Academics
Loyola Marymount University’s Jesuit traditions lay the foundation for a rigorous education guided by ethical values and philosophical discourse. More than 7,000 undergraduates study across the university’s seven colleges and schools, and the main Westchester campus in Los Angeles overlooks the Pacific Ocean with “a beautiful view.” Small class sizes and an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio have been “very helpful for learning about opportunities for research on-campus, summer programs, internships, etc. and for getting really good recommendation letters.” As one student states of their teachers, “You get a deeper understanding of their journey and how they can help you shape your own.” The administration is “receptive to student wants” and “works so hard to foster a positive environment; you can really see it with their emails, their dedication to service, Wellness Wednesday, and the mental health resources.” This temperature check is noticed by students, who say that based on their input “each year different things are added and/or focused on based on how well received it was.”
Professors provide a reliable support system, and many “are extremely accessible to answer questions and to help you succeed.” Real world experience is an important aspect of a LMU education, and teachers craft activities that “mimic a group in a workplace working on a project in order for students to learn how to work in a professional environment and work in a team.” Some of the other more specific approaches taken include: “A class on world religions visits various religious halls in the area as a portion of their grade, [while] a peace in conflict course travels to Ireland.” These are complemented by a fluid approach in the classroom, where many professors “choose to run classes in discussion-based ways (supplemented by readings and other media),” and “students engage in class discussions regularly.” Students especially appreciate those teachers who flexibly “take advantage of LA’s nice weather by sometimes holding class outside.”
Student Body
Among this “inclusive and intellectual student body,” people “are kind, service or outwardlooking, and generally perceive the injustices surrounding their communities.” This “diverse combination of motivated, creative, and unique individuals” is “open to meeting and getting to know new people” and some say they “could ask anyone on campus for help and they’d give it in a heartbeat.” Many LMU students “participate in organizations, athletics, or internships that help them gain the experience and academic training they need to construct their futures,” are “extremely hardworking and committed to succeeding in college,” and most everyone is “pretty active and involved with the school.” The demographic has “some degree of diversity and we have multiple clubs that represent minority groups on campus” and the student body matches the “overall LA environment, [which] is casual and chill.” Most students “work a job on campus or participate in clubs or service organizations,” and “take the school’s mission and values to heart” in their daily life. “Being a part of any Greek life/service org/or job will give you a community that makes college so much more fun,” one student says.
Campus Life
All students take part in the First Year Experience, which offers programming and resources to ensure a successful transition to college life. “Campus Ministry provides a community for religious students, especially Catholics and Christians,” and many here take part in “service organizations, which are groups students can apply to be a part of to do service at LMU and in the greater Los Angeles area,” or where they can check out social activities. Given the location, there are “frequent trips to the beach to hangout or surf” or “enjoy the sunset” as well as trips with the hiking club.
There “are plenty of places on campus to congregate and spend time” and the many clubs provide “ample opportunity for students on campus to have fun in their free time.” Students also make the most of the school’s location, and “getting off campus and exploring LA is easy and fun. There’s always a new restaurant, concert, or event that you can go to.”
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