Nicole Heredia

What is your favorite campus tradition?

The snowball fight on the night of the first snowfall. Before coming here I had never even seen snow before so I loved experiencing that for the first time and getting to be a part of the massive snowball fight at midnight! 

What is your favorite spot on campus?

St. Mary’s Lake and the choir loft in the Basilica 

What is your best Notre Dame memory?

Our first night game against USC was amazing. We lit up the entire stadium with our flashlights and singing the Alma Mater under the Stadium lights after we won gave me chills. Even though I knew nothing about football before coming to ND and I was pretty lost during the game, the energy in the stadium never ceases to amaze me! 

What is your favorite Dining Hall Meal?

Southwest Salad (Pre-COVID)

What is your favorite thing about dorm life?

I love the fact that every dorm has its own traditions and events. My dorm McGlinn has fun traditions like “McCafe” before gamedays and our annual event - Casino Night! I also love that I can meet new people in my hall and bond over late-night study sessions in our section lounges. 

What clubs/activities are you involved in?

ND Magnificat Choir, Research Assistant at the Sleep, Stress and Memory Lab, McGlinn Hall Wellness Commissioner, College of Science Video Diary Initiative, Active Minds, The Dome Yearbook

What made you choose Notre Dame?

I first heard about Notre Dame because of the strong Neuroscience program here. Later I learned about the strong values that Notre Dame upholds and had the opportunity to talk to people from Notre Dame that reached out when I was accepted. I knew that Notre Dame was the right place for me because I felt like I belonged here even before I set foot on campus.

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

The resources offered to international students are great! The international student resources at the Career Development Center in particular have been really helpful so far. I also love the fact the international students here are a pretty tight-knit community.

How did you adjust to life on campus?

At first, I was overwhelmed by how different things were on campus than what I was used to at home. But I was lucky enough to find a really great group of friends that I was comfortable with and was able to talk to them whenever I was feeling homesick.

How do you celebrate your culture/heritage at ND?

I try going for all the big events organized by the South-Asian Student Association and I occasionally get my roommates to watch Bollywood movies with me!

What advice do you have for international students?

Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and embrace all that Notre Dame has to offer - it’s the best way to make the most of this wonderful opportunity you have been given