Loyola University New Orleans Top Questions

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

Katerine

If I were to go back and talk with myself as a senior, I would tell myself to remain dedicated. I would tell myself not to let anything else distract me because I have to do well in college in order to succeed in life. Also, that I would have to be careful about who I am friends with or at least not follow some of my friends' examples. I would tell myself to make sure to always keep my head on straight because I want to make not only my parents but most importantly myself proud. Even though I learned the hard way my first year of college, I learned from the mistakes. I am somewhat thankful for those mistakes because they made me a better person who knows what she wants in life.

Rachel

Looking back to Senior year in high school I was very nervous about college when it came to where I was going to go, what was I going to go for, and most of all, being in a large environment that i knew no one and nothing about . Now, as a sophomore in college, and having experienced and adapted to college life I would first tell myself that college is not nearly the big scary place I had in mind. Maybe because I attend a fairly small college, but none the less it fairly welcoming. I would tell myself to stop worrying over how much harder the work is going to be and how in the hell am I going to write 10 page papers?! Because in actuality, although it is stressful, it is manageable. What to major in? Just take classes I like and go from there. Majors are not written in stone, you can change if you feel the need to. And lastly, " To Just be yourself, be social and friendly and things will fall in place. All good things come in time and you will make lasting friendships and experience amazing times all while following your goals."

Whitney

I would give myself the advice to prepare better in math. Instead of selecting all honors classes in every subject except Math, I would take the harder math now and place more emphasis on learning the harder math oppposed to being overly concerned about keeping my GPA at a 4.0 without the tougher math. My preparation would be different with the Math. I would also try and find out more about the university's history as it plays an important role in why the staffers feel the way they do about the students and their reputation. I would not trade my decision about attending Loyola, I just needed to study it more!

Olivia

Olivia: Break up with your boyfriend Make friends quickly Don't be shy Be honest and forthright with everyone Don't drink 2 cups of jungle juice in 20 minutes Be more involved in everything Call your parents more and dont just wait until they call you to talk to them Read your bible Study Spanish more Study Chemistry more Bring an umbrella - you live in a city known for having hurricanes

Violet

I would tell myself to explore more colleges and actually visit them. Don't be afraid to venture outside of your comfort zone because you may find that where you truly belong is way out there.

Danyell

I would tell myself to work a little harder senior year when 'senioritis' started to kick in. I would also tell myself to get involved in a few more clubs and activities. I would tell myself to start looking for scholarships starting freshman year in order to know what was out there.

Julie

You will not be happy until you decide what you love, and decide to become passionate about it.

Caroline

My advice to you is to talk to that strange kid in your core curriculum class (he'll end up being the sweetest friend you can make), don't assume. Even if you don't like your roommate, talk to them because they will give you an unbiased view and still feel the same about you as before. On that note, don't room with a friend unless you want to lose them. By the way, that friend you had in high school who was so cool, isn't really that great. It's OK to just be acquaintances. Don't rely on someone from home to be your comfort blanket, you will resent each other. Eat out, study in the library, pick up flyers, read bulletin boards, go to shows, and go to meetings. If it's between a party and writing a paper, write the paper; the party will still be there once you're done, I promise. Know your limits, and take care of those who don't. Call home, your mother misses you. You don't need all that clothing. Remember that life is long and college is short, you are stronger than you know.

Brandy

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Erika

Follow your heart. When your doing something you love and know what the future may hold in making that decision, you will have no regrets. As long as you do the work thats involved in succeding in that field. As a music major i am often criticized for my decision on continuing my studies in the music field. But it is my passion and I am confident that I have what it takes to make it. Take advantage of the oppportunities that come your way and network.

Christina

Go with whatever your heart is telling you. Loyola was always my first choice, but I "chickened out" to stay closer to friends, and went to the state school instead. It was probably the worst mistake I've ever made. My gut told me to go to Loyola, but I refused to listen. Luckily, I was able to transfer the following year, and had the best year of my life. I love everything about Loyola, and have since the moment I first toured it four years ago. My love for Loyola University and the city of New Orleans has grown since that time. Financing and scholarships are always available to students and families who need it, so don't let that keep you from achieving your dream.

Anthony

Even though this doesn't come to the forefront of your mind when thinking about college experiences, make sure you pick a college that won't cost you too much out of pocket. Financial expenses can cause a huge amount of stress that ruins the whole experience. Other than money, make sure the campus is comfortable and the student body is relatable.

Caressa

The advice I would give parents is support your child's passion. As a music major I am very grateful to have been blessed with a family that supports the direction I have planned to take at Loyola University New Orleans. I feel that if a person is truly passionate about something they will succeed in many ways, and some of these successes may not be the practical means of success. The support that a family is able to give their child is the purest and strongest foundation for allowing someone the opportunity to become an amazing person, as well as successful in whatever he/she chooses. The most important thing a parent can do for their child is believe in their child's abilities with all their heart and support them in their first choice university. My advice for students is to always strive to do your best in college. Don't get caught up in the hype of independece and abuse the amazing opportunies and education you are being allowed. Make time for your friends and family, even when times are hectic, because they will always lift your spirits when you're down because they love you.

Deidre

I made the mistake of only applying to one school. I made the right choice, but remember to keep your options open and apply to as many places as you can.

Meaghan

Go with the school that's the best fit for you rather than what'll impress other people.

Micaela

My journey to Loyola was a very unexpected and spontaneous one. Loyola was not my first choice, nor was it my second, third, or even fourth. I started applying to schools, "sure" of what I wanted to study. However, as a prospective voice major, my parents forced me to think "rationally", urging me to persue a degree which could serve as a fall back option should it be difficult to find work; "a safety." So, instead of applying to colleges for a musical theatre degree, I applied as a music therapy degree. I stumbled upon Loyola by accident, and it happened to be just the right atmosphere for me. Beautiful campus... beautiful city... beautiful people. It turned out to be the best decision of my life. Granted, I changed my major to vocal performance during the first month of school... but that's a different story. My advice is to listen to your children and believe that they want something when they want it. Look through all options... and don't give up if you get rejected. I applied to 10 schools, and got into 2. However, one of those schools was Loyola... thank goodness for that.

Danielle

Visit the college of your choice before attending. You may learn and see things that you did not expect. Spend a day in the life of a college student to learn the realities of college - the workload and the pressure. Also, be encouraged in knowing that you will meet the people that will be your friends for the rest of your life! Don't be shy - get to know people! The college experience is much more fun and worth-while when you are outgoing and adventurous!

Claire

First and foremost, visiting the schools I was interested in prior to acceptance was the biggest thing for me. Without that trip I would have ended up in a small town that was very uncomfortable for my needs. Instead, I ended up at the best place I could ever hope to attend school at: Loyola. It really has been a dream come true. And in terms of the college experience, never ever be afraid to stand up and take an opportunity when it presents itself. By becoming good friends with my professors, studying with friends, and not being afraid to shake someone's hand, I've made it all the way to New York for an internship, I work at the best jazz hall downtown, and I'm already planning events for a local non-profit (an area I'd like to get into once I graduate). And lastly, ASK QUESTIONS! YOU are paying the money to go to that school, so make sure you learn the things that YOU want to know! So many people and professors are willing to give extra advice, all it takes is the right questions. So never put that hand down.

Alexandra

Find a place that you feel comfortable at. Pay attention to how the people, the buildings, and the atmosphere make you feel. You should have a warm and content (even excited) feeling when you visit. Pick a school that prides itself on the sucess of its students. You can judge this by how much they emphasize extra-curricular activities. It is so important to be involved, find a passion, and having something wonderful to take you away from always working hard in the class room. College is a time to prepare yourself for a career, but it should also be very fun. College is such a special time for people and it is important to find a place where you feel really comfortable and happy. Things such as student organizations, work study programs, clubs, sports, and study abroad should be strongly accentuated for personal development. When pickng a school, it is important to pick one that strives for its students to have diverse opportunities and experiences. What a person learns in a classroom is important, but it is experience that builds character. Find a place where you can be yourself, find your own place in the world, and love it.

Elizabeth

Make sure that you look closely at the larger campuses and see it they are truely lagit. Smaller might be better!