Notre Dame Reviews: What do Students Say?

I'm considering applying to Notre Dame, but I'd like to learn about the student experience there. What are some honest thoughts and reviews from current or former students at Notre Dame? Thanks for sharing!

While I am not a current or former student at Notre Dame, I can summarize some of the experiences and perspectives that students have shared about their time at the university, to give you an idea of what life is like on campus.

Academics: Notre Dame is known for its strong programs in business, engineering, science, and the humanities. Many students say the professors are passionate, knowledgeable, and highly involved in their courses. Notre Dame has a rigorous academic environment, with a focus on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Campus: The campus is beautiful and well-maintained, featuring iconic landmarks such as the Golden Dome, Touchdown Jesus, and Basilica of the Sacred Heart. Students appreciate the sense of tradition and history on campus, which they feel creates a special atmosphere.

Community: Notre Dame has a strong sense of community, both within each residential hall and more broadly on campus. The residential hall system, which divides students into smaller communities based on residence, is often cited as a key aspect of Notre Dame's unique campus culture. Students typically develop tight-knit connections with their peers within their respective residence halls, participating in events and traditions exclusive to their hall.

Social Life: Athletics are a major part of social life at Notre Dame, especially football. Game days are a huge event on campus, with tailgates and other festivities drawing in students, alumni, and fans alike. Beyond sports, students find many opportunities to engage in clubs, extracurricular activities, and Greek life. However, some students note that the social scene can be slightly insular due to the residential hall system.

Faith and Service: As a Catholic university, faith plays an important role in the Notre Dame community. The school offers numerous opportunities for students to engage in faith-based activities, regardless of their own religious background, including service-oriented clubs, retreats, and volunteer work.

Diversity: One common critique of Notre Dame is a lack of diversity in comparison to some other top-tier schools. Although the university has been making efforts to increase the diversity of its student body, some students report feeling that the campus environment can be homogenous in terms of race, ethnicity, and socio-economic background.

Overall, student experiences at Notre Dame are generally positive, but it is important to consider factors like its Catholic background, residence hall system, and campus culture when deciding if it's a good fit for you. To get more firsthand information, you can try reaching out to current students or alumni, or attending virtual campus events and info sessions.