Choosing a college requires a lot of reflective thought for most students. What values do you want to see in a school? Where is the campus located? What is the student life like? 

A key question many students explore before attending Loyola University Chicago is: will I fit in at a Jesuit institution? Loyola prides itself in its Jesuit roots, and ensures Jesuit values are reflected in academics and campus life.

Loyola defines the Jesuit Method of Education in five parts: a passion for quality, study of humanities and sciences, questions of ethics and values, religious experiences and is person-centered. 

Yet, simultaneously, Loyola values religious freedom; it is not a university exclusively for Catholics. 

LUC Diversity & Inclusion website states: “Loyola University Chicago invites people of all faiths and traditions to be a part of our community. We celebrate that peace and unity come from a healthy religious diversity.” 

Based on the 2018 Freshman class, Loyola’s student body is roughly 61% Roman Catholic and 39% Jewish, Hindu, Muslim, Protestant, Eastern Orthodox, or other. 

My roommate and rising junior at Loyola, Nina Smythe, defines herself as “other.” She grew up in a Catholic family but started doubting her religion in elementary school and has jumped between atheist and agnostic since. 

“It didn’t make sense to me that people were so sure that death ended in heaven and that if you did a certain thing wrong you would be sent to hell, but if you said sorry for it everything would be fine?” Smythe said. “Like all of a sudden, you’re good again, and that didn’t make sense to me.” 

By high school, Smythe stopped attending church entirely, and she never considered she’d attend a religious university. Yet, for some reason, senior year Nina was leaning towards Loyola – despite the Jesuit beliefs. 

“Although it’s a Jesuit school it’s pretty inclusive to a lot of people. And I never feel forced to believe a certain thing,” Smythe said. “I don’t feel pressure to be a certain religion, or to think a certain way.”

Loyola offers itself as a safe space for all students; a Catholic chapel, Puja prayer room, Protestant church and Mosque can all be found on campus. By being an inclusive, safe space Loyola allows for students to truly explore concepts, thoughts and personal beliefs within various religions.

Photo of Baitu Salam Mosque floor inside Loyola Chicago’s Mundelein Center, by CitySeeker.

As a result, Loyola becomes a diverse place where people of many religious backgrounds can gather and share experiences.

“Being here, especially with theology classes, has broadened my views on religion,” Smythe said. “I have a larger respect for religion going to a Jesuit school. I don’t feel like I have to believe in any religions, but I have more respect for those who are religiously affiliated.”