Hello! My child is considering attending Notre Dame this Fall. However, she has gotten conflicting information as to what life would be like over there. Some have told her that she will be extremely bored, feeling trapped on campus. Others have said it will be an amazing experience. She visited the campus last week and was impressed. She came away with a very positive experience. Is there always something to do on campus(outside of studying), is South Bend really that boring? Any feedback as to life at Notre Dame would be much appreciated. Thanks!!!!</p>

<p>You will more likely encounter students at a specific college in the individual college forums here. The ND forum is a bit slow but there are past threads to browse. I’m pretty interested myself on how a non catholic might find it, but mostly if it makes any sense for an agnostic to go. Only a few days to figure that out.</p>

<p>Years ago I knew a guy, who was seriously agnostic, but was a graduate of Notre Dame and loved it. He did kind of like religious stuff, and was exploring Unitarianism when I knew him. Anyhow, he loved ND.</p>

<p>(also, no, he did not start Catholic and move into agnosticism. He was raised secular, but went to ND for some reason which I do not remember)</p>

<p>By the way, being Catholic myself, it is generally acknowledged that Notre Dame runs the gamut of varieties of Catholicism… liberal, conservative, so-so, etc… In short. a tolerant atmosphere.</p>

<p>As far as on-campus activities go, there is always something going on, from athletics to the arts to dorm events. I’d highly recommend that your daughter attend Activities Night at the beginning of the semester if she enrolls; it’s a great way to join clubs and get involved on campus. </p>

<p>As for off-campus things to do… The “Notre Dame bubble” certainly exists. Most students live on campus and will only leave to shop or go to parties/bars. That being said, South Bend is a nice enough college town (though it certainly has rough areas), with many great restaraunts, a nice mall, and great opportunities for community service. </p>

<p>All in all, life at ND is what you make it (like at any school). But students definitely enjoy other pastimes beyond academics. It’s a special place, and most kids love it here (including me!). Go Irish!</p>

<p>@spencerg011‌: sounds great!!! Looks like she’s going to ND. Thanks for your input!!!</p>

<p>My young friend deciding between ND and Cornell went with ND in the end too!</p>