Just passed the UPCAT, ACET, or MCAT? Congratulations! You’re probably excited to begin your college journey but unsure of what comes next. While going through high school was challenging, university is a whole new story. Before you become a certified Atenean, Iskolar ng Bayan, or Knoller, read on to get an idea on where to go.

Accommodations

Even before you’ve been to Katipunan, you’ve likely heard of the traffic situation. The Ateneo de Manila University and the University of the Philippines (UP) are two of the only universities where cars move as slowly as a turtle inside and outside the campus. Your best bet is getting a condo near Ateneo, which is great for space and freedom. You could also opt to stay inside the campus if you’re fine with sharing spaces with others. Since a 10-minute walk can turn into a 30-minute drive in the avenue, it’s best to walk to your destination over taking a car.

Study Spaces

Katipunan boasts of endless options for your cramming needs. There are several coffee shops and rooms with available plugs and free Wi-Fi. Your school of choice also offers study halls and libraries that you could maximize. Ateneo has the Rizal Library and Matteo Ricci Study Hall, while Miriam College offers the Innovation Center. If you’ve chosen to live in a condominium, it’s likely to offer a room for studying as well. Make the most of the various location choices and try them all. A study has found that alternating study spaces can help with retaining information.

Restaurants

Like every college student, you’ll likely feel overwhelmed with academic and extracurricular demands. After a long day in class, you wouldn’t want to stress about choosing where to eat. While you’re familiar with the fast-food staples, you should try out hidden gems along Katipunan. For vegans, there’s Green Light in the FBR Building and Go! Salads near Ateneo. Craving ramen and teriyaki? Roku is the place for you. But if you’re trying out only one Katipunan restaurant, it should be Sweet Inspiration.

Groceries

If you’re trying to save money or sick of take-out food, be sure to have a stock of food and other essentials at home. There are three main options for your snacking requirements. Robinsons Easymart is good for basics such as chips and toiletries. The Marketplace by Rustan’s has the most diverse offerings, from imported nuts to organic eggs. For fruits and vegetables, Savemore at Berkeley Residences is the place to go. Beyond these shops, there’s a Korean mart behind Regis Center where you can get your fill of fish-shaped ice cream and tteokbokki.

Laundry Shops

You can resolve your dirty laundry with several options while living away from home. You can either wash them by hand yourself, which is time-consuming and tiring. You can take your clothes to a laundry shop, but you run the risk of losing your items in the wash. Another alternative is going to a self-service laundry shop. You’ll save time and ensure that your clothes are complete, though you have to fold them yourself.

College is not a journey to be taken lightly. Expect to step outside of your comfort zone, especially if it will be your first time living alone. While you’re traveling the unknown, it’s best to find the places that work best for you and make a home away from home.

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