Life as a Student

The University of Notre Dame is located just north of the city of South Bend, Indiana. The city is named for its placement on the southernmost bend of the St. Joseph River and is the 4th largest city in Indiana. Hurt by the decline of heavy industry and the closing of the Studebaker factory in the 1960s, South Bend has recently seen a great revitalization with increased redevelopment and investment in the downtown area.

Housing

Most ESTEEM students choose to live off-campus, either alone or with other roommates. Notre Dame provides a great resource through their official off-campus housing website to help students discover the wide range of housing options available.

The following map identifies the main four locations current ESTEEM students have chosen for their housing options, and their proximity to Innovation Park/Notre Dame’s Campus, as well two grocery stores. (Note: that ESTEEM does not specifically endorse or support any of these properties in particular)

  • Fischer Graduate Housing
  • Irish Flats
  • Overlook Apartments
  • Irish Gold
A map of the University of Notre Dame and surrounding areas, highlighting key locations such as the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Notre Dame Stadium, and nearby residential and commercial areas like Fischer Graduate Housing and Martin's Super Market. The map also shows nearby parks and roadways.

Dining/Groceries:

Boasting a variety of dining and shopping options, Eddy Street Commons is conveniently located within a 10-minute walk from Innovation Park. With restaurants like Chipotle, Jimmy John's, Five Guys, and Blaze Pizza, it's a perfect spot for a quick meal or a casual outing.

Additionally, the Duncan Student Center adjacent to Notre Dame Stadium is another prime destination for grabbing coffee, breakfast or lunch, featuring places like Chick-fil-A, Modern Market, and Hagerty Family Cafe.

There are numerous grocery options conveniently located near campus, making it easy for students to stock up on essentials.

Trader Joe's is the closest option, just a short walk from Eddy Street Commons. Just north of campus you'll find Martin's Super Market. Additionally, Walmart, Costco, and Whole Foods are all within a 15-minute drive, providing even more options for grocery shopping.

Two smiling Notre Dame fans in gold shirts cheer with pom-poms in the stands of Notre Dame Stadium on a sunny game day. The stadium scoreboard and a crowd of fans are visible in the background.

Things to do:

Besides being able to attend a wide variety of sporting events on campus, from football in the fall to baseball in the spring, ESTEEM students can immerse themselves in a vibrant student community at the University of Notre Dame.

With a sprawling 1250-acre campus and state-of-the-art facilities, the student experience is enlivened with a multitude of campus events across all departments and interests.

Check out the Events Calendar to stay up to date with what’s happening on campus.

Campus Clubs

Eight students stand on a podium after completing the Holy Half Marathon at the University of Notre Dame. They display their medals and a sign indicating the 13.1 mile distance of the race. A banner behind them also reads "Holy Half Marathon 13.1."

Our students have the opportunity to get involved in a multitude of clubs and organizations on campus. With more than 500 recognized student groups, there’s something for everyone!

From club sports to cultural groups, volunteering to arts and culture – no matter your interest, you can find it here.

In the past, some of our ESTEEM students have gotten involved with club boxing, hockey, GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association), Irish dance, NDVC (Notre Dame Venture Capital Club), JOGS (Graduate Run Club), Society of Women Engineers, Student Radio, and choir.

The ESTEEM soccer team poses for a photo on a turf field at night. The players wear white t-shirts with "ESTEEM" and individual numbers printed on them. A soccer goal is visible in the background.

Notre Dame RecSports also offers a variety of intramural sports leagues. We’ve seen ESTEEM teams in everything from soccer and pickleball, to flag football and volleyball, and compete for their chance at intramural glory!

The Division of Student Affairs website offers resources to help students pursue extracurricular interests, and a full list of campus clubs and master event calendar can be found via the Student Activities Office website.

Campus Amenities

A group of smiling students energetically participate in a cycling class. They raise their arms and cheer, showcasing the camaraderie and enthusiasm of the fitness session.

Looking to stay active? Notre Dame students can enjoy top-class gym facilities at the Smith Center for Recreational Sports and the Rockne Gym for no additional cost.

Take a dip at the Rolfs Aquatic Center, take a shot on the Warren Golf Course or practice your swing at the Eck Tennis Pavilion! A full listing of sports facilities is available here.

RecSports hosts a variety of fitness classes for Notre Dame students, with everything from cycling and kickboxing to yoga and Zumba. Students can also take advantage of personal training services as an individual or group for an additional fee.

For those interested in the arts, the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center is home to a number of shows, concerts and movie screenings throughout the year. Additionally, there are casual performance opportunities and open mics regularly held on-campus, including the weekly Acoustic Cafe and the Collegiate Jazz Festival.

ESTEEM Social Committee and Graduate Student Union

A group of students poses with pumpkins at a pumpkin patch. Some students hold pumpkins while others stand near a blue tractor. Large piles of pumpkins surround the group, creating a festive fall scene.
A group of smiling students pose for a photo in front of a blue and white backdrop. Some wear festive holiday attire like Santa hats and reindeer antlers.

There are opportunities both within ESTEEM and the wider graduate community for students to get involved in enlivening student life.

The ESTEEM social committee is responsible for organizing the ESTEEM social calendar, with a number of events organized throughout the year at no additional cost. In the past, they have organized outings to local pumpkin patches, restaurants and bowling alleys, and of course, the annual ESTEEM tailgate.

The Graduate Student Union aims to improve the quality of life for all graduate students at the University. Besides funding conference travel grants and advocating for graduate student needs and interests, they also organize exciting social events both on and off campus like local brewery tours and the Graduate School Winter Ball.

Faith & Service

Rooted in the Catholic tradition, Notre Dame’s Office of Campus Ministry is committed to cultivating the faith of all Notre Dame students. It offers numerous resources and events to encourage personal spiritual growth and provide opportunities for pilgrimages, retreats and service.

Regardless of your faith background, Campus Ministry seeks to meet the needs of all students and provides many interfaith resources for students to find a faith community and place to worship.

Interested in giving back to the community while you’re here? The Institute for Social Concerns has information about many community volunteer opportunities in which you can donate your time, energy and skills to make a difference.

Nightlife & Going Off Campus

A large group of students pose for a photo at a baseball game. Many are wearing baseball caps and holding drinks. One student holds a blue baseball bat and smiles at the camera. A grassy baseball field and stadium seating are visible behind the group.

Downtown South Bend has plenty to offer in terms of its nightlife. Whether you’re looking for a busy bar to dance with your friends in at New Finnies, or a place with an outdoor space to enjoy the weather in Corby’s, there are plenty of different locations to check out.

If you are into live, traditional music then Fiddler’s Hearth and the Hideaway on Monday and Thursday nights are prime spots to visit. If you want to remain closer to campus you can find popular options at O’Rourkes and Brothers at Eddy Street Commons, with the Linebacker Lounge Inn right down the road.

A group of students smiles for a photo while sitting together in a shallow sandy pit on a crowded beach under a Tommy Bahama umbrella.

If the bar scene isn’t for you, South Bend has plenty of events and activities happening throughout the year for you to check out. Cheer on the South Bend Cubs at a baseball game, attend a live show at the Morris Performing Arts Center, take a walk along the river, enjoy local arts and culture during the city’s Best Week Ever celebration or try different foods out during Restaurant Week. You can find a full calendar of events at the Visit South Bend website; there is something for everyone!

Due to South Bend's location you can easily leave the city and spend a day at the beach along Lake Michigan or take the South Shore Line and spend time in Chicago!