11 Reasons Why Back-To-School Isn't So Bad When You Go To UA&P

Written by Creol Grandjean and James Martin

It's back to school season for us, Dragons! Two months into the semester and in between the classes and workload that follow us home, many of us are already counting the days until the next holiday. Sometimes, a few reminders can be a good boost to appreciate what the university offers. Let these 11 reasons show you why waking up at 7:30am isn't so bad especially when you're studying at the University of Asia and the Pacific!

1. The Dress Code

Let's face it, a majority of the school's student population is lukewarm when it comes to the university's strict guidelines as to how one should dress himself. Regardless of your take on it, we like to view it as an opportunity — or even an excuse to:

A. Go Shopping

Alright now, there’s no need to fret that your summer spree is over because the end-of-summer sale has just begun! Now, despite the fact that this reason applies more to girls — boys, let’s not pretend that getting a new pair of Nike Roshes for that sporty look or a nice polo and blazer for that dashing appearance doesn’t get you excited. Our surveys reveal that UA&P girls (or girls in general) view well-dressed men as more intelligent, more attractive, and more successful. If you still weren’t aware of that, well, we are honoured that you read it first here!

B. Adjust to a Corporate Culture

Prepare yourself for the world where short-shorts and graphic tank tops are a no-no in a corporate culture.

2. On-Campus Enlistment

Technically, enlistment happens in all universities. However, if you've ever enlisted on-campus in UA&P, give yourself a round of applause – you know why. For those of you who haven't, good luck when you do. May the slots be ever in your favour! On the bright side, a great part about enlistment is the number of new friends you will meet in line! Also, since we're already two months into the semester, it means enlistment is over!

For now.

3. Schoolwork

UA&P is unique because unlike many other universities, a regular schedule would be around 24 units! In other words, 8 classes is the norm, while in other universities, that's already a full load! With great power comes great responsibility, similarly, with great schedule comes, well, lots and lots of work. After all, who needs time for fun and leisure anymore? You're in college now, the days of afternoon naps and recesses are over. Say hello to readings, group projects, all-nighters and your soon-to-be-best-friend, coffee.

4. Discovering New Surroundings as a Freshman

For all the freshmen reading this, welcome to UA&P! If you haven’t noticed it yet, there is plenty of sightseeing to do outside of the campus such as Megamall, Shangri-La, and Podium, which are only a 5 to 10 minute walk away! Maybe even 3 minutes for you fast walkers out there! That being said, there are also a variety of things to do on-campus. There's the beautiful Stella Orientis Chapel for example, as well as the always-peaceful CAS Garden. For the bookworms out there, UA&P has not one, not three, but TWO libraries! Why venture all the way out to a mall when there's a whole new world to explore on school grounds!

5. The Cafeteria

I don’t know about you, but 2 months without Phily’s Laidback Chicken enjoyed with Red Brew’s refreshing Iced Tea had us daydreaming every lunch time from April to May. Oh and let’s not forget our go-to, all-time favourite Korean stall that never fails to satisfy our Bulgogi cravings!

6. Freshly Photocopied Readings

If you have yet to experience this feeling, it's bound to happen sometime in your college life. The warmth of the paper after the printing process makes photocopying that 20-or-more page reading just a little less painful.

7. Homer, Shakespeare and Dante

If you have yet to take any Literature classes in your curriculum, then you have something to look forward to! Whether you're reading the epic poems of Homer in The Iliad, the tragedies of Shakespeare, or the Divine Comedy of Dante, or any other literary works, you're sure to leave those classes with thought-provoking questions. Why is Akhileus so unstoppable? Why is Friar Lawrence marrying two teenagers? Why is Dante going to hell? Regardless of the answers to those questions however, you should probably start reading as soon as possible! Those characters and plotlines aren't going to analyze themselves.

8. The Professors

Like every other University, we too have notable professors. Too many to list down! Whether you are still in your juvenile years feeding on liberal education, or further ahead in your majors when you’re exerting every ounce of strength to wake up early in the morning, it will always be a privilege to be taught by them.

For a faculty who masters what they’re teaching: they only expect that you put into use what you’re learning.

9. Cramped Elevators

If you've ever been in a hurry to class in the ACB building, then you've probably experienced being in a cramped elevator… Yep. I've never felt so close to my fellow students. I suppose that’s one of the things that has taught me the meaning of UNITAS.

10. #OOTD

If you go to UA&P and you are on social media, chances are, you've seen someone post an outfit photo with the wall of Study Hall A as their background. Well, back to school means more #OOTD photos!!!

11. Back-to-back Classes

Last but not least, back-to-back classes, because when one door closes, another one opens!

Thank You!