University of Notre Dame
- Local Atmosphere

Big Name School in a Small Town

When I tell people that I go to school at Notre Dame, everyone knows what I'm talking about. What they don't know, however, is where it is. That is primarily because South Bend traditionally has Notre Dame to offer and that's it. While certainly far from a bustling city, I find South Bend to possess everything a college town needs. There is a large mall practically within walking distance, countless strip malls with public transportation, Rocco's pizza place, 2 movie theatres, a small zoo, and the College Football Hall of Fame. South Bend is certainly far from a tourist destination, but it has more than Notre Dame would ever need- pretty much all you need can be found within the golden gates of the university itself.

Everything You Need Is Right There

Notre Dame is right next to South Bend, Indiana, but you never really need to leave campus the way it is set up. However, if you ever get restless or need to go and get a halloween costume or get Christmas lights, there is a Wal Mart just 5 minutes away by taxi or upperclassman. Eddy Street is also a great place to go if you get tired of the dining hall. There is a Chipotle, Five Guys, McAllister's, Hot Box Pizza, and an ice cream shop just ten minutes away by foot. Finally, the College Football Hall of Fame is about ten minutes away by car. It is worth going to sometime during your 4 years at Notre Dame. *For when you're 21... Yes, there are numerous bars to go to in South Bend and a bus that drives all night from campus and back.*

Good If You Know Where to Go

There are different spots throughout the city that can be fun. If you are in the wrong places it can get dangerous though. Luckily you are very well informed of these bad places when you get here, so you don't have to worry too much. The bars are 21, so that limits the city nightlife. To be honest, you don't need to leave ND for much at all, so not many people end up off campus unless at a friend's house. Chicago is an easy bus away as well.