Life at Loyola

The interesting thing about being a student at Loyola is the similarities that all students share with each other. Every single student that I have come across on campus and had conversations with live very similar lives as me. Oddly enough, a majority of the students that I have met are also commuters. It is genuinely mind blowing how much students have in common. 

Commuter students arrive to campus and park at the Fitness and Aquatic Center. Using students IDs with the picture we all regret having been taken of us, we use it to open up the gates of the parking area. After struggling to find a spot, students make their ways up the concrete path to the front of the FAC building. This is where we wait to the LUM shuttles to take us to campus.

When it comes to the shuttles, you really never know what you are going to get. It truly doesn't matter what time you arrive to the FAC, the shuttle buses are unpredictable. Students can either wait 20 minutes (which feels like forever in the scorching sun or pouring rain) or you are running to catch the shuttle last minute. There is no in between.

While boarding the shuttle buses, drivers greet you with a "where are you headed?" rather than a good morning. The ride itself is easily compared to the Superman rollercoaster at Six Flags Maryland. The bus wreaks of poorly maintained body odor, awkwardly spread out students who don't speak at all, and interesting music choices by the drivers. 

After drivers make the right onto N Charles St. and head toward campus, it is like the beginning of a roller coaster when you are inching toward the top. As soon as we hit campus is like the descend. Drivers speed of speed bumps to the point where students are flying in the air, brakes are slammed on so hard that you go flying into the seat in from of you. Faces slam and all you can taste is the leather of a seat back. Then the next thing you know you are at your stop. 

After stepping onto campus, students find themselves rushing to Boulder. Starbucks is the most important stop of the day. After entering the building, you are instantly hit with the smell of coffee beans grinding and a wave of anxiety after you look at the line. However, coffee is important and the wait is just part of our daily routine at this point. Ears begin to pierce over the sounds of whirring machines while trying to focus on your name being called.

After students grab their coffees and take the first sip, a wave of relief as the cool iced coffee drains down your throat and the little bit of caffeine builds the energy up. Then class is in session. Students have their time to sit in English, Science, Theology, etc. and interact with professors. Listening to the constant nags of study complaints and watching the awkward adjustment of masks. 

After class is over, students find themselves searching for a place to study between classes. 95% of students at Loyola take a break between classes rather than going back to back. My favorite place is the porch of the humanities building. There are the most comfortable red cushions that sit on top of the brown whicker chairs. If you place yourself perfectly, you can prop your feet up on the stone ledge and study for the next hour and a half. 

If students are not in the mood for studying, then another coffee or snack break with fellow students comes next. Passing the outside of Boulder, students find tables and chairs to sit with friends and discuss the topics of professors, drama, and more. Laptops are propped up onto a pile of textbooks to create a mini movie theatre for friends. Greys Anatomy is the most popular choice. The Office comes in at a close second. Students laugh and giggle together until their next class.

The second classes hit and both students and professors are in better moods come the afternoon. Fun and chaotic conversations are held in classes. Students find themselves sweating from talking so much with a mask on. The faint salt taste is stuck in everyone's mouths until class ends and we are all free to take off our masks outdoors.

At most, students will have two classes daily. It is a lot of work to have more than two but some students are superstars and can manage. Me however, I tap out after two classes. Time for students to head home or back to dorms. Another trip on the roller coaster shuttle, but this time it is backwards. Immediately flying into the backs of seats, flying over speed bumps, and holding on for dear life. The shuttle can be so stressful for a great time for us students to laugh after a hectic day of classes. 

Finally, shuttles made it back to the FAC and students thank the drivers. Not so subtley, we all rush back to our cars and fight for the chance to turn left at the light. It is time to go home and take a nap. Other students head for the local CVS or farmers market on York Rd and grab some materials for the dorm. Then, just when you think you can catch a break, it is time do homework.