OUTSIDE THE REGULAR hustle-and-bustle of University life, students need a safe haven—a place of respite to breathe and seek refuge from the daily academic battles they may be facing.
With the start of yet another amazing Academic Year, some of us might still have this sense of dissatisfaction over the momentary summer break, and uncertainty on what lies ahead. Luckily, San Beda University (SBU) has its fair share of special spots where students can pause for a moment, and breathe, with friends or in comfortable solitude. Especially to all freshies out there who are still unfamiliar with the scenic sites in the Lion’s Den, this is for you!
St. Maur’s Hall
Formerly the spot of the University’s baseball field, St. Maur’s Hall now serves as San Beda University’s melting pot for the University’s communities beyond the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). From the early class rush in the CAS and Senior High School departments to the late-night “senti” moments from the College of Law (COL) students, St Maur’s Hall always sees its fair share of personalities.
This area’s shared nature is also evident during the numerous organizational and University-wide events; with the outskirts of the hall covered by event booths and student business.
Going in-depth on what can be seen here during events, food stalls, and brand pop-ups are available for Bedans. St Maur’s Hall transforms into a vibrant hub for activity with waves of Bedans passing through and interacting with whatever is available for the day.
If crowded places are not for you, don’t worry as St Maur’s Hall is typically a place for peace and quiet outside of University events.
Juan Sabater Hall Corridor
Do you need a place to take a pause and relax? The Juan Sabater Hall Corridor provides just the spot. More known as “the lockers” by the Bedan community, this area is not an obvious spot for relaxing alone or with friends at first glance.
Adjacent to the University’s Jubilee Garden, “the lockers” provide a view to much-needed greenery in a campus filled to the brim with academic halls and buildings.
Despite not having a sitting area, students make do by using the archway ledges as make-shift benches (just don’t get caught if you ever plan on doing this).
Even though this spot is not a traditional place for Bedans to hang out, this area has a reputation as a place where you can have heart-to-heart talks with friends or get lost in your train of thoughts and emotions.
Kurimi (RC Gym)
The latest addition to the University, the Kurimi stall by the RC Gym provides Bedans with a new option for in-campus grub. Despite being smaller than Dom or the Snack Bar, this area is a new go-to for those who wish to find a study place or eating area.
Despite being tucked away between the RC Gym and the University’s parking area, this spot is a literal hidden gem for those who wish to stay here. Being far from the CAS’ classrooms and library makes this place a seldomly visited spot during class hours, but its food options and eating area see plenty of activity during vacant periods.
This area provides the potential to form new core memories and traditions for the Bedan community. So don’t let its hidden nature allow you to overlook this place and give visiting this spot a chance to be part of your in-campus routine.
SBU Old Gate
A chill spot that commemorates SBU history, the SBU Old Gate lies at the heart of the campus. With places to sit or play sports just outside of the Lydia Tan Sy Hall, not to mention the Centennial Garden lying just within the gates—this place never sees a dull moment.
This area may be more associated as the backdrop to every Bedan’s Instagram story or TikTok as this place boasts aesthetically pleasing views and vibes. Being closer to the University’s main study areas, the Old Gate is a quick getaway for Bedans looking to slow down from the demands of classes.
Besides the Centennial Garden that houses a pocket of trees and greenery inside the University, the area of the old gate is also home to statues and monuments donated by SBU alumni, most notably the two lion statues that guard both posts.
If you are not yet aware, just be cautious if you believe in superstitions; as passing through the university’s Old Gate is said to delay one’s graduation in SBU. Of course, superstitious or not, the SBU Old Gate is always available for Bedan’s to…(idk chill??)
While SBU’s hangout spots may not have the same allure that other universities have, this does not take away the stories and history that many Bedans associate these places with. While the streets of Manila have more activities or aesthetically pleasing shops or areas for you to go to, SBU provides Bedans with areas that make the student community feel at ease. As SBU is your home away from home, give these places a visit and give them a chance to become engraved into your own understanding of San Beda University!