The University of Notre Dame is a private research university in the Indiana city of Notre Dame. Since it opened in 1842, Notre Dame has become one of the most well-respected colleges in the United States. It is known for its academic excellence, strong sense of community, and Catholic culture. Campus life is an important part of the Notre Dame experience, and the university is dedicated to giving students a well-rounded education that balances academic challenge with personal growth.

History and background of University of Notre Dame 

The University of Notre Dame was founded by Father Edward Sorin, a French missionary who established the school in response to a call from the bishop of Vincennes. The university's mission is rooted in the Catholic faith, and it places a strong emphasis on community, service, and social responsibility. Over the years, Notre Dame has grown into a vibrant academic community, with a diverse student body, faculty, and staff that represent a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives.

Please see the list of hotels near the university

Campus culture 

The Notre Dame campus is spread across 1,250 acres and is home to over 12,000 students. The campus is known for its Gothic architecture and beautiful landscaping, which provides a picturesque backdrop for student life. One of the defining features of Notre Dame campus culture is the strong sense of community that exists among students, faculty, and staff. The university places a high value on fostering an environment where students can grow both academically and personally. Notre Dame is also known for its many campus traditions, which range from the annual Welcome Weekend celebration for new students to the end-of-year Grotto Sing.

Another key aspect of Notre Dame campus culture is the wide range of student organizations and clubs that are available to students. There are over 400 student-run clubs and organizations on campus, ranging from academic and professional organizations to social and cultural groups. This diverse array of clubs and organizations provides students with numerous opportunities to explore their interests, develop new skills, and form lasting friendships.

Residential life and housing options 

One of the most unique aspects of Notre Dame campus life is the tradition of dorm life. All Notre Dame undergraduate students are required to live on campus in one of the university's 30 residence halls, which are organized into 29 communities. Dorm life is an integral part of the Notre Dame experience, and students form close bonds with their fellow dorm mates. Living in dorms also provides students with easy access to campus resources and activities, such as study groups, student organizations, and campus events.

Each residence hall at Notre Dame has its own unique culture and traditions, which are passed down from year to year by the students who live there. Some residence halls are known for their social atmosphere, while others are more focused on academics or service. Many residence halls also have their own mascots, crests, and colors, which further adds to the sense of community and camaraderie among students.
In addition to traditional dorm living, Notre Dame also offers a variety of other housing options for students, including apartments and townhouses. These housing options are ideal for students who want more independence and privacy, while still being close to campus resources and activities.

Support services and resources for students

Notre Dame is committed to providing students with a supportive and inclusive environment. The university offers a wide range of support services and resources, including counseling and mental health services, career services and job placement, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and health and wellness programs. Notre Dame also has a strong commitment to community service and encourages students to get involved in service and volunteer work.
In conclusion, University of Notre Dame offers a vibrant campus life that is defined by its strong sense of community, tradition, and academic excellence. From dorm life to student.

Reviews of the University of Notre Dame by students 

We have carefully read hundreds of reviews by alumni and current students to give you a fuller picture of what to expect from this university. For example, many students have had a similar opinion of the campus: “The peculiarity of Notre Dame I really enjoy how cozy it feels. It's a stunning campus that is contained because it isn't in a city and no traffic pass through it. The sense of security and comfort it offers is something I really appreciate.”

Some students noted the lack of diversity and strict rules: “It stinks because of the anal rules prohibiting girls and guys from visiting each other late at night. There are many regulations, but they really don't stop anyone from doing anything; they merely require that they do it quietly or in secret.”
Another student wrote: “Great place if you're white, Christian, and male… I transferred out as quick as I could.”

When it comes to academics, opinions were mostly positive: “The academics are definitely nothing to laugh at, almost no class I've taken here has been curved”. “It is a very challenging academic atmosphere.” “The professors are committed to their students' learning, and the students take on a collaborative approach to work.”

Many students have noted that University of Notre Dame attracts a certain demographic due to it being Catholic: “Honestly, this place is stifling. If you wanna survive it you could either be rich, white and catholic or come with a good group of friends”
On the average, most reviews talk highly of “strong community”, “school spirit” and “traditions”. If you feel like it’s not something you would enjoy, try looking at other schools in the area.

Here are some negative reviews by students:

“The experience I have had here has been terrible. The administration never listens to the students countless people drop out of the sciences because the professors are brutal and no one helps you only works against you. They like to advertise they have the best community but notre dame is not diverse at all so unless you want all your besties to be basic white catholic girls with the same personality this isn’t the place for you.”

“I was an ND graphic design student and ended up transferring because I was not being challenged in my art/design classes, and I was missing a creative community. My classmates had little passion for design which affected my motivation and the quality of instruction.”

“I really got a different vibe when I visited. However, after attending for 2 months, I have found that this school is cliquey and discriminatory. It is very difficult for non-Catholic students to find a place here. Additionally, the female student body is very fake and it makes it so difficult to make friends. Another thing I don’t like is how isolated the campus is.”

“Don’t come here if you want to party. Seriously. It’s got a beautiful campus, good teachers, great class sizes and prestige but such a terrible social scene.”

Visit University of Notre Dame 

If you want to visit and experience the beautiful campus, enriching community life and meet the staff, you will need a place to stay and eat - and we got you covered. Please visit this page for a guide on the hotels closest to the campus and here you will find a list of the best restaurants in the area.

Author: Anna Kainazarova 

University of Notre Dame Campus Tour