Sandwiched between the elite universities of the West Coast, Loyola Marymount University is gaining academic, artistic, and athletic ground among the nation’s universities. The picture-perfect campus and friendly students further the appeal of this school. Before you embark on your freshman year at Loyola Marymount University, here are 38 things you must know about LMU.
Between classes, extracurriculars, employment, and social life, the beach could not seem farther away on some days. Still, making an effort to go every once in awhile will work miracles for your sanity.
For every incident of dormcest, there is a strong relationship to counter. People are accepting of each other’s decisions as long as everyone involved is being safe and respectful.
Some people drink, others don’t, but nobody cares.
Why party when Los Angeles is your backyard? Students who want to party visit downtown nightclubs, while others busy themselves with movie premieres, a myriad of restaurants, and concerts.
Los Angeles’ reputation for photography, film, art, and dance overwhelms the sports teams at LMU. There is definitely school spirit, but the days of high school athletes ruling the hallways are over.
Everyone takes one at some point, and though you may have to sacrifice a late night or two to get more sleep, having 8am classes often allows you to have free afternoons, which is a much-needed reward. Plus, the campus views are stunning in the mornings.
Just do it.
In high school, no one would be caught eating alone, but in college, people sit by themselves all the time. In fact, you may come to enjoy these moments of solace amidst the constant social bombardment caused by the thousands of students on campus.
At LMU, everyone is extremely involved. But just because your neighbor is involved in student government, works a job, volunteers on the weekends, and takes more than 18 credits, does not mean you have to do the same. Take your time, and choose to dedicate your time to the activities you truly value.
The campus is small, but this does not make the 10 minute power walk from University Hall to the other side of campus any easier. Wear tennis shoes.
At LMU, being different and being talented are valued. So, you do you. Sing in the shower, play guitar in your dorm with your door open, and be unapologetically yourself.
Or in the first month of school. Or the first semester. It is a process, and focusing on friendships will bring greater happiness than obsessing over romance.
There is certainly no shortage of campus coffee and tea. With three coffee shops and three coffee carts, no place on campus is more than a few steps away from a morning pick-me-up.
I played a game with myself and managed to last nearly 3 months without repeating the same meal. Yes, some foods are better than others, and by Christmas break, you will miss home-cooked meals, but the on campus food is good, and you will only be a short distance away from off campus restaurants.
Your goal should be feeling good, destressing, and breaking a sweat. The best method of destressing and procrastinating is the Burns Rec Center, and there is always a great mix of people and exercise options.
Even if you’re like me and wasn’t a big fan of gym class in high school, the gym membership is included in tuition and a great way to relax! Plus, there are a bunch of fun classes you can attend like yoga, cycling and even Brazilian booty!
Whether you are religious or not, LMU offers so many resources to care for yourself. From Student Psychological Services to weekly Mass to conversations with resident ministers, there are countless opportunities to help you handle the stress of your freshman year. And, nobody judges you for needing help. In fact, they support you.
One of the pros of LMU is that there is always something interesting happening on campus. However, when combined with the mounds of coursework, these events can be incredibly distracting. Use the events as a reward for finishing work or a method to take a break, but do not use them to procrastinate, or you may never finish your work!
In fact, the beauty of college is that you are not forced to commit to a squad, ever. You will find friends over time, everyone does, but you can also float between many groups. Meeting so many different people is so easy with the planned events. My roommate and I made it our goal to go to as many free events as possible, and this is where I met so many of my current friends.
Between classes, you will hear constant hellos from friends, coworkers, professors, and administrators. LMU is small enough that people learn your name if you put yourself out there.
Never stop enjoying this piece of paradise.
Just like high school, your High School Musical expectations may be a bit off coarse, but that’s alright because it will still be an amazing time in your life!
It may get a bit chilly in the winter months, but for the most part, it’s incredibly sunny and warm so bring sunnies!
Eventually, you will realize that even though the past is in the past, the present is awesome and the future holds so many opportunities.
Make great first impressions with your professors and go the extra mile to learn. They are here to help you!
Being in LA feels like if you blink, you’ll miss an opportunity, but sometimes it is best to just relax when you can.
Classwork, projects, work, and extra curricular tend to fill up your time so…
The planner you get at the beginning of the year is the best way to keep yourself organized throughout the year.
(However, Roski’s is located at the bottom floor at the end of it and there are more amazing food options you won’t find anywhere else on campus!)
The Lion Express, Big Blue Bus, Uber, Lyft, ZipCar and Yellow Cab are all great ways if you and your friends need to get somewhere but don’t have a car.
However, there are still many ways to get involved and make friends right from welcome week.
You’re going to make so many great friends and have so many incredible moments.
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