Hanjing "Sylvia" Zhu

What is your favorite campus tradition?

My favorite tradition is undergraduate students will not climb the front stairs to the main building’s main entrance; and we will not step on God quad.

What is your favorite spot on campus?

The Grotto. 

What is your best Notre Dame memory?

Making dumplings, having reunion dinner, eating Chinese snacks, and playing card games on Chinese New Year Eve with my Chinese friends. 

What is your favorite Dining Hall Meal?

Stir fry @NDH

What is your favorite thing about dorm life?

People in your dorm are super friendly! Especially those upperclassmen who live next to you. They take care of you and are always there to help you.

What clubs/activities are you involved in?

Student International Business Council, Robotic Football Club. 

What made you choose Notre Dame?

Notre Dame’s emphasis on faith and service. 

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

There are several opportunities opened specifically for international students on campus. For example, the International Student Advisory Board created by the career center. There are wonderful mentors, and they are also international students who were at your place years ago. 

How did you adjust to life on campus?

I found a group of friends who have similar backgrounds with me, and we accompanied each other in the first year. We explored South Bend frequently on weekends to get ourselves familiar with the new environment. I also involved myself with different clubs and volunteer activities; I went to the Ronald McDonald House in South Bend for service, where I met and worked with fantastic people. 

How do you celebrate your culture/heritage at ND?

I joined the Chinese Culture Society (CCS). We performed on Asian Allure last fall. CCS often holds Chinese movie nights and shares authentic Chinese snacks with members. Additionally, I also like to order Chinese food from local restaurants on weekends. 

What advice do you have for international students?

As international students, we have to work harder than our American classmates to achieve the same goals. But don’t be disappointed or discouraged, I believe you all are fantastic and highly-achieving individuals who have the ability to succeed.  Be open, be kind, and be strong.