Loyola University Chicago Top Questions

What should every freshman at Loyola University Chicago know before they start?

Christina

I would tell myself to not be fearful of taking risks. Taking the plunge and going to school in Chicago has been one of the most difficult as well as most rewarding experiences of my life. I would tell myself that nothing can be gained by remaining within the same comfort zone that I've been accustomed to growing up. Choosing to attend school so far away from everything that is familiar is a terrifying undertaking, but I never would have become the independent, confident, and well-rounded individual that I am today by staying within my hometown. Sometimes unabashedly confronting a fear is the only way to grow, and growth not only helps you become a better individual but also helps you sympathize and understand individuals around you.

Deanna

I would have not slacked as much my senior year.

Kayla

College life can be a true test of courage, stability, and inner strength. I would continue encouraging myself to stay true to who I am, despite the lifestyle change, and to accept my individual status among the diverse quality of life here in Chicago. I would also fight to remain focused despite any struggles, and to do this I would readily prepare myself for the work load by joining more AP courses throughout high school. I would also discover new and different ways for studying to feel more prepared for exams. One struggle that I am finding, which I feel sometimes burdens my quality of hard work, is the cost of schooling. I feel that if I knew I could stay at Loyola to guarantee my success, I would feel much more confident about my educational experiences. I want to know that I can fulfill my dreams after my dedication, through graduate school as well. However, my hard work can't physically pay my bills. I would have looked up more ways to pay for schooling to satisfy these worries. Despite these things, I feel I made the right choice choosing Loyola to fulfill my life.

Amy

CSI's are not like the tv show, so don't expect that. Stay true to yourself and open minded because the bitchy girls will get a lot of crap in college for being too high school. Learn who your true friends are and don't waste too much time hung up on them when they leave

Natalie

I would tell myself to take a little time off just to explore; really get to know inside the campus facilities, the library, the Information Commons, and even though I know the city well, visit places I've never been to.

Stephanie

As a high school senior I was very naive and and sheltered, I was never exposed to any other ethnicity other than Mexican, all my classmates were Mexican. If I could go back in time I would tell myself to look for opportunities to expose myself to different cultures and ethnicites. It was hard to adapt to such a different environment I was very sheltered and I was not open minded. I would tell myself to be open to change. I would also tell myself to give my full effort when it comes to homework, as a senior I did slack off and I would tell myself to give it my all. Overall I would just tell myself to change my ways and to be different.

Jennie

Think before you act. High school tends to be all about doing. But, once you get to college, you are really challenged. You must make new friends at the same time as managing schoolwork. Social life is important, but make sure you figure out what your real priorities are.

Margaret

Relax. It really isn't that hard transitioning from high school to Loyola. You'll make friends and have an awesome time putting on a murder mystery show. Yes, this school is really expensive but it is worth the plunge. You will get a great job on campus tutoring high school freshmen and helping them stay in school. You will meet so many different kinds of people and ways of viewing life. These next four years really are going to change your life, for the better.

Elaina

I would tell myself that it is important to relax. Loyola is a great place where you will feel right at home. I would also tell myself to get involved. Don't be afraid to jump right into the college experience. Work hard, but make sure you make time to engage in your social life. Making friends will not only make your life fun, but will also help ease you into college life. Make sure you that you find people who share your sames values and interests. There are so many students it isn't hard to find someone you can connect with. Focus on academics, but realize that part of academics is embracing the whole college experience. Going outside the class room can be just as educational as going to a lecture. Finally, I would tell myself to take advantage of any opportunities that come my way.

Nathaniel

Don'y worry about how much it costs. You can always get loans and scholarships. The most important thing is that you think that the school you like is going to help you to succede at what you want to do. If you find a good college or university and work at it you'll be able to pay back the loans. Think of it as an investment in your future the same as buying a house or a car only the loans will be cheaper.