Loyola Marymount University (LMU)

Loyola Marymount University is a Catholic university founded in the Jesuit tradition. These roots are reflected in the academics, which often incorporate "ethical views from the Jesuit practices." Students find the overall academic experience to be "challenging and fulfilling." As one student says, "LMU courses put you to work-not busy work, but meaningful work that you will learn from." Students describe an atmosphere where "everybody is willing to help each other" and fellow classmates are "open to collaboration on assignments and projects so that everyone can be successful." As one student puts it, "Never have I felt a sense of rivalry or competition amongst my peers." The faculty are described as being "more like mentors" who are "very friendly" and "attentive to students' questions and concerns." As one student puts it, "The professors at LMU want to see you succeed and will do anything to help you do that." This is good news for career-oriented students, as "professors will genuinely make an effort to connect students with internship[s]" and "lead you to many different opportunities on and off campus." Students appreciate the hands-on approach taken in many classes, whether it's film students getting experience "directing or using a camera," marketing students collaborating with "real businesses," or science classes traveling to "various field sites during lab time, such as the beach, hikes, parks, and Catalina Island."

Students describe their peers as "creative, progressive, and passionate." Although some report that LMU doesn't have the stereotypical "school spirit because we are a smaller school with less of an emphasis on sports," overall LMU is "very social." One student emphasizes that it's "still surprising after three semesters how kind and friendly people are here." Many students describe "a very diverse student body," while others say LMU could improve on diversity. One common theme from students is that the campus is a place that's "composed of communities for all kinds of people to fit in" with programming that "caters to every student." Students say that LMU "feels like a small community where everyone know each other, which is very nice." As one person describes it, "You can make friends just by chatting with people in a line at a dining place on campus." Overall, students describe a community that is "tight knit and very supportive of each other." And as one student sums up, "You can always find your group of people where you fit in."

The campus provides many opportunities to soak up the sunshine, including the lawns of the Sunken Gardens and the Bluff and "having views of both the ocean and LA never gets old." Students also enjoy using the gym and attending the workout classes, where instructors "foster a fun environment." Another favorite event is Wellness Wednesdays, a weekly market where "small businesses set up booths and showcase their items for sale." Students at LMU "fill their day with extracurricular activities." Outdoor recreation is popular, including surfing and hiking as well as intramural sports like beach volleyball and soccer. "Everyone is involved in something," explains one student. Whether it's rock climbing, open mic night, cultural clubs, Greek life, service organizations, or 3D printing, there is "something here for everyone." For getting off-campus, exploring Los Angeles is a frequent activity. LMU provides a shuttle to the nearby neighborhood of Playa Vista where students often shop at the farmer's market or see a movie. Students note that exploring beyond Playa Vista requires the use of a car, but for many, the proximity to all of what LA offers is a big perk. As one student who loves exploring the city says, "I've been here four years and I feel like I have barely scratched the surface of what is here."