Loyola University Chicago Top Questions

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

Roland

Make sure you tour plenty of colleges. There different sizes, types and locations when it comes to universies. Also, allow your child to shadow to get an example of day to day life at each university. make sure you feel comfortable and learn as much as you can about both the acadamec opportunities as well as social opportunities. Treat school like a job devoting hours to studying, but allow for social time as well to prevent burn-out. Have fun and enjoy yourself. they are the best years of your life where you shape who you will become. College is a wonderful learning experience, and don't be afraid to try new things, whether it be food, clubs, music... Its your chance to experience the world uninhibited. Love what you do and experience as much of your university as you possibly can. The resources at your fingertips are invaluable and it would be prudent to make the most of them.

Katelyn

It is the student's decision, not the parents'. Choosing the right school really is crucial to having a great college experience. Go where you feel comfortable. Stay open-minded. Maintain a balance between your social life and your academic one. Talk to as many people as you can. Remember, sleep is optional. Explore your environment. TALK TO AS MANY PEOPLE AS YOU CAN. Keep a smile on your face. These are the best times of your life -- I can't express that enough. You're free to be your own person. Live in the moment. Enjoy.

Nausheen

Go to the college first; explore the campus and see what educational programs, extracurriculars, and research or internship programs they have to offer and make the decision from there. It will definitely be worth it instead of randomly choosing to go to any school you get into.

anjan

Make sure they visit the campus, and if possible, spend at least one night there. Try to explore the campus, and talk to all the student about their experiences, and ask them specifically if they have encountered things that you are either looking for, or dop not want from your school. Try not to just focus on academics; if that's all you look at, you might burn out too soon. Social and extra-curricular activies give you the gas required to perform academically. After the decision has been made, when the student goes to orientation, I highly recommend that he make as many contacts as possible and stay in touch with them through facebook, phone, etc. The more people you know coming into college, the easier the transition is! When you do get to school, try not to get too sidetracked by all the social activities. While they are there for your entertainment, your sole purpose is studying. Find a place where you can really study, and go there often to finish off assignments earlier during the day. That way you have time to socialize at night and are less likely to skip assignments.

Rachel

Consider carefully, and always do your best the first time around. Do not rely on being able to bring up your grades.

Ainslie

Be as picky as you would like about school: whether you want the school to be closed or open, all males or all females, division 1, or 2, or whatever. Finding the right type of school helps you with your studies, whether you believe it or not. The environment can easily have an affect upon your studying. Also, be as involved as possible! Make friends with people in your classes because they can help you with notes or anything else you need. You'll be surprised to find that a lot of people are pretty nice. You might also not want to take a lot of credit hours your first semester. It's going to be a difficult transition into the college life so you should take it easy. And the last and final thing, HAVE FUN!

Tabitha

College really is everything that you make it. Always leave time for homework, but make sure to join organizations or sports teams. Even if you had the worst professors and the worst classes, the college experience is something that can never be replaced or outdone.

Salma

Spend a day at the school talking to the students to see what they think the pros and cons of the school are. If you start each day with a positive attitude and optimistic viewpoint, you will notice all the great things life has to offer rather than the downsides of everything. If you don't like something about your college, do something about it and try to change it. Your college experience is what you make of it, so go out and participate in your community and extracurriculars instead of spending all day in your dorm room. Make friends with similar interests and goals who will help steer you on the right track to who you want to be and will be there for you when you have doubts and want to give up. Listen to what advice your upperclassmen have to offer and make sure to share what you learn with those younger than you.

Abeer

make sure if you cant afford to help you student let them know before hand so they arent stressed in the middle of the school yaer.

Grace

A college visit is very important. You are able to see the facilities for yourself and to talk to actual student. A college visit can also make the college-choosing process more real for prospective students and can often help to get them pumped for school or make up their mind if they are thinking about multiple schools.