A Glimpse of University Life at Ateneo and UP

The Grade 11 and 12 students of MGC New Life Christian Academy (MGCNLCA) got a taste of university life when they explored Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) and the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) during an onsite campus tour last August 22.

Meant to help the Senior High School (SHS) students learn more about the campuses, the tour offered valuable insights into ADMU's and UPD’s academic programs, campus life, and the various opportunities available to students. The students traveled to the Katipunan schools in two buses and three vans and were separated by strand to make the tour more personalized.

At ADMU, New Lifers from the Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), the Accountancy Business and Management (ABM), the Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS), and the General Academic Strand (GAS) strands were shown the different buildings for the various courses and dormitories offered by the university.

Meanwhile, the UPD campus tour had the students separated into strands, with each group given an individualized walking tour of the buildings and infrastructure specific to their interests and specializations. 

After the tours, New Lifers had the chance to ask questions and receive firsthand advice and information about the available programs from the scholarship students of ADMU and the members of the University of the Philippines Chinese Student Association (UPCSA). MGCNLCA alumni studying in both schools also dropped by to greet their former teachers and schoolmates participating in the campus tour.

However, the day wasn't without its challenges, with unexpected delays in the schedule due to Katipunan traffic. Despite all this, the students still found the day enjoyable, especially with the midday break at UP Town Center, where they indulged in a delicious lunch with their friends and batchmates.

Grade 12 student Maxine Chan shared, “I really enjoyed seeing the campuses and all of their facilities. It was great to get a feel for university life and see where we could be studying soon. The tour also gave me a better idea of which school might be the best fit for me!”

Sofie Tan, a G11 student, also added, “As UP and Ateneo are the dream colleges I wish to go to, I was super excited to walk around/tour these university campuses. Getting a glimpse of what my life could be like in two years has motivated me to continue working hard on my studies and to do my best in their respective entrance exams in the future.”