I am a current junior in high school, and I am trying to figure out which colleges I would like to visit and learn more about. After attending a college fair, I was displeased with the fact that it did not help me grasp any idea of what the social atmosphere of each college is like. One college I am particularly interested in at the moment is the University of Notre Dame. Would anybody be able to tell me some of the good characteristics it has as far as a welcoming atmosphere, helpful professors, and inclusive environment? Another important detail I am concerned about is the partying scenario. I honestly do not want to go to a school where all of my friends will be at raging parties on all the weekends. I guess I would not hate the occasional party, but I never want to put myself in a situation where there will be a lot of drinking or late night partying going on without any options for those who would rather have a safer, less pressuring night with friends. Are there options for people like me at the University of Notre Dame?
From what my son has seen so far in his first year. The majority do like to party. While he has attended several parties, he has never felt a lot of pressure to drink, which is consistent with what other posters on CC have said in the past. Notre Dame students are a pretty accepting bunch. He has made some good friendships with other kids that are not into partying and so sometimes they choose to do other things rather than go to all of the parties. Notre Dame has 10,000 students, I’m sure you would find a group of friends that you would enjoy hanging out with. While I understand your concern, it’s not that big of a deal. I know that there are a ton of other schools that my son could’ve chosen to attend where there would’ve been a lot of pressure to party, Notre Dame is not one of them.
As a domer I can confirm what the above poster has said. There is definitely a party scene here if you want it but no pressure. Plenty of organizations that organize tons of fun activities on the weekends and weekdays for non drinkers. I like to party in moderation so I am part of some of these alcohol free organizations as well! Message me if you have any specific questions!
Freshman here. What’s been said is pretty accurate - plenty going on Thurs, Fri and Sat evenings if you want it, but plenty of people don’t go out (my 2 roomies). In my experience, the students are extremely welcoming and friendly. I think you’ll get a sense of this if you visit. Very accepting of pretty much anyone. I was a bit concerned about the catholicism before I came, not being a Catholic myself. Not an issue on that front at all. Sure, most people are Catholic but it certainly doesn’t permeate most of your relationships with friends/professors and doesn’t influence classes at all. Its effect is mainly that you just get a lot of good, decent people. As CT7 said, tonnes of stuff to do on campus (despite the thriving metropolis of South Bend on our doorstep), so you’ll be pretty busy. Another thing I would add concerns the football (embarrassing as it is atm). Being ND, it’s a big deal. Not everyone goes, but most people do. Even if you’re not a fan now, chances are if you come you’ll turn into a fan. All in all there’s a great vibe on campus. People tend to be happy here and there’s a lot of pride and loyalty towards ND. People say it’s a special place, and so far I can’t say anything to the contrary.