If you just got your housing assignment and it says Carroll Hall Notre Dame, you probably felt one of two things: a wave of confusion or a sudden urge to buy a bike. You’re officially a "Vermin." That’s the nickname. Own it.
Honestly, the first thing everyone mentions about Carroll is the walk. It’s located on the "Far Quad"—a term students made up because the hall sits solo on the far side of St. Mary’s Lake. While most students are rolling out of bed five minutes before class on South Quad, you'll be trekking past the lake, the Grotto, and the Basilica just to get to a 9:00 AM chem lab. It sounds like a raw deal. But here’s the thing: most guys who live there wouldn't trade it for a penthouse in Duncan.
The "Vermin" Identity and Why the Distance Actually Works
The isolation of Carroll Hall Notre Dame is its greatest feature. Because you’re physically separated from the rest of the campus ecosystem, the bond between the roughly 100 guys living there becomes intense. It’s the smallest men’s dorm on campus. You aren't just a face in a hallway; you’re one of the "Best 100 Men."
You’ve probably heard the legend of the nickname. Back in 1966, after the Holy Cross brothers moved out and before the students moved in, local rodents supposedly took over the building. The name stuck. Now, being a Vermin is a badge of honor. It represents a "we-against-the-world" mentality that you just don't get in the massive, newer dorms.
Small dorms mean high engagement. If you live in Carroll, you’re basically guaranteed to know everyone’s name by the end of your first month.
Traditions You Won’t Find Anywhere Else
Carroll isn't just a place to sleep. It’s a culture.
💡 You might also like: Dutch Bros Menu Food: What Most People Get Wrong About the Snacks
Take "Vermin Go Gold" for example. Before the first home football game, the freshmen (and some brave upperclassmen) dye their hair bright gold. You’ll see them glowing in the stands like 30 miniature Golden Domes. It’s loud, it’s obnoxious, and it’s perfectly Notre Dame.
Then there’s the banner. It’s huge. We’re talking 72 bedsheets and five gallons of paint. Every home game weekend, the men of Carroll hoist a massive "GO IRISH" sign on the lake-facing side of the building. It’s so big that NBC often catches it on the broadcast. It’s a point of pride that Carroll was the first dorm to start the banner tradition—and they still do it better than anyone else.
A Carroll Christmas: The Campus Event of the Season
In December, the hall transforms. They don't just put up a tree; they host A Carroll Christmas. It’s basically a massive holiday party for the entire university.
- The Tree: A 30-foot beast lit up on the front lawn.
- The Rides: They used to do horse-drawn carriages, but lately, they've been known to wrap a Ford F-150 in Christmas lights and call it "Santa's Sleigh."
- The Vibe: Hot chocolate, karaoke, and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
It draws nearly a thousand people out to the Far Quad in the freezing cold. That says a lot. People don't trek to the edge of campus for just any party; they go because the Carroll community knows how to host.
What It’s Actually Like to Live There
Let’s talk logistics because the building itself is... historic. Built in 1906, it was originally a seminary called the Dujarie Institute.
📖 Related: Draft House Las Vegas: Why Locals Still Flock to This Old School Sports Bar
The Rooms
Because it wasn't built as a standard dorm, the room sizes vary wildly. Some are massive—honestly some of the biggest on campus—while others are a bit "cozy." Most rooms are doubles, triples, or quads. One big warning: there is no air conditioning above the first floor. In August and September, you will need a high-powered fan. Trust me.
The Chapel
The Chapel of Saint André Bessette is the heart of the building. Fun fact: Saint André actually lived in this building twice (1920 and 1927). It’s the only dorm on campus where a literal saint has slept. Even if you aren't religious, the chapel is a quiet, beautiful spot to just exist.
The Amenities
- The Lawn: You have your own massive front yard right on the lake.
- Volleyball: There’s a sand court where "Carroll Rules" volleyball happens daily (you can reach over the net here—don't ask why, just roll with it).
- Fitness Room: It’s in the basement and has everything you need to avoid the trek to the Smith Center.
Navigating the "Siberia" Stereotype
Upperclassmen will joke that you live in Siberia. They’ll ask if you need a passport to get to the dining hall.
Ignore them.
👉 See also: Dr Dennis Gross C+ Collagen Brighten Firm Vitamin C Serum Explained (Simply)
The walk is exactly 0.6 miles to the Main Building. It takes about 10-12 minutes at a brisk pace. In the fall, it’s the most beautiful walk on campus. In the winter, it’s a character-building exercise. Get a good parka and some waterproof boots.
The "Lakeside Estate" (another nickname the guys use to sound fancy) offers a peace and quiet that the rest of campus lacks. You don't have the noise of game day tailgates literally outside your window. You have the lake. You have the best view of the Dome on campus.
Actionable Tips for New Vermin
If you just found out you're moving into Carroll Hall Notre Dame, here is your immediate game plan:
- Buy a bike immediately. The walk is nice, but when you're running late for an exam, those wheels are a lifesaver. Get a high-quality U-lock, too.
- Invest in a "Box Fan" (or two). The heat in the first few weeks is no joke. Creating a cross-breeze is the only way to survive.
- Learn the "Carroll Rules" for volleyball. It’ll save you some embarrassment when you start playing on the front lawn.
- Embrace the dining hall "Carroll Table." Since the dorm is so far, guys tend to eat together at specific tables in South Dining Hall. Look for the group of guys who seem to know everyone—that’s your crew.
- Check out the "Miracle Christmas Tree." It’s a tree on the lake path that legendary coach Digger Phelps used to decorate with the residents. It’s part of the lore.
Carroll Hall Notre Dame isn't just a dormitory; it’s a fraternity in the best sense of the word. You’re joining a legacy of guys who chose the "long walk" and found a tighter community because of it. Welcome home to the estate.