Ishaan Goel

What is your favorite campus tradition?
My favorite campus tradition has to be the first snowball fight of the year!

What is your favorite spot on campus?
I would say I love hanging out at the grotto. It’s a great place to reflect and just spend time with myself outside of the daily bustle of life at Notre Dame.

What is your best Notre Dame memory?
My favorite personal memory would be when I won my preliminary fight in the Bengal Bouts tournament during my sophomore year. All of my friends showed up to cheer me on! It was an electric atmosphere! Also, 100% of ticket sales were donated to the Holy Cross Missions in Bangladesh. It truly was one of the most fulfilling experiences during my time at Notre Dame.

What is your favorite Dining Hall Meal?
Southwest Salad!

What is your favorite thing about dorm life?
The greatest thing about dorm life by far is the community that it builds. Through my first two years at Notre Dame, I have made some of my closest friends in this community and is something that I will always cherish once I graduate.

What clubs/activities are you involved in?
I am currently involved in a study abroad program in London. I have been boxing as part of the ND Men’s boxing club for two years now. I have also been part of the International Ambassador team with ISSA.

What made you choose Notre Dame?
Initially, I chose ND for the business school and I am so glad that I did. Over these two years, I have discovered so many other things about ND that make it a truly special place. Some of my favorite features about ND are the community, school spirit and the service opportunities

What is your favorite part about being an international student at Notre Dame?
I love being an international student over here because of the fact that we are a small percentage of the student body. This has made me step out of my comfort zone and interact with people of other communities and cultures, affording me the opportunity to widen my horizons.

How did you adjust to life on campus?
I adjusted to life on campus by trying to keep an open mind at all times. I was willing to try and experience new things and learn about a completely new culture without forgetting my own roots.

How do you celebrate your culture/heritage at ND?
I usually celebrate my culture at ND by attending as many Indian events on campus as possible. Then one that I enjoy the most is definitely playing Holi on the quad!

What advice do you have for international students?
My advice to international students would be to be patient with adjusting to a new life in college and to not be afraid to step out of their comfort zones in terms of trying new activities on campus.