Loyola University - Chicago

There was one Greek house on campus my freshman year that got shut down by the university administration due to alcohol violations and rumors of other debauchery. However, 3 fraternities remain, as well as a few sports teams? houses that provide much of the social life if you are in to that sort of thing. Their houses are located just north of campus, mainly on Northshore and Columbia Avenues.

Academics- Loyola provided a much more rigorous educational experience than I could have imagined. Since many students here are study-bugs, and since teachers can't allow rampant GPA inflation, you will work HARD to earn you're A. I?m convinced after coming here that professors grade on a curve, no matter what they tell you. This last semester I had THREE classes where the ?A? cut off at 95%. How ridiculous is that?? Overall, though I hated it at first, I?m glad to have come to a place with an academic feel such as Loyola?s. I?m convinced I?m learning more here with my B+ in any given class than I would at an easier school where an ?A? was more obtainable.

Students- I?ve found most people here to be exceptionally friendly and easy to talk to. Study groups (surprise) are a popular way to meet people here. I?m one of the few straight guys (*sarcasm*, there are about 2,500 of us) at Loyola, so an over-abundance of estrogen follows me everywhere I go. Some girls can be drama-causing, however I realized this is the case at all schools- I think it's just more obvious at a school that is 70% female. Politically, many students here lean liberal or libertarian. Very few students are hard-core Christians or adhere to far-right politics.

Campus- This place is gorgeous and they are only making it better with each year. Living in Chicago, this place has typical urban safety concerns. Don't walk alone at night into the wrong neighborhoods and you'll be fine. I walk all over campus at odd hours and have never felt unsafe or threatened. Campus Safety is quick to respond in any event.

Overall, my time here has been excellent. The university has provided me opportunities to grow and learn that no other school could have. Never have I gone to a school where I felt more out-of-place originally (the definition of diversity) and grown to love. Cheers to you LUC!