Welcome Weekend 2026
As your gateway into life as a student at Notre Dame, Welcome Weekend seeks to share the unique characteristics of our Catholic, Holy Cross undergraduate educational experience, introduce and inspire engagement in academic, residential, and co-curricular life, demonstrate our commitment to a safe and inclusive environment of teaching and learning, and facilitate the exploration of University resources available to you and your family. At Notre Dame, we believe education takes place in the context of genuine and meaningful communion with others.
What to expect at Carroll Hall
Provided Dorm Amenities
Room Furniture – every resident is provided with a bed, dresser, desk, chair, and ladder at the beginning of the year. Each room is also equipped with a sink, mirror cabinet, and trash / recycling bins. The beds, desks, and dressers are modular and able to be arranged in many different ways around a room.
Laundry Room – machines, dryers, iron and board. Laundry is free!
Kitchen – microwave and larger fridge/freezer. Do college guys need anything else? (There is also a stove, oven, sink, dishes, toaster, coffee machine, etc… Students are free to use the kitchen at any time.)
Vending Machines
Vacuum Cleaner (each floor)
Water Fountain (each floor)
Lounge – a very large TV, video games, couches / recliners, and a regulation size pool table. This, along with the Den, are the social hubs of the building.
The Den – comfy chairs, booths, a whiteboard, coffee center, and more!
Weight Room – there is a full free-weight set (up to 70-pound dumbbells), squat rack / bench, exercise bike, rowing machine, and treadmill.
Recommended Packing List
During move-in weekend, there is time for trips to stores such as Target, Walmart, and Bed, Bath and Beyond with your parents — especially if you are flying to campus and need to pack light. However, if all else fails, even Amazon delivers to the Lakeside Estate!
Things to consider packing:
Backpack
Fan – Carroll does not have air conditioning above the first floor. Fans are very important during the first few weeks (it can get pretty hot!). However, after a few weeks, the temperature usually drops and the building becomes much more comfortable.
Painter’s Tape for hanging posters, lights, etc. Please don’t use duct tape!
Power Strips with surge protection, Extension Cords
Winter Coat and Boots – You will have time over Thanksgiving break or fall break to purchase these before the cold really hits.
Lamps
Laundry Detergent / Tide Pods
Bedding – each bed comes with an Extra Long Twin mattress. Many residents choose to use an extra foam pad on top.
Shower Supplies, Shower Shoes
Clothing Hangers
Bike and a quality bike lock
Dance/Formal attire – There are formal dances that will call for your sharpest attire. A suit and tie are sometimes necessary for events like the career fair or interviews.
Things to divide and decide among roommates
TV
Gaming system
Blue Tooth Speaker
Rug/Carpeting (easier to purchase in South Bend)
Futon/Couch (available in South Bend, resale shops, or from the beginning of the year Stepan Sale)
Mini Fridge
Shelving/Storage
