Tips and hacks to survive your first week of college as an Atenean freshie
Entering your college journey can be both exciting and scary. Aside from the joy of getting into your dream university, you'll face the challenges of academic workload and adjusting to a new environment, especially if it's your first time being away from family.
If you’re feeling jittery—fret not as PhilSTAR L!fe talked with alumni of Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) who are now thriving in their respective fields to help you navigate your first week at the university.
Handling acads, making a good impression
Dr. Maebel Joaquin, a psychology graduate and now a general physician, shared that freshman year mostly covers general subjects, like EnLit, Math, and Filipino, and even if you feel it may not be an essential part of your chosen major, she said that these can still affect your cumulative Quality Point Index, or your grade point average.
She stressed that while college life is not about academics, good grades will certainly help you to have that leverage for great opportunities you might get.
“Try your best in every subject you take, as early as you can,” she said.
She added that general subjects usually require blue books for exams, so make sure to get yours at LS Bookstore or Gonzaga.
For her part, Atty. Yvonne Ricaro, a graduate of BFA Theater Arts, advises freshies to make a good impression and research their professors before classes begin.
She added that you should think about these points: ”What are their quirks? How do they ask questions? What are the recommended materials for their class? Do they allow screens or not?”
“Having a head start will make you feel more at ease and less anxious,” Ricaro stressed. “Remember to focus on your acads and take note of your professor's quirks!”
Joaquin, who is also known as Doc Maebs on TikTok, added that freshies should also use grade consultations and mentorships to their advantage as these will help them keep track of their academic standing and the course trajectory.
“Do not hesitate to contact your department secretaries/professors if you feel like you need guidance on which classes to take to better suit your career path,” she said.
Joaquin shared that one of the unique academic advantages of studying in the Ateneo are its Theology and Philosophy subjects which you will get in your third or fourth year in the university.
“I would like to think it's part of how the Ateneo is preparing you for life after University. Aside from my major subjects, these were the subjects that I was so fond of and have really enjoyed learning!” she added.
This was echoed by Sofia Pangilinan, a graduate of Health Sciences (Hons.), saying that such subjects "will shape your worldview as a person that will stick to you the most, even after you graduate, so make the most out of it!"
If you’re looking for a spot to go to for your hectic acad week other than cafes, Joaquin suggests going to Rizal Libraries and Matteo Hall--which is open 24/7 during finals week.
Additional tip: Pangilinan said to prepare a 1x1 or 2x2 photo along with index cards as professors use them for attendance and grading your participation.
As you go along in the coming days, she also advises you to find good study/accountability buddies. "There will always be group work, and a support system should be welcome during finals season. It will make things better."
Making friends and building connections
Whatever profession you pursue, building connections is certainly one of the essential ingredients towards success, and the best time to do this is in your college years.
Not only will you get to have the go-to buddy or groups for your personal and/or academic-related problems, but you will also have professionals you can count on when you pursue your respective fields.
Ricaro, who earned her juris doctor degree in 2022, said that the first week of school is understandably the scariest part of college, but she stressed that try to shake off that shyness and approach others.
“Don’t be shy, muster up the courage to say hi to your seatmate! If you're feeling friendly, you can even initiate a block bonding right away! I met some of my best friends during Ateneo OrSem and we still keep in touch up to this day,” she shared with L!fe. “Don’t be afraid of approaching others first! Make friends and just be yourself!”
Pangilinan, who was among the people behind the famous Humans of Ateneo—a social media project of the Sanggunian: Commission on Mental Health—said that there are orientations and welcoming events in each department where you can get to know your blockmates or batchmates under your program.
"Though it may be overwhelming for introverts like me, think of it as stepping out of your comfort zone and opening your doors to possibilities of finding your crowd," she said.
"I would also like to break the stereotype that you can only speak to each other in English. Ateneo people are diverse, coming from different parts of the world and the Philippines," she added.
Joaquin added that outside the university, you may also join dorm events and get to know your fellow dormers or condo neighbors at any chance you get.
“Aside from the obvious social interaction, you can also help one another in times of emergencies and calamities, since you would be living far from your parents/families,” she stressed.
Joining student organizations
If you want to find people you share similar passions, interests, and advocacies with, channel your extra energy by joining student organizations!
Ricaro shared that one of the best decisions she made in college was joining organizations, which helped her widen her social connections.
“Plus points that you get to be a part of a community outside of your block! You can definitely balance org-life and acads, if that’s what you’re worried about!” she stressed.
“It’s just a matter of time management and knowing your priorities. Go and sign up for that dream org!”
Joaquin shared that most Ateneans would hang out at MVP Building, which houses the majority of the organizations in the Ateneo. Here, org members plan org events or simply make friends with other students or seek tips from the upperclassmen.
Food spots
Strolling around the campus nervous and hangry can be overwhelming, so it’s best to be familiar with the sulit food spots inside and outside Ateneo.
You may find student-friendly meals at Gonzaga, or you may head to the John Gokongwei Student Enterprise Center (JSEC)—dubbed the “world's first student entrepreneur mall”—where you can find student-owned food stalls.
“To get a spot at JSEC, they would have to go through the JSEC challenge (that time of the year when you'd smell different cuisines and delicacies in the red brick road),” Joaquin shared.
She added that if you have a long-vacant time, there are also cafes and other food spots around Katipunan and nearby areas like Estaban Abada, Maginhawa, and Marikina where you can chill or get little treats.
Pangilinan also suggests other spots like Ebai's Cafeteria located in the University Dorms area, which serves student-friendly home-cooked meals. If you're lucky, this is where you may spot some athletes here. Another is the LST (Loyola School of Theology), which is a little bit remote from the campus, near the Manila observatory if you're craving street foods.
"You’ll enjoy an overlooking view of Marikina, which is perfect if you want peace and quiet moments," she said.
As you gear up for college, Joaquin stressed that freshman year would be the year of adjustments—from being away from family, and meeting new friends, to staying in a new area—despite this, Ateneo freshies should try to enjoy and embrace every bit of it.
“You don't have to have it all figured out in terms of your acads, your course path, most especially your career path,” she said.
“It's about discovering yourselves, what your likes and dislikes are, how you make decisions, and how you would pave the path of your life. Enjoy it, embrace it, and you're in for the ride of your life. Studying in Ateneo is one of my life's greatest highlights,” she continued. “Welcome to the Ateneo!”