Incoming Students

Welcome to the Graduate School at Notre Dame where your research matters!

We look forward to sharing the Notre Dame Graduate School experience with you. Here you’ll find world-class academic programs driving innovation and discovery. As you excel within your discipline, you’ll receive holistic Graduate Training support designed to prepare you for future success and support you not just intellectually, but physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Below you’ll find logistical information about transitioning to Notre Dame. 

Checklist for newly admitted students:

Exploring the local cultural offerings of South Bend provides new and enriching experiences

1. Admissions Decision: Once you have decided what graduate school you are going to attend, submit the “Reply to Offer of Admissions” form (by April 15) and please answer as many questions as possible as we use this data for our future recruitment efforts.
2. Welcome to the University of Notre Dame!:  Once you receive the confirmation of your acceptance email “Welcome to the University of Notre Dame”, please complete the following tasks:
   1. ND ID and email account:  You will receive the first of two University IDs — the ND ID (also called a "900#") — in your confirmation email. Once you receive this email, you may also activate your Notre Dame Net ID. If you live in a region that restricts access to Google services, you may need to use the NoSplit VPN to access your @nd.edu account.
   2. Housing:—on- or off-campus.  Fischer Grad apartments are on campus and specifically for graduate students.  In addition, the Landings (new housing Fall 2020) is available for married grad students.  The Overlook, next door to campus, is also available for grad students and faculty.  
   3. Irish Compass: Register and be active in IrishCompass, Notre Dame’s official online community for networking, mentoring, and job opportunities for alumni and students.  Register at irishcompass.nd.edu. You can use your LinkedIn account to register.
   4. Health Insurance:  Complete the medical history and physical report and any other health-related pre-registration requirements set by University Health Services.  Graduate students are automatically enrolled in and charged for the student health insurance plan. Please note: Students who do not wish to enroll in the plan, and have other comparable health insurance coverage, may submit a request to waive the health insurance on Aetna's website. Instructional emails are sent 5/15 for the summer plan (summer arrival) and 7/15 for the AY plan (August arrival). If you cannot find the information you need via Aetna or the University Health Services FAQs, email insurancequestions@nd.edu. Health insurance subsidy information can be found here.
3. International students: International students who accept an offer of admission from the Graduate School at the University of Notre Dame will be required to submit the form Request INITIAL Student Immigration Document. Please see the pre-arrival checklist on the Office of International Student and Scholar Affairs (ISSA) website. Of particular interest to incoming students: the recorded Pre-Arrival Information Session and weekly Pre-Arrival question and answer sessions every Tuesday through the end of June.
4. Registration for classes:  Contact your degree program and/or advisor for guidance. Information on registering for classes and completing ND Roll Call can be found on the Office of the Registrar's website.
5. Transcripts:  Make arrangements to have your official transcripts sent as soon as possible to the address below OR the Preferred:  E-transcripts should be sent to gradsch@nd.edu. Transcripts must be in English and must show the conferral of your bachelor's (and Masters if applicable) degree. Transcripts may be mailed to us at:
   1. The Graduate School
   2. Attention:  Transcripts
   3. 110 Bond Hall
   4. Notre Dame, IN 46556
6. Orientation:  Refer to the Graduate Student Orientation page on the Graduate Student Life website for the most up-to-date information on dates and the schedule of events.
7. Semester/Term Start Dates: Dates are set by the Office of the Registrar. To find the official start date for any future term, please refer to their calendar. If you are starting in the summer, please confirm your start date with your program.
8. Alumni Welcome Event:  Be on the look out for the Alumni Association email invitation to their summer welcome/send off event information in your city.
9. Financial Support:  If you would like to get started looking for additional external funding through grants and fellowships, please contact us for more information.

 

Getting to campus:

The Arrival page of the International Student and Scholar Affairs site has the most thorough travel options when coming to campus.

 

After you arrive:

1. Contact your department
2. Complete the online work authorization paperwork immediately and bring original, unexpired documentation to the Office of Human Resources (refer to the New Student Employee Toolkit for details)
3. Register and enroll in classes (in consultation with your department)
4. Acquire Notre Dame Student ID Card. (If you are bringing a spouse you will also want to acquire a Spousal ID card)
5. Acquire parking permit (read more at the Notre Dame Parking and Traffic homepage)
6. Attend student orientations (Graduate School, departmental, international student)
7. Expect first pay check on 8/31. Notre Dame uses direct deposit to pay employees; for more information on setting up direct deposit, please click here. (For more information on campus banking and for banks nearby the University of Notre Dame please see the Office of Treasury Services)
8. Consult the Campus Map
9. Download the ND Mobile app, which provides campus information including maps, dining menus, news, video, and sports highlights. Any device, including tablets and desktops, may be used to access the mobile app.

For more information on life as a student here at the University of Notre Dame please visit Graduate Student Life.

Graduate Student Government (GSG):

The Notre Dame Graduate Student Government (GSG) provides outstanding support for incoming and current students. Please get in touch with the GSG to learn more about enriching your social and support networks and joining graduate student clubs and groups.

Orientation:

Graduate Student Orientation is a valuable and engaging introduction to life and studies at Notre Dame and to the multiple on- and off-campus resources available to support student success and well-being; this is required for all incoming graduate students. More information to follow through email.

International Student Orientation will provide essential information about maintaining immigration status, American culture, and life at Notre Dame; this is required for all incoming international students with a Notre Dame Sponsored visa.

Department/Program Orientation may be required by your individual program please follow up with your department.

Graduate Resilience Alliance at Notre Dame (GRAND)

Acclimating to graduate student life can be challenging. Studies have shown the importance of friendships and community for overall well-being and happiness at every stage of life. GRAND (Graduate Resilience Alliance at ND) is a brand-new program designed to familiarize first- and second-year students with graduate life and resources at Notre Dame, and promote connection and social engagement with peers and the larger University community.

Making a Grad School Plan

Since graduate programs typically involve more independent work than undergraduate programs, they require you to manage your schedule and time to an even higher degree. To avoid losing time in graduate school, lay out what you want to achieve in your first year. In the document Making a Grad School Plan: From Application to Orientation (pages 34-37), you'll find 5 tips for creating a first-year plan to help you get a head start to a successful time in graduate school.

English Language Acquisition

The English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program offers English support and enhancement for students, faculty, staff, post-docs, and spouses. The goal of the program is to empower students and extended members of our campus community to maximize their academic success and improve communication through coursework, tutoring, and self-study resources.

Shared Expectations

Establishing expectations and open communication between a graduate student and their faculty mentor(s) is critical to the success of both individuals — download the conversation guide to find out more.