Living Expenses
Housing
Housing costs vary greatly from one student to another depending on whether they elect to live alone or to seek roommates, whether they choose to rent a house, to rent an apartment, or to seek on-campus housing, etc. Housing costs (without utilities) vary according to proximity to campus. For more information on on-campus housing visit the Office of Residential Life.
Off-campus housing, roomate finder, and other resources can be found on Off-Campus Housing at Notre Dame. Students may log into the wesbite with their NetID; or prospective students may create limited access guest account. Students or prospective students may view, filter, and compare listings of available properties for rent, complete with photographs, floor plans, maps with proximity to campus, links to applications/leases, lists of amenities, and more. It also includes a roommate search tool and discussion boards available only to undergraduate and graduate students, as well as educational resources designed to help students navigate the many dimensions of life off campus.
Food
Like housing, food expenditures can vary significantly from one student to another depending on how much an individual prefers to eat out, cook at home, or use the dining halls and other on-campus facilities. While architecture grad students do generally find it least expensive to cook at home and bring meals to campus, many students do choose to participate in a meal plan through Notre Dame Food Services for at least a portion of their time on campus. Meal plans are highly customizable and information can be found at Campus Dining.
Local grocery store options:
Trader Joes: 1140 Howard St, South Bend, IN 46617
Martin's Super Market: 2081 S Bend Ave, South Bend, IN 46637
Transportation
Cars and Parking
Students wishing to park a car on campus are required to purchase a student parking permit. Parking permits can be purchased through the Notre Dame Police Department. This cost is covered for all students serving as a teaching assistant in the School of Architecture.
Ride-sharing via Uber and Lyft is also available.
Bicycles
Register your bike for free through the Notre Dame Police Department.
Shuttles and Public Transportation
In addition to private transportation, shuttle and public bus services are available on campus and downtown for free or at low student rates. South Bend Transpo also offers free service to students for Route 17 - the Sweep, which travels between the University of Notre Dame, Holy Cross College, and Saint Mary's College campuses. Access shuttle routes via the ND Mobile app, avalible on the Apple Store and Google Play Store.
Transportation to Chicago
Public transportation to Chicago and area airports is available on the South Shore Train.