Survival Tips: A Warrior on the Field

by Venus Amor P. Pestaño

LIKE BIRDS free from metal bars, we are outside again, roaming around like lost children. After years of being in the comfort of our homes, we have forgotten how to survive in this chaotic world. If you are not wiseenough, you will be eaten alive: a mere student thrust into the world will undoubtedly struggle.

The daily life of a student is a war zone where the only strongest warrior lives. As a student, there are things to worry about like getting to school, beating traffic, and budgeting your allowance. Here are tips to help you survive.

7 survival tips outside the University of the East:

1. Travel smart. We can all agree that stumbling in traffic is a pain, so leave your house early to get to school on time. Rush hours usually happen from 7:00 A.M. to 9:00 A.M. and again from 5:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M., so take note!

Pro tip: Use Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transits (MRT); train rides are a great way to avoid traffic and get to your destination with little to no hassle. If you’ve managed to avoid the dreaded influx of passengers, riding the jeepney is the cheapest way of getting from point A to point B!

2. Get your cardio going! Instead of hailing rides from Etryc, Grab, or Angkas, you should consider walking. It will help us avoid traffic, save money, and improve our health.

3. Feel free to ask for a discount. Students are also entitled to discounts on public transportation, too! And if you want to buy something, don’t be afraid to bargain for a better deal or a lower price. Asians take pride in frugality!

4. Support local businesses. Supporting local businesses will not only help them grow, but it will also help us get great deals. Every peso counts, so make sure you make the most of it.

5. Gastambide meals. Gastambide street offers the most affordable and diverse meals out there. It is cheaper than eating in a fast-food chain nearby and you get to choose from numerous options, plus it’s right in front of the university gate!

6. Bring a water bottle. Reusable water bottles/tumblers will help you save some cash because water fountain dispensers are available almost everywhere! A handy water bottle will help you stay cool and hydrated throughout the day. It’ll also help you cut back on plastic waste by eliminating the need to buy bottled water from convenience stores.

7. Prepare your lunch and snacks. Bringing homemade food is a lot healthier and cheaper, especially for quick snacks throughout the day. When we go to school with food in our system, we have the energy to start the day because a happy tummy means a happy life!

Are you ready, Warriors? May the odds be in your favor!