Loyola Marymount University
Los Angeles, CA, USA

Reviews

Loyola Marymount University

Maribel from Los Angeles, CA

a current student here
21 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The professors are all very down to earth. Professors here understand what information and knowledge is needed in the real world and wont try to fill your head up with unnecessary jargon.
Am enjoying being here
There is nothing better than a beautiful campus with an even more beautiful view. The campus and people are so relaxed. Don't be surprised if you see a few people tanning outside in the summer months. Its hard to miss home when your school has more palm trees than a vacation resort. Convo hour (Tuesdays and Thursdays 12-1) is by far the best idea I have ever heard of on a college campus. There is nothing better than a school wide hour without classes, not to mention the concerts, fairs, and yard sales.
Bang for the buck
So its a little pricey. What great school isn't? Believe me, this education is worth it.
Tips for prospective students
Get involved!
Go to Convo hour events!
Check out the Lion Den and the Living Room!
Great for these types of students
Students who enjoy a more artistic, liberal view would enjoy Loyola Marymount. Even if your major is math or science, you can't help getting into some of the events. Outgoing, active students would absolutely love LMU.

Kelly from Los Alamitos, CA

a current student here
17 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I have been able to learn so much from just one year at LMU. Since LMU is a private catholic university all students do have to take a philosophy and theology class, which at first I thought were going to be horrible but actually they were really interesting and not at all what I would have expected. All the teachers here are extremely helpful and always there if you need help, even if they don't have office hours that day.
Am enjoying being here
LMU was my dream school and it has lived up to every expectation I had. Of course the transition to living on a college campus took a little time to get use to but the key is to just get involved. There is so much to do on campus like Greek life, service organizations, sports, and a ton of different clubs.
Bang for the buck
Private Catholic University= extremely high tuition rates but I feel like if you put in the effort in your classes and your social life you will get back everything you are paying for. One of the best things about LMU is that it is such a small campus that it's really hard to get lost and the biggest class I have had so far is 25 people and next semester I'm taking a class with 6 people. I love the small class sizes because then you are able to make a more personally connection with your professors which is great when you need a letter of recommendation.
Tips for prospective students
Don't focus too much on the social aspect of college at first because it becomes really easy for you to get lost in your class work and with the high price tag on this college most students definitely try to get out in 4 years, if not sooner, to save money.
Great for these types of students
Focused students who have a pretty good idea of what they want to major in, otherwise it could be a big waste of money for you.

Alejandro from Chula Vista, CA

a current student here
13 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Well, what can I say. I just finished my first semester at LMU and I am loving it! The first thing I told my dad when he picked me up last week was, I think I learned more this semester alone at LMU than during my four years in high school. You might think that my high school was bad but it was actually a very hard school. I just think that the way professors at LMU prepare class makes it very interesting and encouraging to pay attention. Another neat thing at LMU is that the average class size is 25 students. This is really cool because almost every professor knows you by your name and encourages you to visit during officer hours. Working with professors during office hours is the best. They are very helpful and at the same time fun. During the semester my english professor helped me with my essays at least ten times! Where else can you can get all this attention?! ONLY AT LMU! LMU is the perfect place to learn! The professors and the classes offered are the best! I am so anxious to start 2nd semester.
Am enjoying being here
LMU is in Los Angeles. great weather, great people, beautiful campus, and the beach is short bike away. Marina del Rey is awesome! Where else do you want to be? LMU is situated atop what LMU students call the bluff. It is a very safe and nice area! I love LMU and I am enjoying 100% my college experience at LMU!
Bang for the buck
Yes LMU is very expensive but every penny you pay is worth it. There are so many opportunities and things to do in school. LMU has Division I sports (soccer,tennis,basketball water polo...), sport clubs(soccer, tennis, rugby...), intramurals very popular at LMU (football, indoor/outdoor soccer, tennis, ping pong, basketball) random fun clubs, frats, sororities, service organizations, study groups, and dorm activities. When I arrived to LMU I was overwhelmed by all the opportnities offered. I wanted to do so many things. I was very excited and signed up for a lot of things. This semester I did a little bit of everything. Feed the hungry (make sandwhiches for homeless in Santa Monica), El Espejo (mentoring group), MeCha group, Tennis club, and LBSA (latino business student association). Next semester I plan to be in Crimson Circle, a service organization and in my dorm activities group. Before coming LMU I was very nervous and a little stressed that my parents where paying so much money for college. After finishing my first semester I now know that the cost of LMU is worth it. Both the Academics and the Extracurriculars at LMU are the best!
Tips for prospective students
Visit the campus before applying or registering. LMU is very beautiful and clean don't get me wrong but LMU is also a very small. If you are looking for this kind of campus I think LMU is your best choice. Before choosing your dorm visit the dorms during an open house. There are some new dorms and some very old ones. I am in rosecrans and even though its fun it is also the oldest dorm in LMU. Rosecrans can get very dirty sometimes. So if you are a very clean person stay away from Rosecrans. I suggest the new Del Reys either North or South. Both of them are awesome.
Great for these types of students
I think that LMU is a great place for everyone but if I had to choose I would say outgoing and active people. LMU is a campus that encourages you to stay active and participate. There is always something going on! I also think this campus is for very laid back people. According to me and fellow students the campus has a very California GO LIONS! ROAR!

cg12 from MN

a current student here
8 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Loyola Marymount University boasts a beautiful campus, friendly students and amazing professors. The location provides a perfect combination of learning opportunities and places to have fun on the weekend. The school's deep Jesuit Catholic tradition means that there is a focus on learning for life and becoming men and women for others, a focus that reaches into every class students take, especially in the interesting and thought-provoking core curriculum.
Tips for prospective students
Come to a preview weekend to see what LMU is all about. Be honest in your application and do an interview if you think it will help.
Academic Rigor
There's a lot of reading that can be hard to keep up with. Some classes have multiple midterms throughout the semester. But professors do a good job acknowledging that students have multiple classes and checking dates of other class's midterms. There is always a place to study, because the library is open 24 hrs a day, and the librarians are great resources for helping students find information.
Dorm Life
Freshman dorms are relatively large, and upperclassmen live in suites and apartments. The walk to get food is relatively short. They do a good job keeping the dorms clean, too. Most of the freshman dorms have closets, too, and some even have sinks. If you're looking to hang out with people, there's always someone in the dorm lounge, which have TVs and comfortable furniture.
Food and Dining
The food in the main cafeteria is good the first few weeks, but gets repetitive, which is expected. There are a lot of options on campus, including a 1950's themed diner, and the Domino's that delivers to campus accepts the meal plan as payment!
What to do for fun
Students here are really big into service, and every few weeks there are service trips to Mexico. There's a movie theater on campus that shows movies that are out of theaters but not on DVD yet. The gym is also really nice, and always busy. The school programming team does this event called Thursday Night Things, where they put together activities in the quad, like laser tag or tie-dying. Every Monday, there's open-mic, where students perform music or stand-up for each other.

On the weekends, it's easy to go to Santa Monica or Venice, or the nearby Westfield shopping mall by taking the Lion Express, a shuttle service offered by the school.There are also things to do around campus, and the programming team puts together weekend events too, like a trip to Korea town or sporting events.
Bang for the buck
The library is open 24 hours a day, the professors are always willing to work with you, and you can't beat the view from the bluff. There are just a lot of little things- cost of food, for example- that seem ridiculously high.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
We throw people into the Foley Fountain at midnight on their birthday.

Each year, the freshman dorms face off in the Hall Brawls, which include events like flag football, a field day, knowledge bowl, and a dodge ball tournament. The winning dorm gets glory, donuts, and a trophy.
Great for these types of students
It's great for laid back students who can also work hard and remember that although they're in LA, they're at school to learn.
Clubs and Activities
Service organizations, chemistry society, gay-straight alliance, club & intramural sports- you name it, it's probably a club at LMU. There's even a Harry Potter club called Dumbledore's Army.
Greek Life
It's present, but it's not the end-all-be-all at LMU. Most students aren't involved with Greek Life. That being said, if it's what you're looking for, it's here. A lot of the sororities are about service and charity work.
Campus Safety
I have never felt scared while walking around campus at night. Public Safety is really present and the school has a blue light emergency phone system.

Daniel from Mission Viejo, CA

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Being from a big high school, it's great to still have a small class size class in college. The average class size of all my classes is about 20. Professors know each student by name and even take attendance which can be a nuisance if you skip class a lot but on the other hand can help you out by forcing you to not skip class and stay on top of your school work. Professors encourage office hours and it is a great opportunity to be able to get to know them on a personal basis.
Am enjoying being here
While the party scene is not big here, the student body is constantly having events on campus that will suit everyones needs. However, LMU is a type of school that if you seek it, you will find it. If you are a party animal or interested in an occasional party or two, then there is greek life which would satisfy everyones needs. Greek Life is a pretty big part of the social scene but if you are more reserved, there is always the option of Service Organizations. While LMU is a small private school, LMU offers a little bit of everything, and everyone can find their own niche here.
Bang for the buck
There are many well-to-do type of people that either are students or associates with the school, and as a student you will be able to network with them. The school is constantly having different types of speakers for all sorts of majors come on campus and have meet and greets and speeches to talk about their profession. Furthermore, there are many workshops, especially for freshman, that can help you build your resume, develop better study skills, and even offer free tutoring/essay revisions in the The Learning Center. If you need help in any way all the staff and professors are available, and are willing to go out of your way to help you succeed.
Tips for prospective students
If you qualify for financial aid check out the Student Worker Program. Go to LMU's website and type in Student Worker Program and you can get all the information there. While this program gets confused with work study, the Student Worker Program is completely different. Work study only offers $2,200 to $3,500 to work for while in college, however, the Student Worker Program offers an unlimited amount, which means you can make anywhere between $20,000-$32,000 while in college. While it is a lot of hard work, being in this program has allowed me to come to a great university and not have any debts/loans to pay off after college.
Great for these types of students
Small college
Small class sizes.
Personal relationships with professors.
Would like to have a good connections/networks
Want to go to a private school without the pressure of religion being overbearing.
LMU is a home away from home.
Close to the beach, yet close to Los Angeles.
Looking to have a balanced lifestyle of partying and school work

Jasmine from Los Angeles, CA

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
There is a wide range of classes you can take as well as a lot of professors who are more than willing to help you to succeed academically. It is also easier to learn when the class sizes are 30 or less.
Am enjoying being here
The campus is so beautiful, and the atmosphere is so welcoming and fun. There a lot of things you can get involved in on campus to make your experience what you want it to be.
Bang for the buck
It is a pricey school to attend, but it is obvious why when you see all the materials and resources you have access to and how all of the buildings are set up. There is also a lot of free stuff that the school provides.
Tips for prospective students
Look at as much of the school as you can. If you can, stay overnight with a host. Look at all of the dorms, and decide which ones you like best. If you attend the school, go to Convo; it's the only time during the day on Tuesdays and Thursdays when no one has classes. Try to join a club/organization, sports team, service organization, or a fraternity/sorority so that you have something else to do other than schoolwork.
Great for these types of students
Students who like small class sizes, a liberal arts education, well-rounded experiences outside of the classroom, more resources available than can be used, and being involved on or off campus would enjoy going to LMU.

Kelly from MORGAN HILL, CA

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
LMU's goal is to have every graduating student leave campus with a well rounded education. The requirements of a degree entail not only courses from your major, but courses that further develop your knowledge of life. I have learned things from Economics, Philosophy, History, even English classes that I have found more than useful outside of class. The professors give you the tools to be able to carry yourself strongly outside the classroom and into the real world.
Am enjoying being here
I have found my true friends after coming to this school, so believe me when I say that LMU is more than just making friends with your peers. I had an emotional and somewhat traumatic event happen to me in the first semester of Freshman year, and I considered transferring. Yet, I found out that LMU's faculty is there for students in more ways than just helping them pass courses, they are there to be the shoulders to cry on when everything else seems hopeless. I would not have been able to pull through my first semester without the aid of certain professors as well as people within the parent-student relations department on campus. As a sophomore, I could not imagine going anywhere else.
Bang for the buck
This school is more on the pricey side, but you learn so much more. For my major, Film Production, I was torn between being frugal and going to a UC, or attending LMU and paying twice as much. However, I have been exposed to more hands on experiences than I would have at any UC offering film. Also, professors allow you to express your mind openly and argue socratically during classes. The tuition is more than worth it for film kids. Also, the opportunities they have for networking within the film industry is phenomenal and mind blowing. If you want to get every penny's worth, then LMU is definitely the University a high school student should look at.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure when you are thinking of applying to LMU, you consider your major or area in which you will be studying. Each college is different in terms of course requirements. For instance, Engineering is more demanding in terms of hours spent in labs than English, where the hours are spent writing papers. Choose the area you feel most passionately about. The rest will all come naturally.
Great for these types of students
Great for students who are liberal thinkers. Those who voice their opinions and like to be heard will definitely be more than welcomed here. We think outside the box and enjoy people from all walks of life. Those who want to make memorable experiences in college should apply.

Cady from Los Angeles, CA

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The professors here are very friendly and, for the most part, know what they're talking about. I have never had a bad teacher, only one or two who I didn't get along with. My friends rarely have complaints as well.
Am enjoying being here
I love LMU. As I said, my teachers have all been fantastic, there is a great mix in the kinds of people you can meet, the housing and educational buildings are very nice (very up-to-date), and the campus itself is located in a very nice area of Los Angeles.
Bang for the buck
The housing could be a little better, but other than that I feel it's just about worth about. It is quite expensive, but the teachers and facilities are great, so I can't complain. Also, they have great scholarship packages and one can earn a good deal through work-study.
Tips for prospective students
The film school is very competitive, so be warned if you're applying for that.
This is a Catholic school, but it doesn't show very much. There are a lot of theology classes on Christianity but there are a good number of non-Christian classes (Buddhism, World Religions, etc).
Great for these types of students
All types of students can be found on-campus, so it's easy to fit in, and there are plenty of majors to choose from.

Antonio from San Marino, CA

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
LMU focuses not just in academics, but education of the whole person. Community service and social justice is a big part of the culture. LMU focuses on teaching you how to think rather than what to think.
Tips for prospective students
LMU is very big on their mission statement and loves to incorporate it in everything that we do. Get involved! LMU loves to see students who are involved in things other than academics.
Academic Rigor
Class sizes are usually around 20-30 students so there is a lot of personal connections with classes and professors. Because of this, professors know who you are and keep you accountable for classwork but make up for it by having a lot of personal office hours instead of with a TA.
Dorm Life
Student Housing does a good job of making students feel at home and there is always programs within the dorms to get to know other students or go to events on campus. Dorms are really nice and have common rooms where students can hang out.
Food and Dining
Almost all of the food on campus is cooked right in front of you instead of sitting under a lamp for who knows how long. There is a good amount of gluten free and vegetarian options and there has been a big movement for fair trade and organic foods as well.
What to do for fun
LMU is so close to everything but is still on the bluff overlooking the whole city. Many students go to the beach, slack line between palm trees on campus, go to Venice or Santa Monica, or just sit on the bluff and enjoy the view.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The Tongva Memorial - There is a memorial on the bluff dedicated to the original settlers of the LA basin. It's a circular memorial and a great place to reflect, meditate, or watch the sunset. What's even cooler is when you stand in the center and speak, everything echoes.

The Birthday Fountain - At the strike of midnight on your birthday, you are carried and thrown into the birthday fountain in the middle of campus.

Great for these types of students
LMU is great for students who love close connections with faculty and staff. There is a lot of opportunity for leadership positions and service. LMU fosters a culture of being with and for others and creating a generation of students who will one day change the world.
Clubs and Activities
There is a club for almost anything and everything. From Dumbledore's Army, Gardening Club, to service organizations, it's almost hard not to get over involved.
Campus Safety
The campus is VERY safe. There has not been a time where I didn't feel unsafe walking across campus day or night.

Kyana from Los Angeles, CA

a past student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
LMU has a beautiful campus with lots of potential for student involvement in clubs, sororities or fraternities while maintaining high academic standards. It is a jesuit school, but there is no mandatory religious involvement.
Tips for prospective students
They are looking for highly motivated students who can show that they have the potential to contribute to the LMU community. Show them how you can shine in your essays, let them get to know you through your goals and don't hold back about what you've achieved so far!
Academic Rigor
I was in the Psychology departement and they emphasize your understanding of research within the first two years to give you a solid basis for your upper division classes. They are challenging but well worth it, your professors care about you and the school isn't so big that you can't get to know your teachers. As far as GE's don't take on more than you can handle and find out about the exectations of a professor from past students before signing up for a class.
Dorm Life
Can't comment on this one because I never lived on campus.
Food and Dining
Sodexo runs the food services at the school. It's expensive because you're buying each item individually rather than getting three meals a day for example and being able to get whatever you want within your visit. There are many choices but not always the healthiest options, in my last year we wrote letters to the president asking to provide more varied options for vegetarian, gluten free and overall healthy dietary needs.
What to do for fun
ASLMU, the student government on campus, plans some fun events throughout the year, and the 100+ on campus clubs are always hosting different fundraising or social events. Convo hour twice a week is dedicated to allowing for free time when everyone if off of class at the same time in order to allow for different events and groups to meet. Check out the pool, and tennis courts that offer lessons year round. I love their yoga classes during convo hour and they were some of the best I've found even compared to off campus studios. Off campus we're not far from the beach in Marina del Rey or Venice.
Bang for the buck
This was an expensive education, there's no way around it. To get the most out of it you really have to be involved and take advantage of the huge alumni network to start reaching out to people in your field that have you shadow them and offer advice.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
I always lived off campus so I liked to grab a boba from the little stand to the right of the water fountains and head to a quiet spot on the bluffs to read.
Great for these types of students
People who want to network and be part of a larger group community.
Clubs and Activities
There's so much to pick from! I was part of Lebanese club but there were so many other options and ways to stay active on campus.
Greek Life
They were very welcoming when I was first considering a sorority but couldn't afford the extra cost so I can't really comment.
Campus Safety
This is one of LMU's strong suits. Campus safety is available 24-7 to do anything from walk you to your car to driving you home from a place close to campus if you don't feel safe by yourself. They provide their number to every student and encourage everyone to keep them informed if they ever need help.