Life in South Bend

Graduate Studies

As a Saint Mary’s College student, you’ll enjoy a unique college town experience in South Bend. Just a quick bike ride away from campus, downtown South Bend awaits with its lively restaurant and nightlife scene, making it a hub for dining and entertainment. You’ll fall in love with our corner of northern Indiana and its proximity to everything you need. From great shopping to miles of beaches on Lake Michigan, arts and culture, and entertainment, South Bend has it all. And if you ever want a change of scenery, you can easily hop on a nearby train for a day trip to Chicago.

Affordable, Convenient Living

Living in South Bend doesn’t break the bank, but it certainly doesn’t skimp on quality. Many neighborhoods close to Saint Mary’s and Notre Dame offer comfortable living options at reasonable prices.

Whether you prefer off-campus apartments, condos, or houses for rent, you can find suitable accommodations without stretching your budget. When it comes to dining and entertainment, South Bend offers modest costs, making it a fantastic college town destination for those seeking dining and entertainment options.

Eddy Street Commons, located just south of the ND campus, is home to a bustling nightlife scene with restaurants, bars, and shops, including a Trader Joe’s. Throughout the year, you’ll find an abundance of free events, concerts, and festivals to enjoy. In South Bend, Mishawaka, Niles, and Granger, nearly every amenity you need is within reach.

Exploring the Great Outdoors

Saint Mary’s picturesque campus spans 140 acres of trees, gardens, manicured lawns, and historic buildings, providing plenty of space for exploration amidst historic buildings. You can walk, run, or bike along the 34-mile trail that borders the campus. Just beyond the campus borders, numerous parks cater to the diverse seasons of Michiana.

The St. Joseph River offers a fantastic course for canoeing, kayaking, and even whitewater rafting. The park system in South Bend, Mishawaka, and St. Joseph County presents an array of activities, including mountain biking, hiking, cross-country skiing, tubing, disc golf, and camping.

The region’s parks host many concerts, events, and festivals throughout the year, making it an ideal location for those who enjoy the outdoors. Within an hour’s drive, you can enjoy downhill skiing, explore the beautiful beaches of Lake Michigan, indulge in wine tasting, and much more.

Arts and Culture

College town life isn’t complete without a thriving arts scene. Michiana is a hub for arts and culture enthusiasts, offering a wide range of entertainment options, including art, theatre, live music, dance, and comedy. Venues throughout the region showcase the talents of top local, regional, and national performers:

  • Moreau Center for the Arts: Situated on the Saint Mary’s campus, Moreau is home to the Little Theatre, Moreau Art Galleries, and O’Laughlin Auditorium, providing a rich cultural experience for students and visitors alike.
  • DeBartolo Performing Arts Center: Located on the Notre Dame campus, DeBartolo is the university’s arts center, boasting seven venues, including a THX cinema, a 10-story concert hall, and luxurious theaters. Saint Mary’s students receive generous discounts or free admissions for most performances here.
  • Morris Performing Arts Center: The renowned Morris in downtown South Bend hosts a variety of performances, from symphony and dance to national touring musical concerts, comedians, and Broadway theater.
  • South Bend Civic Theatre: This community theater company puts on more than a dozen productions annually, showcasing local talent and contributing to the local arts scene.
  • South Bend Museum of Art: On display here are works by historical Indiana artists as well as contemporary works in all media by artists from South Bend and beyond, enriching the arts and culture landscape.
  • South Bend Symphony Orchestra: The region’s premier professional orchestra, the South Bend Symphony, engages the community in the exploration of orchestral music in all its forms.
  • The Acorn Theater: With its funky, industrial-chic atmosphere and a full bar, The Acorn hosts well-known performers, regional theatre productions, and open mic nights, adding to the vibrant arts and culture tapestry. You can find this gem in Three Oaks, Michigan, just a short drive from South Bend.