Mo (Sunday) Zhou

Favorite campus tradition:

South Quad snowball fight

Favorite spot on campus:

The Grotto because it always brings me inner peace.

Best ND memory:

My best memory at ND so far is when my friend and I came out of lafun and found the sky so beautiful that we ran to the library's tenth floor. There is a spot by the window where you get the perfect view of the golden dome and the sunset. We sat there and watched the whole sunset.

Favorite dining hall meal:

Stir fry at NDH (even though the line is really long)

Favorite thing about dorm life:

Birthday wall and cute messages on our section's whiteboard! Everyone at the dorm is super nice.

Clubs & Activities:

Student International Business Council, Asian Business Society, The Musicians Network, Wall Street Club, Asian American Association

What made you choose Notre Dame:

ND's focus on doing good to society. The strong alumni network. Beautiful campus!

Favorite part of being an international student at ND:

I spent my freshman year back in China because of the COVID travel restriction. When I first got here for my sophomore fall, I was afraid of not fitting in after the one-year absence from campus. It turns out that people are genuinely interested in international students' experience--especially the year we spent away from campus. It makes me feel a lot more confident and at home.

How did you adjust to life on campus:

I arrived a few days earlier to walk around campus, getting to know the buildings' names just to feel comfortable here on campus. International orientation is also super helpful. I had great IAs who became close friends with me. I think it's also great to ask international upperclassmen about life at ND. They helped me a lot!

How do you celebrate your culture/heritage at ND:

We often go to Asian restaurants and supermarkets in South Bend. Besides these casual activities, I go to activities held by the Chinese Student & Scholar Association (CSSA). We celebrate traditional Chinese festivals together!

What advice do you have for international students:

Always ask for help! Whether it is a cultural difference or you just don't know where to buy something, don't "suffer in silence" :) There are many international students at ND, and they are more than willing to help. I think it's also helpful to bring a learner mindset as we come to live in a new culture. It can help you adjust more quickly.