Loyola University Chicago Top Questions

What are the most popular student activities/groups?

Freddy

The most popular activities is DASO.

Kaitlyn

Loyola isn't a huge party school. There are parties, but you have to seek them out. They're not impossible to find, but they're a little less prevalent on campus. Greek like is not a big deal at all. The bar scene is more popular. Also, you have all of Chicago, so you definitely will never get bored on a weekend. We get an unlimited CTA (public transportation) pass included in tuition, so there's no excuse not to explore downtown Chicago. There is always something happening in the city, Student discounts are a wonderful thing. There are sports teams and a lot of people go to basketball games, but they're not nearly as big of a deal than at other schools. The freshman dorms are very friendly and I met a lot of my close friends because they lived on my floor. We also have a ton of student organizations. I am involved in Advocate. It is the LGBT and allies group on campus. There are so many things to do on and off campus, you definitely don't have to worry about being bored.

Angela

I think any social justice group is highly regarded among students. I am the co-president of the group Invisible Conflicts that holds awareness raising events about social injustices and fundraises for a non-profit in Uganda.

Hristina

I would say Greek organizations. I am part of Delta Sigma Pi, a professional business fraternity.

ELINA

Loyola is very much into arts and music. The Loyola Theatre group is very popular and puts on plays and musicals throughout the year. The price is only $5-7 for Loyola students and $10 for non-students. I have seen some great productions and feel very lucky to be able to have the LUC Theatre group on campus! I personally am very involved with Hillel, the Jewish student organization on campus. I feel very blessed to be a part of it because it allows the minority Jewish student population a place to come to and meet other students. But I also feel that Hillel has an important presence on campus that other students and groups are aware of because we promote engagement between ourselves and other organizations! We want to work with them, and we have done many cool events together. For example, we paired up with the Latino Fraternity for Rosh Hashanah Manzanas Y Miel - the Jewish New year with Apples and Honey. It was Latino Month as well as the Jewish New Year so we decided to pair up! We also worked with the Muslim Students Association to make a women's tea party and also to create dialogue between our groups. I would say that fraternities and sororities are not very important on campus mainly because we are not allowed to have frat/soririty houses due to a law passed in Chicago in the 70s. Thus, even thoughwe have the groups, they are mostly service groups or cultural groups. People meet friends in their dorms as freshmen and sophomores, at the dining halls, in classes, and by joining organizations/religious groups. Many people feel comfortable leaving their dorm rooms open; I did when I was dorming. People also like to party in the dorms, even when the Resident Advisers are in. I don't know how they do it, but some do get caught. The RAs are supposed to be strict on alcohol in the dorms, and they are. People also like to go out to the two bars closest to Loyola (Hamilton's - Hammy's) and the Pumping Company (Pi-Co's). On a Saturday night, if people aren't at the bars or partying in the dorms/apartments near campus, students can go see plays/musicals, can go downtown and hang out in music clubs/restaurants/lounges. They can go to Millenium Park (ice skating during the winter!).All of these are off-campus options. On campus, Resident Advisers also try to plan fun, non-alcoholic parties and things to do in the dorms.

Syed

Some of the most popular student activities/groups on campus include the American Medical Student Association, The Unified Student Government Association, The Football and Basketball Intramural sports leagues, and a variety of others. Athletic events are not very popular. This is because our sports teams are not as great compared to other famous schools that students usually talk about or watch such as University of Illinois and Northwestern University. Guest speaker are somewhat popular because Loyola tends to bring in very notable people. For example, sometime soon, the Dalai Lama is going to visit the school. Theater is very unpopular. No students I know of are in any theater programs or plays and I have not been to one or even heard of one taking place at Loyola. The dating scene is very big at Loyola. Many of my friends have been or are still in a relationship with another Loyola student. I met my closest friends though the floor I lived on at my dorm my freshmen year in college. If I am awake on Tuesday at 2am it is most likely because I am doing homework or studying which is what you would find other Loyola students doing as well. If I am not doing that I am sleeping, or playing video games in my friends room. Many traditions and events happen. One very significant one which many of my friends and I attend is the presidential ball in the fall and the Damen ball which takes place in spring. Both are dances similar to those from high school. Other traditions include Finals Breakfast which is a huge dinner for students offered by the university held the week of finals where breakfast foods are cooked for students and when taking a break from studying, students can come and enjoy them. Another major event is the yearly concert. Last year famous singer Jay Sean performed and the year before that Flo Rida performed. People do not party very often due to the small size of the school. Also, since many students at Loyola are from Illinois, they tend to go home to their families on weekends. Fraternities and sororities are not very important. You don't hear much from them and they are only a few of them at Loyola to begin with. Last weekend a couple of friends and I went to the city of Chicago, which is only a 20 minute bus ride away, and ate dinner at a restaurant there. There is many things to do at Loyola on a Saturday that does not involve drinking. Some of them include going out to the city of Chicago where many restaurant, stores, sights, theaters, and events are located, going to the beach located right next to Loyola if the weather permits, attending an event hosted by Loyola, or going to a party that does not involve drinking ( which there are many of, happening throughout campus). Off campus, I am usually in the city with my friends or back at home with my family, which is an hour drive away from Loyola.

Avery

I have no idea. I feel like a lot of students go their separate ways and are involved in smaller clubs. The sports here aren't huge and the sororities and fraternities also play a very small part as well. As a freshman in the dorms, students did not leave their doors open. I found it hard to get involved here and the dating scene is absent. A lot of boys that go here are homosexual, and there isn't a large male population to begin with anyways. Unless you have a fake or are 21, a weekend is usually a time to stay in and watch movies or if you don't mind spending money, to go out on the town.

Elyssa

Every group/club/team is popular in some way to someone. I'm involved with a group called Up 'Til Dawn which raises money for St. Jude Children's Hospital. I met my closes friends at Orientation during the summer before freshman year and through various events. It is not hard to meet people at Loyola. You are constantly making new, awesome friends. If I am awake on Tuesdsay at 2am, it's because I am either studying for an exam or writing a paper. Loyola has different events that take place every year. An all-time favorite that is coming up is Finals Breakfast; a breakfast at 10p.m. on the Tuesday of finals week intended for everyone to take a break from studying, eat, and socialize. People party as much as they want to party. It's a personal decision or choice so there isn't really a standard. Fraternities and sororities are not that important. They exist on campus, but they don't define a person. You have 10,000 options for a Saturday night that doesn't involve drinking...you are in Chicago..the greatest city ever! There is always stuff to do. Off campus I like to go explore the city.

Deena

The popular sporting events students typically visit are Men's Volleyball and Men's Basketball. Students organizations that people get involved in can include a variety including intramural sports, greek life, social services, etc. Personally, I am involved in an organization called GlobeMed, which provides health care to under-developed countries, USGA, which is the student government association of Loyola, SASA (South Asian Student Alliance), and MSA (Muslim Student Association). Students are very open, especially in the freshmen dorms and quite often leave their doors open and are ready to socialize, as the dorms for upperclassmen get a little more private, so do their lifestyles in the dorms where the doors are often closed. I met my closest friends in my freshmen dorm - which is where most students typically make their friends. People often do "go out" to parties and the city on the weekends, etc. For anyone who doesn't wish to get involved with drinking, there is a DOP (department of programming) which provides late night programs available for all students which can include outings to Chicago, late night movies, etc.

Heather

There are many activites to become involved with but make sure you have time to do so. I worked 20 hours/week and had 17 credit hours, so I had almost no time to even hang out with my new friends. If you must or would like to work, work no more than 10-15 hours/week because it could effect you negatively. There's nothing wrong with taking 18 credit hours, but be prepared for the course-load by staying organized. After that, if you have time, join something! There are tons of things to join that relate to religions, academics, majors, future careers, keeping the earth green, creating peace, dancing, raising money for cancer socities, et al. There are tons of floor parties and get togethers. The people on your floor become your family, so you share the good and the bad, complain about the nasty bathrooms and how you wish the person next door would stop singing to that terrible song! Sharing is inevitable which can become rather handy, especially when the computer lab is closed and its snowing heavily outside. I lived in Mertz so the lounges were very open and social. Many people studied there and also goofed around -- this is where you can make your friends! Be open and explore!

Adam

There are tons of opportunities for students to be a part of action here. The org-fair is twice once each semester. Keep in mind when signing those sheets at the org fair that students are going to email you and call you obnoxiously until you tell them you said you WERE interested in the program, now you're not. The Greek life here is minimal, but if you want to do it you can find it. There are a couple of Frats. Chicago has an anti-brothel law so sororities is a little harder. If you're not into drinking there is an entire city to find things to do. Downtown is very accessible. The thing about Chicago is that it kind of shuts down past 10 if you don't have an ID (real or fake; they don't card hard).

Moira

I live off campus so I'm not really intergrated into the campus life

Kristen

Always a ton going on. Plus, you're in Chicago.

Kelly

Hamilton's is the hang out bar of Loyola. It is practically part of Loyola, and no matter how much we all complain about it, we love it. Fraternities and sororities are here, but they are not necessary to have fun socially. I had a particularly great experience in the dorm my freshman year; I met some of my closest friends that I still have today.

Sandra

What social life? OH, the yippies that smoke the hookas by Mertz? Oh yea, or the jesus freaks? Hamilton's? Living downtown might create more of a social life. The city's nightlife is pretty fun... going to clubs and bars.

Evelynn

There certainly aren't any football games, so don't expect to be cheering in the bleachers!!! ((Unless of course you like Basketball or Soccer; those are a bit bigger here))

Kristina

Lots of gay boys and girls in relationships. Good luck dating!

Parker

If I am awake on a Tueday at 2 am, I am likely coming home from studying in the Library or the Information Commons. Or throwing the frisbee around on a dimly lit field (cause the Library and Information Commons both close at 2 am during the regular semseter [not during finals week]). Or I am wasting time on the internet before going to bed.

Colin

Theater and sports are all popular, and there is plenty to do aside from partying, but there isn't a shortage of parties by any stretch. Anything someone wants to do, it can be found on or around campus.

Meg

Greek life is small, but awesome

Tosha

A lot of students get involved in groups on campus and many are involved in the communities surrounding the university. For fun, about 6{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the students get involved with greek life. Some students attend the various balls throughout the school year, attend the on-campus concerts, theater productions, and athletic events.

Trevor

Fraternities and club sports. Dorm doors are left open in certain residence halls--mertz especially. Partying is possible Tuesday-Saturday, but most ppl go out wed, thurs, fri, and saturday. Go downtown!!!

Kim

Sororites and fraternities are NOT important. Especially at Loyola. Almost all of them don't even have houses or specific areas where they all live. Athletic events aren't exactly all the rage, most people go to the bars on weekends, and the dating scene? Well, there is a mix of all that on campus. Tuesday nights always seem to have something going on with my friends. It's still early on in the week and we usually hang out pretty late just laughing or watching the latest TV show that we are hooked on.

Leah

The only group i'm involved with is Chardin Anthropological Society, we do Anthropology things, sponsor lectures, go to the field museum. I was involved with the radio station as well, but our show was canceled, because loyola is taking it over (it was under control of chicago public radio). As far as school sponsored events there really aren't any in particular that are all that great. Third Eye Blind came, and that was cool. John Stossel will be here tomorrow, and i think that is awesome. But there is very rarely anything that i really feel the need to go to. Mostly guest professors giving lectures, things of that nature. Sometimes discounted tickets to things in Chicago are offered, but the opportunities aren't very well advertised, and sell out way too quickly. We saw Wicked for ten bucks, which was awesome, but we had to wait for an hour and a half to be certain we would get a ticket. We did not get Cubs tickets. The typical college party scene isn't really found here. Most students, legal or not, go to one of two bars near to campus. Occasionally there's a fun party. The girl to guy ratio here is terrible, 67{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} girls 33{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} boys, so chances are slim for the ladies. There are a lot of homosexual boys here, which is cool, and they're accepted, but doesn't help out the girls on the dating scene. Greek life isn't huge, but they're here. Off campus is really the place to go, we're in Chicago, how awesome is that? most of my weekends don't involve drinking, and i'm totally cool with it. I'd rather spend money to go see world-class improv, check out a cool restaurant, or go explore Chinatown, Greektown, or just go wander around Grant or Millennium Park. The Lincoln Park Zoo is free and there's usually some festival that's interesting or you could just go for a walk on the beach. Museums are great too, Michigan Ave, sports, theater...there's something for everybody and usually pretty reasonably priced. And an unlimited CTA pass is built into tuition, so you can go anywhere.

Kelsey

great place

Chelsea

The nice thing about Loyola is the fact that we're located in CHICAGO! On any given afternoon or evening there's always something to do, whether it be enjoying activities on the lakefront, visiting a museum (many offer student discounts or free days), or sampling food from one of the many restaurants around! If you'd rather stay on campus, there are frequent movie nights, club sports activities, and theatrical performances.

Katelin

There is plenty to do on and off campus if you know the right people. There aren't tons of bars to go to, but the ones that are here are usually a lot of fun.

Charlie

There is a lot to do here at Loyola. But you need to make an effort to get involved. There are sports clubs for sports you may have never seen, perhaps you could be a decent rugby player but never tried it out. If nothing else playing sports is a great way to meet people and get exercise even if its only weekend intramural soccer mathces. If sports aren't your thing please just go to Org Fair and check out any of the clubs we have here I can't list them all. get active on campus and meet some new friends There's something for everyone here but yu need to figure out that that is whether is Water Polo, Swimming, Writing for our paper the Loyola Phoenix, Helping Student Environmental Alliance spread the word about curent issues and how we can fix them, acting in a school play with the theater dept. Partying with the boys from SAE (Sigma Alpha Epsilon) or one of the other Frats and or Sororities here on campus. Greek life isn't huge here at all. The Frats and Sororities tend to keep to themselves. I my opinion they aren't your stereotypical Greek students. (I almost joined SAE) They do have parties, but most do not have houses due to Chicago Regulations thus generally parties around Loyola are at apartments. There are plenty of on campus activities to go to, but even more off campus activities. Take advantage of it when Loyola offers Wicked tickets for $10, or free tickets for White Sox or Bulls.

Kenneth

I'm currently the Co-President of the Vietnamese club and I have a lot of fun with my club members. We have done a lot of fundraising and organized events that have turned out great. And if you become involved and committed in an organization, it feels great when the event turns out a success.

Maria

There is no dating scene :( Since Loyola is in Chicago you have all of Chicago to choose from on a Saturday night! Students go to movies, ice skating, plays, band shows, bars, house parties, shopping, etc. You can pretty much always find something to do in Chicago near school. If you are awake at 2am on a Tuesday you are either talking with your roomates, studying, or on myspace.

Michael

One of the most popular organizations at Loyola is the American Medical Student Association (AMSA) because of the many people that are pre-med. I also think the different ethnic clubs are popular because you can meet people who speak the same languages as you and find people you have more in common with. I joined the pre-dental club because I want to become a dentist and be around people who are passionate about dentistry. In pre-dental club, we didn't have many meetings; however, we did have many guest speakers ranging anywhere from dental admissions speakers to just dentists in general speaking about their journey in becoming a dentist. The club really gave me insights what it takes to be a dentist and the determination it takes to get there.

John

If you want to mingle with people in your dorm, do not choose a residence hall where you have your own bathroom. On the first few days, people are very social and leave thier doors open, but after a few weeks, they stop doing that because students begin to split into groups. You need to be open to people in order to make friends. Because if your not in a special group or club, the only time you meet people would be in class. There is a group or club for just about everything. Sports, culture, interest, ect. There are a few frats and sororities, but not many. However, at least in your first year you get dependant on them for parties on the weekends. If you don't like to party, thats ok. You are in the city! But be aware that everything costs money and could be expensive.

Emily

The social life at Loyola really depends on the student and their wants/needs. I've been involved with the athletic Dance Team as well as the Marketing Club. Some other popular groups and organizations include the many ethnic clubs, business clubs and fraternities, as well as language clubs. Many creative / artsy clubs are starting to blossom. Athletic events usually attract a decent amount of attention, unfortunately depending on how successful the team is doing at that point. I personally enjoyed watching the men's basketball games and volleyball matches. I've only been to one guest speaker... which says plenty about those events. I've performed in dance informances; however, I have not been to a theater show. I met my closest friends though random interactions at dining halls, nearby residence halls, house parties, hanging at the beach, or soccer games. My best friend also attends Loyola; we've been close since high school. My friends and I love to hang out at locations all over the city, be it off the Belmont stop to shop and eat lunch, Millennium Park to ice skate, Evanston for a quieter change of pace, or anywhere within the Gold Coast. Roger's Park, where the majority of my friends own apartments, provides a lot of fun on weekends. Most people complain that Loyola lacks a lot of excitement, but I believe if you want to have fun you're fully capable of finding it. The party schedule varies, as I hinted. Most of the people I know, myself included, like to go out on Thursday nights and enjoy the weekend doing whatever. But the workload at Loyola is intense, so it depends on how you adjust your schedule and your dedication. Classes are important to me, so balance is KEY. There are no set "frat houses," so it's not your standard college setting. Greek life isn't huge here; it's definitely not a priority. If I'm awake at 2am on a Tuesday, I'm usually watching episodes of "The Office" with my roommate, and/or talking to my friends who are still up (not unusual). Or showering, if I've been at the gym... I'm a night owl. Last weekend I worked at Water Tower mall and celebrated St. Patrick's Day, where I rode on a float. A Saturday night that doesn't involve drinking might include a couple of movies and a fast paced game of Apples to Apples. Experimenting with dinner in the company of a few friends can also be fun & delicious.. and hilarious. The possibilities are endless for a good time in Chicago if you have an open mind... and schedule!

Sean

The two main sports here at Loyola that we are known for would be our basketball team and our men’s volleyball team. Unfortunately we don’t have a football team, so if you are one of those students who went to every football game in high school and want to continue that tradition in college, Loyola isn’t the place for you. Our basketball team is great though and the games are a good place to meet new people and show school spirit. It is not hard to meet people and make friends on campus; the social scene is pretty large. You meet most of your friends your freshman year in the dorms, and you meet plenty of other people at parties and other school events. There is a moderate party scene at Loyola, but if you are looking for a school where you can find a party any night of the week…Loyola is probably not going to be your best choice. Overall though, it is really easy to meet new people around campus

Andy

Really the most popular activities depend on the individual. There's not really a majority to one side. Theres something for everyone, and the school is so diverse that everything balances out. I am Hindu, for example, and I am in Hindu Students Organization. We create awareness of the Hindu religion and culture. Students usually leave their doors open in freshman dorms, but not in upperclassmen dorms (soph and up). Athletic events, guest speakers and the theater are all very popular. People go to everything. The dating scene-there's a beach, the city, a movie theater, lots of restaurants-what else do you need? I met most of my friends through asking a random question in my classes, or through other people. At 2 am on a Tuesday I am usually awake, studying for school. There's so many events in a year, especially for Freshman, that's there's too many to list. There is always so much pizza available at most of the events. Usually at club meetings or student get togethers. The average person probably parties once a week. Sororities are nice to be in, but they are very expensive. It would be a good time for sure though. Last weekend I went to work and also studied for two tests. On a Saturday night, i'll probably watch a movie. Off campus, I either study, got to work, or watch a movie.

Tracy

There are sororities and fraternities that are popular as well as our SNAI-L organization which is the nursing organization SNAI-L is very has very active members and puts in a lot of community service. Kapwa is a filipino organization that plays Ricebowl which is asian football, and took first place in mens and womens and Kapwa took first place in the filipino cultural competition Battle of the Bamboo. Copaa works to promote unity and diversity among all asian groups and also incorporates social and political issues. Some students leave their dorms open. Basketball games are popular. There are often guest speakers that come to promote different things in the Centennial Forum, sometimes students will even go up and speak. There is a theater. 80{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the guys are gay, so usually girls just go out to the clubs. LU has the tradition of having a big Christmas tree and a lighting ceremony where kids can even come in and join. People party depending on what they feel like. Some party on occassion, some go out every "Thirsty Thursday" to the local bar. If I'm awake at 2am on a Tuesday, i'm probably studying my ass off for something on wednesday. Last weekend I was at home for spring break and spent it studying Patho and then snowboarded for the first time. Saturday night you can chill with friends, play rockband and video games, watch movies, go out to eat, walk around downtown, there're a lot of other options besides drinking. Off campus we do shopping and grocery shopping probably

Dylan

Again, my introversion and anti-social nature prohibits me from really knowing anything about organizations here.

Daniel

I would say the fraternities and sororities on campus are the most popular groups on campus. In my opinion, they aren't very important because people should act in that kind of way aways and serve the community with their own will not just to keep their membership. I usually work or hang out with friends on saturday night.

George

LOTS OF DRINKING

Ainsley

COPAA and KAPWA ARE NUMBER ONES!

Emily

Sports such as Rugby, Lacrosse, Volleyball and Soccer Rugby is the partying crowd on campus and are known as such. It depends what dorm you are in. For freshmen dorms mertz and simpson they do, regis most do not. Sophomore dorms are apartment style, but most people know their neighbors. Popular events at Loyola? Thats a joke Dating scene? A quarter of the students are guys and half of them are gay, there is barely any dating scene. I met my closest friends in sports and on my floor in mertz. I'm in the Information Commons working on homework There's the loyola all-nighter and the big basketball game against UIC Depends who you are, you have the people who party once a month, which is the majority of the students, and then you have the people who party more than once a week It seems like a pretty good number of people are in them, but they don't run the campus or anything like that Partied every night nothing, the library isn't even open on saturday night. Well I guess you could go up to evanston and catch dinner and a movie Go downtown and walk around, go to evanston and watch a movie. Catch dinner somewhere around chicago. Go to bars/clubs.

Angelika

One of the biggest organizations is AMSA, the American Medical Student Association. That's because a lot of people are Loyola are pre-health. I think it's a great club that exposes students to medicine to show them what it is really about, while promoting social justice. For those not pre-health, Loyola4Chicago is a community service organization with the goal to promote social justice while impacting the city around you. Loyola is big on social justice. Dorm life is different depending on where you live. I lived in Mertz my freshmen year, so people that lived in the "nicer" dorms would probably react with "Oh." I loved it. Mertz was the typical college dorm experience you hear about with community bathrooms, 20 million fire alarms in the middle of the night and especially during finals week, and just pretty much getting rowdy. It was great. It really depends on the people whether the doors are left open or not. My floor was a quiet floor and no one ever did. Contrast that to one of our notorious boy floors where everyone practically had their door open, music playing, and just chilling in the lounge until quiet hours. Dating scene.. Well, I think Loyola is close to 70{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} girls? Something that's way too high. So that leaves not many guys left. Of those guys, a lot of them are homosexual, so if you're a girl, that sucks for you. Then it always seems like the ones that are left are taken or just not ones you want to be with. So, I can't say I've had the most positive dating experience. But hey, you can always take the optimistic approach and think more time to focus on school, right? If I'm awake at 2am on a Tuesday, I'm probably walking back from the library because they close at 2. Or, I'm in my room studying. Also, if you want to party, you can find a way to party. You just have to be smart about it. From what I hear, Chicago police are really chill about parties they happen to bust. I think I've seen Facebook groups where policemen take pictures with the people at parties. The punishment for getting caught in dorm rooms for drinking is either a fine, fine and community service hours (again the social justice thing), or just entirely community service. Not too bad, but better if you avoid it alltogether and be smart about partying. If you're not into drinking, there is plenty to do..you're in Chicago! Go see a musical like Wicked, or rent board games from the Student Union, go out to eat.. just explore Chicago!

Jesse

While many students stay active at work out frequently, participation in athletics in general is low. Turnouts at basketball games are low, but this may be because of a lackluster year. The same is true for other sports-athletics aren't that popular. Many guest speakers visit, and the theater/fine arts department has performances that attract a large number of students. The overwhelming majority of students take college and their classes seriously; in fact the library is open 24 hours during finals week. Loyola is a fairly conservative school, so this limits the fraternity/sorority scene. In fact,there is only one fraternity house; the goals of the Greek system at Loyola are geared toward community service-this is reflective of Loyola's mission and identity as a Jesuit university. While bars such as Hamilton's and P.Co's are popular, non-drinkers do not feel left out on weekends. Simply being in Chicago provides a million things do to, explore and learn about; visits to Chicago's museums, neighborhoods, art galleries and countless other attractions provides alternatives to the drinking/bar scene.

Melissa

Let me start off by stating that fraternities are not very common. At all. I think there might be ten at most (boys, girls or co-ed). If there aren't and I am way off, it just tells you how people around here don't really know or care about them. There are no "houses" for frats or sororities, so they are more like clubs than an actual fraternity/sorority. There are many clubs, but many people do not care about them. I was "in" a club that is like an honors society, but we didn't do anything at meetings and frankly, I found it quite pointless. The only point of having the club was to have a club, and that was it. Plus, if you live on the Water Tower campus, it sucks to have to go to the other campus for nightly meetings, especially since most of them are on the Lake Shore campus. Only in freshmen dorms do students leave their doors open, and only in Mertz is it really predominant. Regis, Simpson, and other freshmen dorms do not seem to have that unspoken open door policy, since people keep to themselves there. In the upperclass dorms, the isolation is predominant as well. In Baumhart, it is like a hotel, so no one leaves their doors open to the hallway, especially since every door on every floor either faces another person's room door or the length of the hallway or whatever, so it'd be like someone is watching you whenever your door is open. As for the other dorms, the people keep their doors closed and locked for the most part, since building communities on floors is more of a freshman thing. Basketball games I would say are the only obvious athletic event we have here, and not many people go to them. Rarely will you hear of someone saying "let's go to the game tonight." A lot of people don't even know when our basketball team plays. There is little school spirit, regarding rooting for a team/mascot. As a girl, I can tell you the dating pool is limited. If the guy is not gay, then he already has a girlfriend (either at Loyola or another school) and if he is still single, then it probably means something's wrong with him. I met my closest friends simply from housing (my neighbors frosh year), or I already knew them from high school. Since I am in the city near several other schools, I often visit my friends who go to neighboring universities like Colombia or Northwestern. If I were awake at 2am on a Tuesday, I would be wondering why I was up so late studying. I am not a drinker, so I don't go out to bars or anything. I guess any other person would say that they were up because they were at the bars, but I would be the one either up because I was studying, or because I was hooked on a DVD set of a TV series or because I was up chatting with roommates. People party on the weekends, and you will see people in their "going out" clothes. There are a few bars nearby that surprisingly let in underage students pretty easily. You wouldn't expect that in Chicago, but it is very common for students to go to PCo's (The pumping company) and Hamilton's. Thursday is unofficially Thirsty Thursday, so it isn't uncommon for students to head out to party on Thursday nights. Last weekend I went with some friends to Oven Grinder's (a pizza place by the location of the St. Valentine's Day Massacre), then rented a movie to watch with a friend in my dorm room. Saturday I did laundry and sunday I wrote a paper. It was a lame weekend, but for me (again, b/c I don't drink), it was pretty entertaining. Also, it is winter, so I don't really want to go out anywhere because it's too cold. Had it been springtime, I'd probably have been out walking Michigan Avenue or hanging out at a park playing wiffleball. As for something to do on a Saturday that doesn't involve drinking, I am the one to ask since this is my forte. I would either have a party at my dorm room (like a costume murder mystery party) or see a movie, go to a restaurant, etc. There really isn't much to do that doesn't cost a lot of money and doesn't require a fake ID (like clubs). Off campus, I hang out in the city, like shopping on Michigan avenue, or go to the park and take goofy pictures with friends. If it is nicer weather (above 65 degrees) I'll walk around and just hang. There are a lot of touristy places people are obsessed with seeing if they go to school in chicago, but the less-obvious places are fun too. This includes the Belmont shopping area (off the Red Line stop on the El train), or even taking the El to a random destination and walking around to see some funky shops. There is a coffee cafe in this park near the downtown campus called Whispers Cafe that is nice to hang out at when it is nicer outside.

Andy

Intramurals, AMSA, COPA, others. In most residence halls, there are always people hanging out in the lounges. The main stage productions bring pretty awesome bands and comedians. There are always great speakers and dances that are held in amazing places around Chicago. I met my closest friends from the dorms. Traditions each year include St. Patrick's Day, fun on the beach. People party Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Frats are fine, but not necessary. Last weekend I hung out with my friends at their apartment. Chicago provides so much stuff that doesn't involve drinking. You can go to a play, museum, go out to eat, concerts, and so on.

Paige

If you want to be social on campus/drink/go out and are under 21 Get a fake ID. The bar scene is the way to go. This is where Chicago becomes an issue. The man nights to go out at Loyola are Thursday and Saturdays. Popular places to go are the two bars closet to campus (Hamilton's and P-Cos (Pumping Company)). Pco's is mainly a freshmen bar now because it's cheap and they are very easy on ID's. The problem with Chicago is people spread out so to go to other bars in Chicago so it's a little tough but thursdays is a main night to go out if you don't have anything to do. House parties are horrid, which is why you need a fake. Most are 5 bucks to get in they are packed and they run around at about 1AM or earlier saying the cops are here and to get out either because they want to finish tapping the keg themselves or they want to go to the bar. So mainly you pay five bucks and never get your full 5 bucks worth of beer. In addition people we'll go down to Depaul to see there friends and go to the bars down there or downtown it just depends. If you do live downtown you mainly go out downtown it's just rough to continuously keep coming down to Lakeshore campus from the Downtown campus. They are tight on alcohol in the dorms which is horrid and do rounds even as an upper classman and you can get in trouble for that which is horrible. I mean I'm 18+ years old why should I be treated like I'm 12 and have parents again? I'd say a fair amount of kids don't drink which means that they think they can ruin other's parties which absolutely sucks. However, there are kids who like to socialize as much or more than they study so it's not to bad in the end. Athletic events are bad unless it's a huge game, however the basketball team is easily spotted on campus and out so all the girls flock to them. Speakers series are okay I don't really attend them, and theater is fairly popular but I'm not those kind of people so I don't usually attend unless it's to support a friend. There are a fair amount of those poeple up here, artsy free-spirited type. I met my friends through my dorm and just being out and socialable. I didn't know anyone coming in but most kids know people coming in and run around with them. 2AM on a Tuesday you're probably studying, you are definitely not out, if you are you're the minority. Frats are worthless on campus, you don't need to be in one to make friends here and I actually recommend you don't be in one. Soroities are pretty big here so if your a girl I recommend joining one to meet people. There are four frats, three of them are pretty reputable but don't have their own houses. The other one (ADG) is a horrible frat known for drugging girls and they are just overall creepy. They actually do have a house but I tell anyone thinking about going to a party there just to stay away they are just creeps and not worth the time. Outside of that there's business frats and ethnicity frats but on the social scene they don't do to much but are good for networking. I just don't feel like I should have to pay for my friends especially at Loyola, at any other school is probably way different. Outside of that every answer can be pretty much described by it's Chicago. Therefore there is an absolute ton you can do without drinking but it isn't a state school so don't get confused.

Emily

Dating is so difficult. Loyola is approximately 70{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} women, so the odds are already not in your favor. Moreover, a good number of the available men here are gay. There goes another 15{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}. If you're an eligible, straight man, Loyola is like a gold mine. If you're an eligible, straight woman, get in line. Coming in as a freshman is very easy. You're Residant Adviser will help you meet people, you're forced to room with someone, share a bathroom, and often a communal study area. It's very easy to make friends because everyone is in the same awkward situation you are. You'll meet people quickly out of neccessity. Being a transfer student is going to be difficult. You'll be living with someone you don't know, who already has an established group of friends. My best advice is to get involved in lots of clubs. We have something for every interest and they are very inviting. Planned student activities are the best way to meet people, and if you're really outgoing we do have a small, but active greek life.

Ashley

There is a severe lack of a party scene. There are no frat houses at Loyola, although many fraternities and sports teams do rent houses around the campus to hold parties. The Greek life is not very prominent on campus, and most students do not participate. House parties are fairly uncommon, and most under-classmen resort to partying in the dorms. These “dorm parties” consist of a small gathering of students drinking, attempting to play beer pong with stolen furniture from the floor lounge, guitar hero, and some throwing up. Oh, and probably a visit from the RA. There are also two bars, Hamiton’s and P Co’s, where the majority of students go to party. For those that are over 21, there are plenty of clubs and bars in downtown Chicago. Loyola is definitely not known for being a party school; there are many students who drink, and many students who don’t. So it’s not a big deal either way. “Thirsty Thursday” is probably the most popular night for partying. There are also many other things to do on campus besides drinking. Being in the city definitely has it perks, and Loyola gives huge discounted tickets for sports games, Blue Man Group, concerts, musical theater, and haunted houses during Halloween. There are also annual dances, like the President’s Ball which was at the Navy Pier ballroom last year. Also, many organizations on campus that provides fun things to do, and there are always Loyola performances to see. As for school spirit, its pretty much non-existent. We don’t have a football team, and the pep band at basketball games usually outweighs the amount of fans. Especially with commuters, the school lacks a strong sense of community.

Ross

Loyola isn't a huge state school. It isn't in a bubble in the middle of nowhere surrounded by corn like most so many colleges. It is in a major US city and that is one of Loyola's major selling points. There is always somewhere to go. There is always something to do. It may be freezing in the winter, but there are so many ways to keep warm it doesn't much matter. The El is a block away and to the south is all of Chicago. Students can take in a concert, museum, or sporting event. Since many students have their own apartments house parties are frequent destinations. Not only that but with Depaul, Truman, UIC, and IIT colleges all easily accessible off the red line train infinite party locations arise. Greek Life is present at Loyola, though it is not as dominant as it may be in the larger rural college scene. They organize several campus events, but they are but one niche in myriad opportunities.

Brandon

Athletic events aren't popular at all here. It's usually a very small niche of students who go to the games regularly. From my freshman year experience people didn't leave their doors open at all. It was not a very traditional dorm living experience. Basically to meet people, you had to go out and join organizations or go to the different student or athletic events.