Month: January 2017

Study Abroad Fair!

Study Abroad Fair!

Are you interested in spending a semester, J-term or summer abroad? Is there somewhere in the world that you’ve been interested in visiting, but haven’t been able to yet?

This Wednesday, February 1st, in the Damen MPR from 11am to 3pm, the Study Abroad Fair will be held. Whether you want to travel as far away as China, Japan, or New Zealand, or stay as close as Cuba, or even somewhere in Europe, there’s a study abroad option that’s bound to fit your needs and wants, satisfying classes from your major, minor, or core requirements all the while having the ability to soak up the culture that that place has to offer.

The Study Abroad Fair will feature alumni students from all the featured programs, whether they might be Loyola students, or alum from the colleges and universities that they’re representing, prepared to answer any questions you might have. Each booth will also contain information for when applications are due, and rough costs based off of previous years.

About one-third of Loyola’s undergraduate student body travel abroad every year, and from every testimony from my friends who have had the ability to so far have loved every moment of it. Going to places Rome, or rural France, or as far away as Thailand, they have all been able to create amazing memories that helped them experience other cultures besides our own, or ones that we might be accustomed to. Studying abroad allowed them to leave their comfort zone. Whether it was a language barrier, or foreign food, there was always some kind of adjustment that has helped them become more well-rounded individuals, being able to appreciate what they have, and what new experiences they’ll carry with them forever.

If you’re looking for more financial information, or are unsure about how your financial situation might apply, you’re always welcome to visit the Study Abroad Office in the Sullivan Center! Certain financial aid and loans can be applied, so there’s never a need to be discouraged if you’re seriously interested in a certain program.

Even if you’re interested in studying abroad much later in your college career, it never hurts to have an idea of the options that interest you! Click Here if you’re interested in seeing some photos of Loyola students studying abroad!

Rambler Success: What to do Before Graduation

Rambler Success: What to do Before Graduation

“What’s next?” is the question that many recent college graduates have on their minds. There are many routes that one can take after receiving their diploma. Some decide to enter the work force, and hopefully pay down that college debt. Others, go onto graduate school to grab a master’s degree. There are also those who want to take a mental/physical break and travel for a bit. Whatever, your calling, it is always a good idea to have experience up your sleeve. This is where where these resources come into play.

Resumes: Resumes are textual photographs that tell your prospective employer your education, skills, work experiences, and a sprinkle of personal facts about you. Whether you have a ton of experience or you are still trying to find your niche, it is important for one put together their resume. Do you need help putting together what’s important and what would be better to be left out? You are on luck, on campus we have a service called the Career Development Center (in the Sullivan Center) where you can go to help you in your resume writing process. In addition they provide information on how to write a proper cover letter, how to interview well, and other business needs/questions that you might have.

LinkedIn: Often referred to as the Facebook for professionals, LinkedIn is a social networking site where jobs opportunities, employers, etc. go to connect and establish professional relationships with each other. Here, you can find people from business professionals (CEOs and Managers) to salespeople, professors, marketers, and more. As a tip, I would recommend connecting with your professors, friends, coworkers, and Loyola alums. They might just help you out on your job search.

Jobs on Campus: Want to feel what it is like to adult and have a job? Through Loyola’s job search engine, RamblerLink, you can find jobs that will allow you to find jobs both on or off campus. You can also find some job opportunities from pamphlets and flyers around the school. Whether you want to be a Peer Advisor, a person who works at the Undergraduate Admissions office, or an assistant for the Financial Aid office; there is always something that you can get involved in. These jobs will help you branch out your network and give you the work experience you need.

Job Fairs: Throughout the school year, Loyola brings in employers from around the Chicagoland area. Most Loyola schools have their own: School of Communication, Business, Social Work, etc. It is during these fairs where you get the opportunity to talk to prospective employers to talk about internship availabilities to entry level positions. All you need to bring are your resumes, business casual attire, your student ID, and a confident smile on your face. Who knows? You might just be offered an internship or a job! If not, just keep pushing through.

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Welcome Future Rambler!

Welcome Future Rambler!

Orientation-rally

CONGRATULATIONS!

I remember when I got my acceptance letter from Loyola in the mail. It was during my winter break in December when I received a huge envelope from the university.  It was thrilling because it was implied that getting an impressive and fancy envelope from Loyola meant getting accepted; there was no need to open the mail and read the letter to see whether or not I got to be a Rambler.

The anxiety of applying and waiting for a decision from colleges is over and now, you can finally breathe (a little better- the tedious part is over and complete). So you got admitted into Loyola, what next? 


Of course, if you do consider on making the final decision to attend Loyola University Chicago (Decision Day is May 1st, 2017),  you should be on the look out for emails and physical mail coming from us. There will be a series of administrative things to get yourself enrolled here, which will be quite simple and easy. Financially, the Financial Office will look on your FAFSA that you may have done, take into account any scholarships you have been awarded, and other contributing factors to determine what you owe the university. Personally, I believe this is important because money is earned through time and hard work; it does not grow on trees, as we all know. Keep track of certain dates and remember that there is a commitment fee to officially put your name into Loyola’s list of people enrolled.

Next step is to sort out living arrangements. Soon, LOCUS (your online Loyola Hub for everything) will be available to you to figure out which dorm buildings are available, what accommodations each building has (laundry room, living room, kitchen, etc…), and more. My best advice to those who plan to live on campus is to attend a tour and view the dorm rooms in-person to have a better idea. To those who live within good distance from Loyola and plan to commute instead, there is an “opt-out” option in LOCUS. Commuters, understandably have less to  when figuring out living arrangements on LOCUS.

I know this may be a little bit far in advance, but a requirement for ALL freshman is to attend orientation. There are a variety of dates during the summer that you can pick, so it may be best to look at them and plan for the summer to make sure your vacation to wherever does not interfere with the orientation date session you have chosen. My advice would be to choose the earlier dates for a couple of reasons. (1) You get it done and out of the way. (2) You register for classes earlier than those who have orientation later in the summer (which means you may get the classes at the time you want and teacher that you need before they get filled up and closed). (3) It is not that hot in late May or in June… weather is quite nice, especially with the lake breeze and blue skies.

Click here for more Freshman requirements.

If possible, get acquainted with the campus and/or even meet some staff or students. The more you get in touch with LUC, the more comfortable you will be when it comes time to being an actual student. You will make the transition to college seamless if you start going around campus and know some people already.

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Most importantly, I recommend you conclude your senior year of high school on a good note. Even though you got accepted to LUC, we still ask that you still do well in your studies and we will check to see if you ended this semester off on a good academic note. At the same time, have fun and enjoy your time as well. Create those memories because obviously, high school won’t be like college and college won’t be like high school. 🙂

If you have more questions, feel free to comment below or contact me at clam3@luc.edu.

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Keeping busy (and educated!) this February in Chicago

Keeping busy (and educated!) this February in Chicago

The interior of the Field Museum

Being the broke college student that I am, I hate spending money, but I’m always looking for deals and free activities and events to keep me occupied. Even though the weather is pretty dreary, there’s still always things to do, especially in February.

As Loyola students, we of course get free entry to the Art Institute, and the Loyola University Museum of Art (located a block East of WTC), but it’s nice to have more options around the city to keep yourself occupied and write it off as learning!

For this whole next month, the Field Museum is offering free General Admission to all Illinois residents with a valid State ID, and the Illinois residents have the option to also buy discounted tickets (So even if you’re from out of state/country, grab your Illinois friends!). The Field Museum has a great selection of cool things such as the most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex in the world, Sue, as well as various cultural artifacts through history and throughout the world, as well as special exhibits (That cost a little bit extra) such as a Tattoo exhibit and an exhibit on China.

If that’s not your vibe, and you’re more so into astronomy, the Adler Planetarium has free days in February from 6-10, and then later in the month from 20-24 for Illinois residents (and groups who have an Illinois resident with them). The free pass grants access to all the permanent exhibits at the Planetarium, as well as the Doane Observatory if the weather permits. (If you’re unsure, you can also call in to see if it’ll be open that day or not.) The only thing you don’t get access to is one of the six 6 30-minute sky shows, but can add them for $12.95 a person.

As a third option, The Shedd Aquarium is free for Illinois residents Feb 6,7,10-14, 21, 27, and 28. Unfortunately the general admission doesn’t include a show to see the dolphins, but you can pay extra for that if you REALLY want to see that. (I don’t blame you, it’s pretty cool.) Otherwise you get access to most other exhibits.

If you like to save money like I do, but still want to experience Chicago for the plethora of knowledge it has in all of it’s museums and the like, I definitely recommend checking out these great places if you have the chance to.

Best of Chicago: Dessert and Pastry Shops

Best of Chicago: Dessert and Pastry Shops

Let’s admit it, when you have got a sweet tooth, you need to satisfy your craving. From savory carrot cake to traditional churros con chocolate to macarons that come in an array of colors; there is a dessert place for everyone. Whether you are the one to share with friends or indulge by yourself, here are some of Chicago’s best dessert and pastry shops to go out and explore.

1) The Goddess and the Baker (Downtown locations include: Wabash, Navy Pier, and Wacker & LaSalle) Whether you are in a sweet or a savory mood, this place has something for everyone. When you are there I would recommend the carrot cake with the perfect proportion of cream cheese frosting, crushed walnuts, and guaranteed moist cake. With Chicago’s unpredictable weather, this restaurant comes in clutch with a variety of hot chocolate, coffee, and tea drinks to satisfy your cold hands and warm you to your belly. I would personally recommend either the Goddess Almond Joy Frappe (which tastes like you are drinking an Almond Joy bar) or the Rishi Marsala Chai Latte (the perfect combination of spice, cream, and quality tea). Depending on your food mood: breakfast, lunch, and dinner is also served. (http://goddessandthebaker.com)

2) Xoco (location: Clark Street) From world renowned chef Rick Bayless, Xoco is the place for torta, guacamole, and churros alike. But, for me, the dessert is the best part of this culinary experience. There churros are freshly fried with just the right crunch on the outside and softness in the inside. However, no churro is complete with its counterpart, authentic Mexican hot chocolate. For those who enjoy a more traditional, more bitter taste (like eating a dark chocolate bar), I would recommend getting the authentic. Those of you who would enjoy a creamier, fuller taste, I would recommend the classic (which has milk instead of water). If you are not into churros or want something additional to sink your teeth into, I would recommend their seasonal tres leches (a variation on a three milk cake) or their xocoflan (chocolate cake with a traditional Mexican vanilla egg custard on top). (http://www.rickbayless.com/restaurants/xoco/)

3) Vanille Patisseries (locations include: Lincoln Park, French Market @ Ogilvie Station, Lakeview) If you want to have a gastronomic splurge, this is the place for you. Compared to the other places on this list, Vanille is an upper-scale dessert/pastry shop. Each pastry is small but decadent and is to savored with every bite. However, unlike most places, the dessert here is sweet but not overtly sweet. Some pastries I would recommend while you are here: a full bodied tiramisu and manjari (a flourless chocolate cake). Each of these would pair nicely with a hot cup of their signature teas. I would save this place to go on special occasions. (http://www.vanillepatisserie.com/Individual-Pastries/)

Churros

 

Why I chose the Rambler Life

Why I chose the Rambler Life

I guess I should say the Rambler life chose me… but it was definitely the best decision I’ve made. I am also not just saying this because I go to Loyola, or else I would have not been here! I really wanted to go to Loyola all throughout high school and I don’t doubt that one bit till this day.

I love Loyola because the moment I had my first class, I felt so welcomed and comfortable in the environment I was learning in, which was one thing that was super important for me. The intimate class sizes make learning so powerful and that was definitely the moment I knew that I was the type of person who preferred small classes, where my professor knows who I am as a person and I know my professor as well. It is definitely a personal preference, but to my knowledge, a lot of other universities tend to have large lectures, which vary from about 200-300 students in one hall or even like 500-600 for the bigger core classes. Smaller classes are better for me because I like when the professor knows me and its a better chance of getting recommendation letters, more resources, easy participation points (so its not all dependent on exams sometimes) and asking questions in general helps with learning. In this way, if you are the type that is afraid to speak in big crowds, this would be a great chance for you to engage in an environment comfortable for you.

Also, Loyola is a popular school so a lot of students are from out of state, which I think is super cool to have friends from different states so you’re not stuck with the same people from high school intend on meeting new people. Not to mention, Loyola has made it to top universities many times throughout the years, so be sure to check out my older blog posts on that as well!

I don’t live on campus; I commute which is about 45 mins-1 hr, and it is honestly not that bad (to all my commuters). We get a Ventra card so I must say, it is quite tempting to go downtown all the time because of the Loyola campus on Michigan Ave, right by the Water Tower Place. It can be so much fun because not only do we have Ventra cards to take L, we have a shuttle service right on campus so we can go anytime and explore.

Most commonly known for is our lake, of course,  but that wasn’t my decision maker. It definitely is a plus because studying there is THE BEST. Our library is so peaceful and aesthetic, which also includes The Harry Potter Room, and besides the library, Loyola has so many cool places to study and chill.

Loyola has lot of programs, whether they are the pre-professional programs offered (such as pre-physical therapy, pre-medicine, pre-dental, pre-law, etc.) and it is very easy to be involved with the hundreds of organizations, clubs, sports, etc. which can build an overall great reputation. Our success rate for careers and graduate schools are really high, so it is evident that our education is of great importance and it definitely pays off within the 4 years.

As a second year student reflecting on my two years at Loyola, I can say it proudly of how grateful I am to be a part of this institute. I’m majoring in Psychology right now with a minor in Exercise Science and not only are my classes so much fun, the professors are extremely helpful and caring.  I did get a scholarship which helped a lot, and became involved with the Muslim Student Association and Pakistani Student Association. Through this involvement, I met a lot of my friends and connections and it’s an unforgettable experience.

The last things I would like to mention is that we get an Easter break as well as a mid semester break which not a lot of other schools  have that so it definitely is a plus and bragging right (haha).  There are many on campus job opportunities that are offered if you are interested in working as well!

I hope my experience is able to help many of you, and if you do have any questions, please let me know at hafzal@luc.edu and I would be glad to give you some more feedback based on my experience at Loyola!