While a campus tour allows you to learn more about the University of Notre Dame and get a glimpse of the terrain, it can never fully encompass everything our university has to offer. You will have a better understanding of which schools are right for you if you explore the different places and resources that are available to you as a student. Take advantage of your time on campus to explore, enjoy your visit, and absorb as much information as possible.
Here are a few ideas of what you can do on your campus visit to Notre Dame:
Soak in campus hot spots! These are places in most of the pictures you see of the university. Take an iconic picture at the Dome (aka the Main Building), light a candle at the Grotto, go to mass in the Basilica, walk around the lakes, and pose with Touchdown Jesus on the side of the Hesburgh Library. Check out all the photo worthy places Notre Dame is known for.
Check out the Hesburgh Library and other study spaces! Since you are here for your degree, it is important to look at the places where you will spend most of your time studying. There are many study spots on campus, so the possibilities are endless! Since the library and most buildings are multiple floors, I would highly recommend looking beyond the first floor as well.
Explore LaFortune (LaFun) and Duncan Student Center! Our student centers are full of life on campus. See where most students hang out. Notice the campus life and history on the walls, the different resources available, and places where you can grab a quick bite to eat!
Eat somewhere on campus! Check out the North and South Dining Halls and the restaurants on campus to see what the food scene is like. I highly recommend checking out Garbanzo in the Hesburgh Center (not the library), Au Bon Pain in the Hesburgh Library, and Legends by Duncan Student Center.
Explore academic buildings! Notre Dame has more buildings beyond the Dome, LaFun, and Duncan. Check out some of the academic buildings where your major is based or where many classes are. I highly recommend going to DeBartolo Hall (everyone has at least one class there) and searching for the building your major is housed in. I recommend doing this later in the day so you do not get caught walking around during busy passing periods.
Go to a campus event or sports game! Notre Dame hosts many events and most of them are open to the public. This means you are more than welcome to attend! Check out the Notre Dame Events calendar, the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center, FightIrish.com, and search online for more to see what events you can go to during your campus visit.
Explore the local area! While Notre Dame is a mini city with a lot to offer, St. Joseph County and the Michiana area also have a lot to offer. There are local events, businesses, performances, restaurants, entertainment centers, shops, and that everyone is welcome to explore. Check out @outside.nd and @visitsouthbend on Instagram for some places that you can visit and see locally.
Campus visits are for more than the 1-2 hour information sessions and campus tours with the admissions office. There are many opportunities to do much more! On your visits do not forget to explore, ask all the questions, and hear from others about their experiences. Do not hesitate to just walk around and see what you find, and if you get lost, a map app or a person walking by is there to help you! Take it all in as you explore Our Lady’s University!