How to survive and thrive on your first week as a UST freshie, according to Thomasian alumni

Get to know the people around you

As some colleges in UST put you in a block section where you’ll be together with your classmates until you finally get that sweet, sweet diploma, it’s important to spend this time getting to know them.

“Ang pag-aaral natin ay sobrang pasakit na, mag-isa pa kaya? Laging natin tatandaan na tayo'y ‘di nagiisa sa laban at meron tayong kapamilya o kaibigan na laging na andyan magbibigay ng tulong, supporta, at pag-asa na bawat paghihirap ay mayroon pa ring kanlungan at tuwa na ‘di kailanman mawawala,” said Ryo Villeza, a Mechanical Engineering graduate.

Alliah Gubangco, who finished Economics, encouraged that you should also reach out to your upperclassmen for inspiration.

“They can be good friends and helpful hands to you [by] giving you tips on how to excel and surpass your program,” she said. “Remember, your blockmates are your family, together with the Thomasian community.”

But more than your fellow students, you also shouldn’t be afraid to reach out and mingle with your professors as they can serve as your guidance throughout college.

“Be curious enough to ask questions about your courses, and the career path you aim to take. Knowing them well will give you ideas [about] whom you might ask for advice during your thesis days with your desired topic,” Gubangco said.

Explore eateries and food spots

You can’t study well on an empty stomach! Luckily, outside the UST campus is a haven for food lovers with its wide selection of restaurants and eateries that not only have delicious menus but also won’t burn a hole in your wallet.

“You'll find out sooner that restaurants inside UST are either always full or have higher prices. Try to explore the eateries and restaurants around UST, especially around Dapitan and P. Noval streets,” Journalism graduate Loreta Arroyo advised.

“They're more budget-friendly and are loved by students—that's why some of them have been there for decades,” she added, recommending Dimsum Treats as a must-try.

Gubangco also suggested trying out the siomai rice of Angkong, the sweet and crunchy banana rhuma of Mang Tootz, and the refreshing Mango Graham shakes, noting, “Remember, being full and healthy is essential for you to function well at school so be mindful enough of your health.”

Expand your potential by joining organizations

While it’s fine to take it slow in your first week, it’s best to take into consideration some of the university-wide and college-specific organizations you’d like to join that can help you thrive in your course.

“Believe me, as someone who was a ‘BS Org’ student before, student orgs will really enrich your learning experience in UST and help you gain more skills that will make you more employable,” urged Arroyo, who was once president of the Journalism Society in her program.

Gubangco, who was formerly the Head of Aesthetics of her program’s Artlets Economics Society, highlighted that being in an organization can help you “boost your potential, mingle and meet other people, and create fun [and] meaningful events for your fellow Thomasians.”

“Being involved in these organizations will be beneficial to build your background and skills that will be essential to your career in the future,” she said.

Never forget your umbrella

Forgetting your umbrella at home may not pose such a problem in other cases, but it can prove stressful if you’re studying at UST.

The university’s grounds are infamous for being flooded quite quickly whether it’s a soft downpour or a heavy one. Despite constructions to resolve the issue, it appears that the flood isn’t so easy to keep away.

Because of this, having an umbrella and other essentials at hand is a must if you don’t want the weather to get the better of you.

“UST is like an oven, a freezer, and a swimming pool depending on the weather. You best be ready with any weather,” Arroyo said.

Make praying a habit

As UST holds the distinction of being one of the oldest and largest Catholic universities in Asia, its campus holds many places where you can stop and pray, which Villeza highly encourages to make a habit.

“Isa dapat sa mga katangian nating mga Tomasino ang lumapit tayo sa mga Santo, Birhen at lalo na sa Diyos,” he emphasized.

“Ipanalangin natin sa kanila na sa bawat araw na tayo ay nasa UST na tayo ay gabayan sa bawat pagsubok o pangyayari sa ating mga buhay at ipasalamat ang mga biyaya na binigay ng poong maykapal,” he added.

Some of the places where you can have a peaceful moment of reflection include the university’s very own church, the Santísimo Rosario Parish, and the Rosary Garden. The UST Museum also holds many religious images and artifacts for you to admire.