Academics
A Jesuit institution in the heart of one of the country’s most vibrant cities, Loyola University New Orleans “offers students countless opportunities to progress spiritually, academically, and career-wise.” When undergraduates enroll, they join a “welcoming [and] warm-hearted” community in which “professors, staff and students alike support each other.” Academically, “the university encourages students to explore all areas of course offerings.” And given the school’s small size, it’s safe to assume that “the student to teacher ratio is great.” Most courses do a fantastic job of balancing “lectures [with] class discussions.” Finally, when it comes to the professors, students find the majority are “amazing teachers [who] really make me want to learn.” They “keep me inspired and encouraged beyond the typical academic interaction,” explains one student. It’s easy to tell they “really care about [the] well-being” of their students. Ultimately, “The effort and commitment from faculty transcends the bounds of a classroom space and [they] genuinely invest their time to ensure student success.”
Student Body
Loyola University does a great job of attracting “artsy, creative, [and] socially conscious” students who are still “down to earth.” Undergrads here “care about their communities and environment” and really “focus on...inclusion.” They also have “big hearts [and] pride in their Nola culture.” The vast majority agree, “There is a really strong community here.” As another student concludes, “I have never once felt unwelcome by a member of the Loyola community and I truly feel like it is a place where any one can feel welcome and accepted.”
Many people also take pride in the fact that Loyola has “a beautifully diverse student body” noting that undergrads come “from all over the U.S. and internationally.” And although the university is Catholic, undergrads say that they “have met people of all…religions.” As one person details, “Loyola is a melting pot, full of students of all backgrounds, races, beliefs, sexualities, and socioeconomic backgrounds.” Truly, you can find “every type of person here.”
Campus Life
Sure, academics take precedence at Loyola. But there’s tons of fun outside of the classroom. On campus, undergrads can choose from offerings “such as movie night, casual musical performances by the students, and activities held by the student government such as ‘Bears for Bae’ which is kind of like Build a Bear.” Additionally, Loyola has a number of artsy students and it’s quite common for people to “make music, make music videos and [work] on creative projects in general.” There’s also a robust theater department and scene that puts on “amazing” performances and allows students to “design or assist in designing every show.”
Of course, hometown New Orleans is also a massive draw and “lots of time is spent off campus exploring [the city].” The area is filled with “spectacular cultural traditions” and many flock to “see lots of local bands perform.” Moreover it’s popular for students to “bike on the Mississippi River Trail, hike in state parks, [and] walk around the French Quarter.” And you’ll find that “people go out a lot to the local bars because here in New Orleans, the bars are 18+ to get in which means freshman and sophomores party a lot.”