Catharina Brunner Lopez

What is your favorite campus tradition?

Singing the Alma Mater arm in arm with your friends at the end of a football game together with all the students and fans after a high energy football game.

What is your favorite spot on campus?

I love to run around the lakes! Catching a view of the dome during sunset from Lake Joseph is surreal. It is such a serene feeling and a great way to relax after a stressful week.

What is your best Notre Dame memory?

Going with friends to Library Lawn and making s'mores for the first time!

What is your favorite Dining Hall Meal?

I really like the Gnocchi! But I’m excited to try all the options when we can go back to ~normal~ dining! 

What is your favorite thing about dorm life?

The upperclassmen are very sweet and they're so excited to welcome you to the Notre Dame Family! They make moving into the dorm so much fun! The Big/Lil tradition is also an amazing way to make friends with a sophomore who can take you under their wings during your first year at ND.

What clubs/activities are you involved in?

I'm very excited to continue skating in the Notre Dame Figure Skating Club! I am also involved in Unleashed Social Ventures, a club focused on business ventures that aim to create social change, the Wall Street Club and the Student International Business Council.

What made you choose Notre Dame?

I was fortunate to get a glimpse of what Notre Dame would be like when I took part in the Leadership Seminar in my summer between my junior and senior year in high school. The community of students was so kind and supportive and the professors were always happy to engage in discussions with the students. I knew that the tight-knit community here would help me feel at home and I am so excited to call Notre Dame my home for the next four years!

What is your favorite part about being an international student at Notre Dame?

Being able to experience new traditions that I haven't celebrated before as well as introducing my friends to traditions from back home!

How did you adjust to life on campus?

Be completely open-minded to the changes you will experience and also proud to be an international student. ALL freshmen have to adjust to life on campus, and you may find that despite cultural differences you may make friendships over shared experiences during your first weeks at ND.

How do you celebrate your culture/heritage at ND?

I was able to meet other students from Spain which is a great way to stay connected to home! I would also suggest introducing friends from different backgrounds to your culture and the traditions that you have. 

What advice do you have for international students?

Be open-minded to the changes that you will experience and dive straight in. There are so many opportunities and clubs for you to join, you will definitely find your place here at ND!