The Ultimate Guide to Notre Dame's Best Dorms: It's More Than Just a Place to Sleep
If you’re thinking about heading to the University of Notre Dame, you’ve probably heard whispers about the dorms. Let me tell you, the rumors are true. Choosing a dorm at Notre Dame isn't like picking a place to crash at other universities. Here, it’s a HUGE part of your identity. Honestly, it’s one of the first questions you’ll be asked: "What dorm are you in?" The answer to that question says a lot about you, & it will shape your entire four-year experience.
Notre Dame’s residential life is legendary for a reason. With no Greek life, the 33 single-sex residence halls become the epicenter of the social scene. Each hall is a close-knit community with its own history, traditions, mascot, & even its own chapel. You don't just live in a dorm; you become a Knight, a Wildcat, a Sentinel, or a Rambler. You’re randomly assigned to a dorm as a freshman, & turns out, most students stick with their assigned hall for all four years. It truly becomes your home under the Dome.
So, how do you even begin to understand which dorms are considered the "best"? It’s a pretty subjective question, as every student will passionately defend their own hall. But, after talking to countless students & alumni, some dorms consistently rise to the top. This guide will break down the best of the best, from the amenity-packed new builds to the historic halls steeped in tradition.
What Makes a Dorm "Great" at Notre Dame?
Before we dive into the rankings, it’s important to understand what students are looking for in a dorm. It’s not just about having a nice room (though that helps!). The "best" dorms usually have a winning combination of:
- Community & Culture: This is the big one. A great dorm has a strong sense of identity & a welcoming atmosphere. It's a place where you feel like you belong.
- Amenities: Let’s be real, air conditioning is a MAJOR plus, especially during those hot Indiana summers. Newer dorms often have the edge here, with larger rooms, nicer lounges, & modern workout facilities.
- Signature Events: Every dorm has its own signature events, from massive charity fundraisers to quirky annual traditions. These events are a huge source of dorm pride & create lasting memories.
- Location: Proximity to a dining hall (especially South Dining Hall, which looks like something out of Harry Potter), academic buildings, or the stadium can be a big perk.
Now, let's get to the good stuff. Here’s a look at some of the top-rated dorms at the University of Notre Dame.
The Top Men's Dorms: Where Brotherhood is Built
The men's dorms at Notre Dame are known for their intense camaraderie & spirited rivalries. Here are some of the halls that consistently get top marks:
Duncan Hall: The New King on Campus
If you’re looking for modern amenities & a prime location, look no further than Duncan Hall. Built in 2008, Duncan is one of the newer dorms on campus, & it shows. The rooms are spacious, the lounges are beautiful, & most importantly, there's air conditioning throughout the entire building. It’s located on West Quad, right behind South Dining Hall, making it easy to grab a quick bite.
But Duncan is more than just a pretty face. The Highlanders, as residents are known, have built a strong community with some incredible traditions. Their signature event is the Highrise Formal, an annual dance held on the skydeck of the Willis Tower in Chicago. Talk about a memorable night! They also host Masters Week, a golf-themed week of events that brings the whole dorm together. Duncan has quickly established itself as one of the best all-around dorms on campus, proving that new halls can have just as much spirit as the old ones.
Keenan Hall: Home of the Legendary Keenan Revue
Keenan Hall is a Notre Dame institution. Located on North Quad, it’s one of the most well-known & respected dorms on campus. The Keenan Knights are a proud bunch, & for good reason. Their claim to fame is the Keenan Revue, a massive student-run comedy show that’s been a campus staple since 1976. The Revue is so popular that students will wait in line for hours to get free tickets to one of the three nightly performances, which draw crowds of over 1,500 people.
Beyond the Revue, Keenan is known for its strong sense of brotherhood & its commitment to service. The dorm has a classic, old-school feel that many students love. While it may not have all the modern bells & whistles of a dorm like Duncan, its incredible traditions & tight-knit community make it a top choice for many.
Dunne Hall: The Rising Star of East Quad
Opened in 2016, Dunne Hall has quickly become one of the most popular men's dorms on campus. Like its newer counterparts, Dunne boasts fantastic amenities, including air conditioning, spacious rooms, & modern common areas. It’s located on East Quad, giving it a slightly different feel than the quads on the other side of campus.
The Dunne Sentinels have wasted no time in creating their own unique traditions. Their two main events are the Dunne Funny Runne, a 3-kilometer relay race & carnival, & the Dunnedance Film Festival, which showcases short films made by students. Dunne has managed to strike a great balance between modern living & a strong, community-focused culture, making it a highly desirable place to live.
Baumer Hall: The Newest Kid on the Block
The newest men’s dorm on campus, Baumer Hall, opened in 2019 & has all the perks you’d expect from a brand-new building. We’re talking a two-story lounge, a community kitchen, an exercise room, & of course, A/C. Located on the south side of campus near Ryan & Keough Halls, it's in a great spot.
As the newest hall, Baumer is still in the process of building up its long-term traditions, but the "Buccaneers" are off to a strong start. They've already established a reputation for having a welcoming & inclusive community. For students who want the best of the best when it comes to facilities, Baumer is an unbeatable choice.
The Top Women's Dorms: Sisterhood & Spirit
The women's dorms at Notre Dame are known for their fierce loyalty, incredible spirit, & lifelong friendships. Here are some of the halls that are consistently ranked among the best:
Ryan Hall: The "Hotel Ryan" Experience
Ryan Hall has earned the nickname "Hotel Ryan" for a reason. This newer dorm on West Quad, opened in 2009, is known for its amazing amenities & beautiful, modern design. But what truly sets Ryan Hall apart is its focus on accessibility. The dorm was designed to be easily navigable for students with disabilities, with features like multiple elevators & wider doorways.
This commitment to inclusivity is reflected in their signature event, a Wheelchair Basketball Tournament, which is one of the most popular events on campus. The Ryan Wildcats have a strong sense of community & are known for being incredibly supportive of one another. For students looking for a dorm with great facilities & a big heart, Ryan Hall is a perfect fit.
Welsh Family Hall: Big Rooms & a Big Heart
Welsh Family Hall, or "Welsh Fam" as it's affectionately known, is another West Quad favorite. Built in 1997, it's famous for having some of the largest rooms on campus. But beyond the spacious living quarters, Welsh Fam is known for its incredible sense of "sisterhood." The women of Welsh are a tight-knit group who are deeply involved in service & community events.
Their signature events include the Hoedown Throwdown, a fall festival with a mechanical bull, & the Clary Murphy Thomas 5K, a color run that raises money for cancer research. Welsh Fam has a reputation for being both fun & philanthropic, making it a well-rounded & highly sought-after dorm. And, of course, they have that all-important A/C!
McGlinn Hall: The Athletic Powerhouse
If you're looking for a dorm with a ton of spirit & a competitive edge, McGlinn Hall might be the place for you. As the largest women's dorm on campus, McGlinn is a force to be reckoned with. The McGlinn Shamrocks (or "Shammies") are known for their athletic prowess, having won the Kelly Cup for interhall sports more than any other women's hall.
Their signature event is Casino Night, a massive fundraiser for Saint Adalbert Catholic School in South Bend. The women of McGlinn are also known for their strong section culture & their motto, "McGlinn never forfeits." If you thrive in a high-energy, spirited environment, you'll feel right at home in McGlinn.
Lyons Hall: Historic Charm & a "Rudy" Cameo
For those who appreciate history & tradition over modern amenities, Lyons Hall is a true gem. This beautiful, old-world dorm on South Quad is famous for its picturesque arch overlooking St. Mary's Lake. In fact, it's the only dorm featured in the movie "Rudy"!
What Lyons lacks in air conditioning & elevators, it more than makes up for in character & community. The Lyons Lions are a small, tight-knit group who are fiercely proud of their historic home. Their signature event is the Mara Fox Run, a fundraiser for a scholarship named in honor of a former resident. Living in Lyons is a unique Notre Dame experience, one that connects you to the university's long & storied past.
The Honorable Mentions: Other Great Dorms to Know
While the dorms listed above are often at the top of the rankings, there are so many other incredible places to live at Notre Dame. Here are a few more that deserve a shout-out:
- Siegfried Hall (Men's): Known as the "Hall of Champions" for their dominance in intramural sports, Siegfried is a great choice for athletic guys. Their "Day of Man" fundraiser is a can't-miss event.
- Zahm Hall (Men's): Zahm has a reputation for being a bit "crazy," but the men who live there are some of the most loyal & spirited on campus.
- Lewis Hall (Women's): Located on North Quad, Lewis Hall is known for its great community & fun traditions like "Lewis House of Pancakes" (LHOP).
- Carroll Hall (Men's): While it’s the farthest dorm from the main part of campus, the men of Carroll Hall have an incredibly tight-knit community.
Finding Your Place & Your Space
The dorm you're assigned to at Notre Dame will play a huge role in your college experience. It will be your community, your support system, & your home away from home. Each hall has something special to offer, whether it's state-of-the-art amenities or decades of cherished traditions.
One thing all these dorms have in common is that they can sometimes feel a bit... cramped. Whether you're in a brand-new single or an older quad, college dorms aren't exactly known for their spaciousness. If you find yourself needing a little extra room for your belongings, or if you're moving in from out of state & need a place to store things over the summer, it can be a real challenge.
That’s where a service like Prked can be a lifesaver. Turns out, you can find affordable & convenient storage space right in the neighborhoods around campus. Prked connects you with homeowners who have extra space in their garages, attics, or basements that they’re willing to rent out. It's a pretty cool way to find a safe & local spot for your stuff without having to pay for a traditional storage unit. It's also great for parking. If you're a student with a car, finding a spot on or near campus can be a nightmare. Prked helps with that too, by connecting you with homeowners who are renting out their driveways. It's a simple solution to a common college problem.
No matter which dorm you end up in, embrace it! Get involved in the traditions, go to the signature events, & get to know the people in your hall. The Notre Dame dorm experience is truly one-of-a-kind, & it's something you'll carry with you long after you graduate.
Hope this was helpful in giving you a better picture of the amazing residential life at Notre Dame. Let me know what you think
