Getting to Manila's Universities via Metro: The University Belt Guide

Manila is the educational hub of the Philippines, home to dozens of prestigious universities and colleges that attract students from all over the country and the world. The 'University Belt' in Sampaloc, Manila is a dense cluster of schools, but major universities are also spread across Quezon City, Makati, and other parts of Metro Manila.

The LRT and MRT make getting to campus much more manageable than sitting in Manila traffic. This guide maps out the best rail routes to the major universities.

The University Belt is the traditional academic heart of Manila, a neighborhood packed with universities, review centers, bookstores, and affordable food stalls.

- University of the East (UE Manila): A 5-minute walk from Legarda Station

- Centro Escolar University (CEU): Adjacent to UE, also walkable from Legarda

- San Beda University: Walking distance along Mendiola Street

- National University (NU): Located near Pureza Station on Jhocson Street

- Far Eastern University (FEU): Walking distance from both stations along Nicanor Reyes Street

- University of Santo Tomas (UST): A 10-minute walk from Doroteo Jose Station via Espana Boulevard. UST is the oldest existing university in Asia, founded in 1611.

- Mapua University: Accessible from Doroteo Jose, located along Muralla Street in Intramuros

Katipunan Station on LRT-2 is the gateway to two of the Philippines' most prestigious universities.

- Located directly along Katipunan Avenue, a short jeepney or tricycle ride from the station

- Walking is possible (about 15 minutes) but the uphill road can be tiring in Manila's heat

- Ateneo gate is on Katipunan Avenue itself

- The national university's main campus is a massive 493-hectare campus in Quezon City

- From Katipunan Station, take a jeepney heading to UP Campus via CP Garcia Avenue

- The campus is so large that you will need to take the free UP Ikot jeepney service to get around inside

- Notable campus stops: Oblation Plaza, UP Shopping Center, Sunken Garden, College of Fine Arts, and UP Town Center (for food and shopping)

Miriam College: Also on Katipunan Avenue, a short ride from the station.

De La Salle University (DLSU): One of the top private universities in the Philippines, located on Taft Avenue in Manila.

- Take LRT-1 to Vito Cruz Station. DLSU is a 3-minute walk from the station along Taft Avenue.

- The main campus entrance faces Taft Avenue directly.

College of Saint Benilde (CSB): DLSU's sister school is also on Taft Avenue, near Vito Cruz Station.

Philippine Women's University (PWU): A short walk from Vito Cruz Station.

St. Scholastica's College: Near Pedro Gil Station on LRT-1, along Leon Guinto Street.

The Taft Avenue corridor is essentially a university row, with several schools lined up along the LRT-1 route. Students commuting to this area will find LRT-1 indispensable.

- Located in Sta. Mesa, Manila. Take LRT-2 to Pureza Station or V. Mapa Station. PUP Main is a short walk or jeepney ride away.

- San Marcelino Street, Manila. Nearest station is LRT-1 Pedro Gil. Walking distance.

- Ayala Boulevard, Manila. Accessible from LRT-1 United Nations Avenue Station.

- Taft Avenue. Near LRT-1 Pedro Gil Station.

- Take MRT-3 to Magallanes or Ayala Station, then a jeepney to the JP Rizal campus.

- Makati City. Walk from MRT-3 Ayala Station through Greenbelt/Legazpi Village area.

1. Get a student Beep card: Some promotions offer student discounts or bonus load on Beep cards. Check for ongoing promos at station counters.

2. Time your commute: Classes typically start at 7:30 AM or 8:00 AM. Arriving at the station by 6:30 AM avoids the worst of the rush.

3. Form commute groups: If you share a similar route with classmates, commuting together is safer and more fun.

4. Keep a campus map: For large campuses like UP Diliman, download the campus map to your phone so you know exactly which gate and jeepney route to take.

5. Budget for transport: A typical student's daily rail commute costs PHP 30-60 round trip. Budget PHP 1,200-2,500 monthly for transport depending on distance.

6. Use the ride for study: Many students use their commute time to review notes, listen to recorded lectures, or read. Noise-cancelling earphones are a good investment.

7. Explore your station area: The food and services near university-area stations are geared toward students -- affordable meals, photocopy shops, and school supply stores abound.