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The Welcome Pack: Explore New Orleans (Fall 2024)

Subject line: Nice to NOLA 

Sent: September 18, 2024

Every neighborhood in New Orleans offers its own unique blend of sights, sounds, and smells that bring it to life. No matter how long you’ve lived here, there’s always more to explore. Check out our neighborhood guide for an introduction to the areas surrounding Loyola, and our city guide for the best destinations around town. From the stunning architecture of the Garden District to the lush greenery of Uptown and Audubon Park—most spots are just a short bike ride or walk from campus. 

Get to NOLA

If you are interested in exploring the city, Campus Rec’s Get to NOLA program is perfect for you! Once a month, Campus Rec will go on excursions throughout the city and the Gulf Coast. Hiking trips, ghost tours, and swamp tours are just a few of the activities they have in store! Upcoming excursions will be listed on HowlConnect and the @LoynoCampusRec Instagram. Stop by Havoc’s Help Desk and pay a cash deposit to secure your spot for an upcoming event! If you are unable to make it to one of the excursions, JamNOLA and Mardi Gras World tickets are available for purchase from Havoc’s Help Desk for $10 each.

Shuttle Services

You don’t need a car to run your errands off-campus. The on-demand shuttle service can take you to nearby locations, like the grocery store or pharmacy, so you can keep up with your to-do list. Some popular destinations include Rouses Market, Whole Foods Market, and Walmart. We offer the on-demand shuttle from Monday – Friday, 7 p.m. to end time. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Call 504.865.3100 to request shuttle service within the designated shuttle service area. 

Public Transportation Passes 

Need assistance getting from home to school or work? Students have two ways to access free public transportation resources:

  • The RTA has announced the Opportunity Pass, a free, one-year pass available for local Orleans residents ages 16–24. To receive your free annual pass, visit a New Orleans Public Library location (the Latter branch is located at 5120 Saint Charles Avenue) to fill out a form and receive an access code to use in the RTA’s Le Pass app.  
  • Student Life and Ministry can also provide Jazzy Passes for use on the city’s RTA bus and streetcar lines. Passes are intended for students in need of transportation, not for recreational purposes. Each pass can be used over one 24-hour period. If you would like to request a Jazzy Pass, please fill out this form

Learn more about transportation options.

Dining in the Big Easy

New Orleans offers an overwhelming variety of restaurants, cafes, and coffee shops. Looking for a new spot to try around town? Check our food map we shared during Wolf Pack Welcome for a listing of our favorite dining destinations. 

Hurricane Safety

Hurricane season in New Orleans runs through November 30. It’s important to stay vigilant and prepared throughout the season, and Loyola provides students with many resources to help them prepare. Explore Loyola’s Emergency website for information about evacuations, how to prepare a go-kit, and how to stay safe during inclement weather. Don’t worry—Loyola will communicate with you before, during, and after a storm to make sure you have a clear plan and the resources you need. 

Wolf Deck Mobile App 

HOWL! The Wolf Deck app provides a personalized student dashboard so you can access important campus information on your phone, including: class schedules/grades, LORA Self-Service, HowlConnect, the IT Help Desk, and more. You’ll need to log into the app using your Microsoft login credentials. Visit our website for instructions to download the app!  

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