University Belt


The University Belt is the unofficial name of a de facto subdistrict in Manila, Philippines. It refers to the area where there is a high concentration or a cluster of colleges and universities in the city.
The University Belt is commonly understood as the one located, mainly, in San Miguel district. But technically it also includes nearby Sampaloc, Quiapo, and Santa Cruz. Generally, it includes the western end of España Boulevard, Nicanor B. Reyes Street, the eastern end of Recto Avenue, Legarda Street, Mendiola Street, and the different side streets. Each of the colleges and universities found here are at a short walking distance of each other.
However, Manila also has other clusters of universities and colleges, such as the one found in the long stretch of Taft Avenue from Ermita through Malate, although not as compact, and another one found inside the walled city of Intramuros, although not as many as the one found in San Miguel.
Nevertheless, the three clusters are close enough together that many consider it as one huge University Belt. All are found within no more than four miles, in an irregular crescent string shape, across seven of the sixteen districts of Manila.

University Belt

Major universities and colleges located in Sampaloc, Quiapo, Santa Cruz, Santa Mesa, and San Miguel:
The University Belt is near the Malacañang Palace, thus, protesters would often pass by the colleges and universities on their way to Mendiola Street and the Chino Roces Bridge, a frequent venue of rallies.

Taft Avenue

All institutions are all located along or near Taft Avenue stretching from Ermita to Malate, with a distance long of 2.25 miles from Universidad de Manila in the north to De La Salle University in the south.
All institutions are located within the walled city of Intramuros. It also lies close in the northern tip of the Taft Ave. cluster.