The best thing about SLU is the environment. Everyone around you is very friendly and interested in getting to know you. The students hang out with everyone, they are not confined in little groups of people. Also the students are there because they want to learn, but also have fun!
The worst thing is probably the food in the cafeteria. Although it may be the best cafeteria food I have seen at a campus, it can be very bland.
Yes, At SLU you get the best of both worlds. You see familiar faces everyday, but you don't know everyone on campus. If you get bored of campus, you can go and explore the fantastic city of St. Louis
You might also consider Butler University, UIC, Saint Ambrose University, PU