Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
Baton Rouge, LA, USA

Reviews

Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

Jordann from Humble, TX

a current student here
26 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Because LSU does have rigorous academics, I would advise, if possible, to take dual-credit courses during high school to help prepare you for the teaching styles, and hard classes that you will have to take here at LSU.
Bang for the buck
If you are an out-of-state student like me, be sure that you are aware of all the different scholarships that LSU offers. In fact, I got my out-of-state fees waved because my Mom attended an LSU affiliate school. So be aware that there are ways to attend your dream school!
Tips for prospective students
The best advice I could give a prospective LSU student would be, if you are able to attend a bridge program or simply take classes during the summer before your first fall semester, do so. I had the opportunity to attend a summer bridge program which allowed me to attend two classes, have free room and board, and become familiar with the campus before the fall semester began. Not only do you become familiar with the campus and learn to live on your own, you also learn the way things are done at the school, as well as simply meet people.
Great for these types of students
LSU is probably best for students that don't mind being in a class of 200 or more. You also have to have thick-skin coming to a school of 32,000 people, your teacher probably won't know you exist, and the campus is huge so you must be ready to walk a lot!

Kenneth from Baton Rouge, LA

a current student here
19 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
LSU is facing financial uncertainty, but the academic core of classes and offerings is kept in tact. Student to faculty ratio is about 21:1, which is great considering the 28,000 students that attend the school. Courses challenge students to learn, and opportunities to engage in service learning and communication intense courses allow students to develop real life skills while learning core curriculum. There are plenty of opportunities to stand out and educate yourself for success, should you choose to take advantage of them.
Am enjoying being here
LSU has over 375 student organizations, and there is literally something for everyone. One thing that I would definitely recommend is joining a student organization (or two!) It makes the seemingly large campus very small and gives you a close group of peers to count on. The cajun culture is unique, you won't find friendlier people anywhere else. You can go anywhere around campus on a home football game day and be greeted as friends (as long as you're dressed in purple and gold!) LSU is a thriving community filled with culture and diversity, there is no place like it.
Bang for the buck
I came from Georgia, and through scholarships I attend LSU free of tuition. They are definitely trying to improve competitiveness with other universities across the nation, and for the third year in a row they have ranked in USA Today's top tier of public universities. LSU is a public university that offers private school opportunities; from research to service to experience.
Tips for prospective students
Get involved, you won't regret it. You'll make so many more friends and probably do yourself some networking for the future in the process. Also I would definitely recommend going to class. Nothing breaks your motivation and focus in schoolwork faster than skipping out on classes. Immerse yourself in LSU and let yourself be filled with pride, and you'll be happier than you could ever imagine at LSU.
Great for these types of students
Students who want to get involved, students who love SEC football, students who want to have a lot of opportunities at a fair cost.

Lauren from The Woodlands, TX

a current student here
12 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Here at LSU we love purple and live gold. It is a place full of opportunity and potential where anyone can start and make a new life for themselves. The pride each of the students feel for our beloved university is seen with every award we win, national championship we earn, and our drive for excellence every day.
Tips for prospective students
Take the time to develop good relationships with your professors. I have had times when I need a letter of recommendation from a past professor of mine. In the case that you have 300 students in a class, it is essential to make lasting impressions with your professors in the chance that you may need their help down the road.
Go to athletic functions. There is nothing like going to support your university at a football game, gymnastics meet, or tennis match while you are still an undergraduate. You get in to most athletic functions for free with your student ID so take advantage of it! You meet some really cool people along the way as well! (I met Brady James at a gymnastics meet one time!)
Get Involved. Yes college can be overwhelming, but there are plenty of ways to get involved and meet people. I am a Director on our Programming Council for my sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha, and I also participate in many events for Volunteer LSU. My favorite is going to the local elementary school to read to the kids! LSU has an activities fair in our student union at the beginning of each semester for you to see what type of clubs and organizations are out there!
Academic Rigor
I am a Finance major taking honors classes, so my classes are a bit more challenging compared to my roommates education classes. Regardless of your major however, you still need to put in the time and effort in order to the get the grades you want. I study pretty regularly and have been able to maintain a 3.6 GPA my entire college career. Stay on top of your workload and GO TO CLASS and you will have no problems! Also, take advantage of the free tutoring in the LSU library! Help is available for those who want for it!
Dorm Life
I loved living in a dorm as a freshman. I lived in the all girls dorm, Miller, and met some of my best friends there. It is a right of passage as a college student. Sure, the living space is smaller than what most people would like, but the Resident Advisors are awesome and the convenience of being on campus is unbeatable (especially on gamedays!) The dorms always have some kind of weekly event planned for you to meet people as well.
Food and Dining
LSU has an awesome dining hall set up! The student union has Chick-Fil-A, Panda Express, Salsarita's (a Mexican place), Jamba Juice, McDonald's, Einstein Bro's and a couple convenience and coffee shops as well. The two dining halls on campus (the 459 and the 5) have excellent breakfast, lunch and dinner. Cereal and waffles are always available as well as pizza and sandwiches for lunch and dinner. They change their menu daily to include stir fry, pasta, make your own omelets and sometimes red beans and rice or another speciality. Very good food overall! The restaurant scene around the LSU campus is excellent as well. Walk-On's is a very popular local place with a great atmosphere for Game Day's and to take your family when they visit. The Chimes, Louie's, Chelsea's and Fat Cow are some other local hot spots that are sure to please any taste palate!
What to do for fun
There are plenty of fun things to do in Baton Rouge. Locally, there are some great night spots with Tigerland being the most popular area on Thursday nights and into the weekend. Perkin's row is located 20 minutes from campus with lots of shopping and dining away from the college crowd. There are also a few movie theaters in the area for a date night or to hang out with some friends. The Varsity is a local concert hall with bands playing weekly. I have been there for multiple concerts with my favorite being Eli Young Band. A very fun spot to hang out with friends and enjoy good music! Located only an hour and a half from New Orleans, you can always plan a weekend get away to see a Saint's game and grab some beignet's at Cafe Du Monde as well.
Bang for the buck
LSU is worth every dime! The quality of professors is outstanding and the facilities on campus are state of the art. We just opened a 6 million dollar business complex which is absolutely beautiful. Constant upgrades to campus facilities are being added every year. However, in my opinion, you can't put a price tag on tradition and ongoing excellence.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Go to the LSU Dairy Store! This is one of my favorite spots on campus. LSU makes homemade ice cream on campus daily with Blueberry Cheesecake being a top seller. After you get some ice cream, take a walk to visit the one and only Mike the Tiger in his state of the art tiger cage. There are so many people who don't take the time to appreciate the little things on campus just like this. You are only in college for so long- enjoy every second of it!
Clubs and Activities
LSU has so many different ways to get involved!! There is literally a club for everyone. From academic clubs to athletic organizations, go to the activities fair at the beginning of the semester to find out which clubs you might be interested in. If nothing else you will walk out with lots of free t-shirts and other giveaways!
Greek Life
LSU has an excellent Greek Life. As a member of the Panhellenic community, I cannot speak highly enough about how much sorority life has enriched my time here in college. There are lots of fun social aspects about fraternities and sororities, but there is also much potential for leadership and giving back to the community. Each greek organization has a philanthropy that they work very hard to support with different and fun events around campus and in the community. I might also add that all of the houses are beautiful and I have made some lifetime friends as well!
Campus Safety
Very safe campus! LSU police are on patrol 24/7 and I have never had a problem walking around campus at night with a friend. Don't be naive- bad things can happen but if you are alert and aware of your surroundings you will be just fine. Campus Transit is a night bus that will pick you up and take you to any location on campus from about 5pm- 2am every night.

Shanae from Randallstown, MD

a current student here
11 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
At LSU, many of the professors are actually interested in you learning. After being in a class as small as 20, to being in a class as big as 300, the professors are always encouraging student involvement with questions and working in groups. They are usually very flexible with office hours and there are plenty of tutorial centers and student tutors willing to help. Some people who are scared to ask for help usually have friends in the same classes that are able to help. They always tell us networking is a must!
Am enjoying being here
I enjoy being a student at LSU. There are a lot of different people here, there are different clubs and student organizations that fit every personality, and there's usually something to do or somewhere to go on the weekends. Football season is always entertaining! I have never been tailgating before I came here and I usually enjoy it, although its more fun for big games. Athletic events are fun as well because there so much school spirit!
Bang for the buck
I love the school. Its going through some major budget cuts right now, but the experience is worth it. I know a lot of in-state students who have TOPS. Many out-of-state students just find scholarships and financial aid. When you become an upperclassmen, you'll see that getting a meal plan isn't that important. That's why you make freshman friends.
Tips for prospective students
Honestly, be yourself and do what makes you happy. Being here, i found a lot of things that I enjoy doing and found people that like me for who I am. And DO NOT become roommates with someone you are friends with, unless you've known them for a long time or lived with them before. I had to learn about that the hard way with one of my roommates because we are no longer friends. Also, if you don't have a car, make sure you make at least 1 friend with one.
Great for these types of students
Its a good school for anybody with any major. LSU has really good Mass Communications and Business majors. If you don't like your major, its not hard to find something you love or something you want to work with in the future. I changed my major from computer engineering to sport administration and its the best decision i've made yet. And as an african-american student, the african-american community here is tight and there's always a chance to meet each other.

Hannah from New Iberia, LA

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
My case is quite different since I went to a college-like high school. LSU uses some of the same books and publishers my high school did. Regardless, some courses can be challenging, and the tests usually make you analyze and infer information. You'll write a lot of essays here, but the teachers are here to help. Learning occurs both in the classrooms and out of them.
Am enjoying being here
I love being here. LSU is really big for a Louisiana college, but it has lots or resources, including extracurricular clubs, a gym (REC center), and lots of other cool freebies on their website. I love how LSU is like one big family, but then there are more little families located inside of it. There's something here for everyone, and I'm pretty sure nearly everyone has a special place here.
Bang for the buck
Tuition has been rising, but it's pretty cheap compared to other flagship schools. Sometimes tuition at LSU is cheaper for out-of-state students than for those students to go in-state. Food and books can get costly and so can dorm rooms and apartments. However, I'd rather pay the money and come to LSU because of the people you meet and the families that you create.
Tips for prospective students
Touring the campus would be a good idea. The campus takes about 15--20 minutes to cross, but don't let that stop you! It's not so big once you get use of it. If you're touring LSU, you should definitely stop by and see Mike the Tiger and the Dairy store. I encourage you to do the best you can and get into the Honors College. You get your own special location on campus with your own classroom building and dorms. Plus you get to schedule early. Game days are hectic, but there are lots of awesome football chants, and when LSU plays, they put on a show. I also encourage prospective students to apply REALLY early for housing since it goes quickly. If you can't get on campus, don't panic. There are lots of apartments near by that are on a free bus route to LSU. It's also important to get involved with a club as soon as possible so you don't feel lost by the number of people on the campus. We have lots of awesome things, including transit, the library where they host a rave once a semester, the union with lots of food, a book store, a parade grounds where they host lots of competitions and events. There's probably something for everyone here.
Great for these types of students
I would recommend students who want to learn yet want a good social life at the same time. It's also good for students who love sports. If you live in Louisiana, LSU is probably one of your better schools to go to. It's especially great for Architecture students (the program is HIGHLY rigorous), engineering students, and students who want to do research.

Chris from Mandeville, LA

accepted here and planning to attend soon
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Will learn a lot
This school offers a broad spectrum of majors, and has top of the line professors!
Will enjoy being here
The social environment of this campus is wonderful, theres always a lot of people out on the quad, the school has clubs for everything you could ever imagine, and the large number of students ensures that people will be able to make friends.
Bang for the buck
This school isn't too expensive, especially for in-state students receiving TOPS.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure to apply early so that you can maximize your chances for scholarships as well as to increase your chances of living in the dorm of your choice.
Great for these types of students
Social, outgoing, intelligent students will thrive in this environment.

Michael from Tucker, GA

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
LSU is a huge, diverse university with tons of tradition and school pride. From academics, to football, to student groups and Greek life, LSU has something for everyone. You are guaranteed to learn and live well at LSU.
Tips for prospective students
Go and and do stuff. This is the best advice I can give. There are student groups for everything, football games, events at the Union, etc. Just go out and do things and you will meet people and have fun. But don't forget to GO TO CLASS. Everything else is easier if you just go to class.
Academic Rigor
The easiest way to succeed is to go to class. If you go to class, and pay attention instead of checking Facebook or your phone, you will succeed. And you'll learn things too!
Dorm Life
If you like to party and prefer a more active dorm experience, live on the west side of campus. Expect plenty of noise most days if you do, but also lots of fun. If you prefer a more laid back, academic experience, live on the east side of campus. While still very active socially, there's less of an in-house party culture.
Food and Dining
LSU has an all-you-can-eat style meal plan, so as long as you have meals, you can have whatever you like. The variety is great, and the food is always fresh. There are also plenty of fast food options nearby, with a few that give meal exchanges for your dining hall meals.
What to do for fun
There are numerous things to do for fun at LSU. There is a club for just about everything, from Ballroom Dancing to Starcraft. Football games are also always a good bet for fun. There are plenty of parties, and plenty of bars and clubs in the area, always packed with students. As long as you don't sit at home, you'll find something fun to do.
Bang for the buck
If you are an in-state student, there is no reason not to go to LSU. It is the best deal for your TOPS scholarship. If you are out of state, still look in to LSU. I was able to get enough financial aid that it would have been about the same cost as attending school in state. Definitely worth the money.
Great for these types of students
Great for all types of students. There's plenty of everything at a campus this large, you just have to go out and find it!
Clubs and Activities
There are clubs for everything at LSU. And if there isn't a club for something you are looking for, it's very easy to start one. I myself am an active member of the Ballroom Dance club.
Greek Life
Greek Life is there if you want it at LSU, but if you prefer not to, you won't feel left out. There are plenty of both Greeks and non-Greeks at LSU, and you'll have a good time either way you decide to go.
Campus Safety
I have never had any problems with safety on campus. The police are active, there are plenty of transportation options to avoid walking around alone at night, and as you get to know your neighbors, you start to watch out for each other.

Megan from Port Allen, LA

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
This college is a lot of fun and offers many programs and clubs. They have a great student outreach program and have many events for students. There are many benefits to being at the college.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure to get involved on campus! Make sure to make friends in each class and introduce yourself to the professor. Always stay on top of assignments and study hard!
Academic Rigor
This college has a demanding work load. You will need to organize your time wisely and stay on top of assignments. The actual work isn't all that hard though.
Dorm Life
Dorm life is everything here. You will gain friends quickly and learn insider tips to living on campus.
Food and Dining
We have two awesome cafeterias on campus as well as numerous popular food chains in the union. No matter what you're craving there will be a place for you to eat!
What to do for fun
There's always student activities being offered. One popular thing is to meet up for flag football or frisby after class on the parade grounds. Also being so close to downtown you can go check out the night life.
Bang for the buck
Being from Louisiana is was great to find a college so established close to home. It's a gorgeous campus with many opportunities.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
We have MANY unusual traditions here at LSU. Our football tailgate parties are something that cannot be described. You have to come to one to understand the magic! Another thing we have is our beloved clock tower. It's at the center of campus and a symbol of our school. Many couples come here for new years or valentine's night for a kiss. They say you'll be together forever. One more fun, but weird, thing we do is voting to have someone from our football team kiss the pig!
Great for these types of students
We have a WIDE variety of students on campus. Probably someone outgoing and friendly would do well at this campus. Don't be afraid to express yourself and let you geek flag fly! Fashion forward students also blend in well.
Clubs and Activities
We have designated day where we have club fairs that take up all of campus. We have more clubs and activities than I can count! There's something for everyone!
Greek Life
It's huge here on campus. They basically dominate everything and have some many events. We also have NUMEROUS houses to join.
Campus Safety
Being that we're by downtown Baton Rouge we aren't exactly the best place to be at night. However, LSU has gone to great lengths to ensure student safety and for the most part campus is a great place to hang out with little crime.

Sarah from Baton Rouge, LA

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
They have many services to help students, when I came from BRCC I was surprised at how there are colleges that actually care for the students. The staff is very helpful and they take care of things timely. Everyone is very friendly too.
Tips for prospective students
Apply early! Also if you have questions, they respond to e-mails really fast. Oh and the parking lot can be confusing, you have to buy a parking pass from the parking box instead of paying when you come back to leave.
Academic Rigor
They have lots of tutoring available to those who need it, but it's also free. The classes seem structured well and the professors have done research in their field, so they are very knowledgeable, they even have their publications on the LSU website.
Food and Dining
There is a sweet little Vietnamese place close by, as well as many other restaurants. At the orientation they even offered a vegetarian option which was sweet.
Great for these types of students
I think they try to accommodate most student-types. They have so many clubs that even some as anxious as me, could get into one. They also offer a lot of sports, they try to accommodate different learning types. There are research programs available.

Lynn from Baton Rouge, LA

accepted here and planning to attend soon
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
G-E-A-U-X Tigers!!!
Academic Rigor
LSU doesn't joke around when it comes to academics. Get ready for a couple of tough semesters.
Dorm Life
Living in the dorm is a whole new experience. I recommend it for any first time freshman. It's a great way to meet new people and make life long friends.
Food and Dining
LSU has a lot of food choices: insomnia cookies (open for the late night cookie lovers), Canes (for all chicken lovers), Chipotle (for the 21st century student), and the list goes on.
What to do for fun
LSU is in the heart of Baton Rouge, the possibilities are endless.
Clubs and Activities
Whatever club you want, they supply.
Campus Safety
LSU has great campus security.