Comparing colleges based on tuition, majors and regions can be a breeze, but what really gets you the full effect of a campus is the inside information from a student. Notre Dame student Chloe and Ohio University student Brooklynn (both writers for Her Campus) joined together to find common connections and contrasts of their schools!
Basics:
Notre Dame is a private, Catholic institution residing in South Bend, Indiana. Their official colors are gold and navy, but since they are the Fighting Irish, they also claim to be “lean and green!” The mascot is a Leprechaun, bringing luck to the students!
Ohio University is a public school located in Athens, Ohio. Their official colors are green and white, and Rufus the Bobcat is their mascot! They pride themselves on having a Bobcat family, near and far!
Party Scene:
If you know anything about Ohio University, you probably have heard of their consistent top party school rankings. Athens has 23 bars that keep the night alive, while HallOUween and fest season draw visitors from several miles away each year.
Chloe, from Notre Dame, states that, “We have both dorm parties and off-campus parties. Dorm parties are more for underclassmen and are very crowded, awkward, and sweaty. Off campuses are very fun and usually have different themes and whatnot depending on where you go.”
Traditions:
If you attend Notre Dame, you have to partake in these awesome events! Chloe says, “Everyone gets a FEVER on Thursdays (aka they go to Michiana’s hottest nightclub — Club Fever). The Hesburgh Challenge means that people drink a beer on every floor of the library (13 floors and a basement).”
Ohio University’s hOUmecoming attracts alumni from all over the country. The bravest former and current Bobcats have a week worth of fun and then celebrate with kegs ‘n’ eggs on the morning before the parade and game. Dedicated Bobcats steal Athens bricks that make up the oldest roads in town.
Sports:
OU’s most popular and attended sports are Football and Men’s Basketball. The have a wide range of varsity and club sports that make every day a good day to be a Bobcat. The O-Zone, the student section, is nicknamed, “The best fans in the MAC.”
ND students frequent Football and Women’s Basketball games. They do pushups at the football game for every point they score! Chloe exclaims, “Try not to fall down doing the Irish Jig!”
Style:
The typical ‘Notre Dame student’ style revolves around polos, khakis, Hunter Boots, Canada Goose and Vineyard Vines. Chloe mentions that, “It really depends on the individual. There are a lot of people that just wear sweats and baseball caps.”
Students at OU have a variety of dress styles, but they’re known for our laid-back, bohemian vibe. Sweatpants and leggings are a staple, and only some Greek Life members seem to worry about brand names. Brooklynn mentions that, “Comfort is key when it comes to walking the hills and dealing with dynamic Ohio weather patterns.”
Maybe Ohio University and Notre Dame aren’t that different after all! The parties, fun traditions and great sports teams lead to common connections that bring all college students together. Whichever you attend, or pick for the future, you’re sure to have a fantastic time!
Follow @HerCampusOhioU and @HCNotreDame for more comparisons and updates on the colleges!