RJ Naguit: Campus Tour: University of Santo Tomas

University of Santo Tomas (UST) is a private Roman Catholic University run by the Order of Preachers in Manila. It is strategically situated in a perfect 21.5 hectare lot along Espana Boulevard, Manila.

Founded on April 28, 1611, its is the oldest university in the Philippines and in Asia. In fact, it is even older than the Republic of the Philippines and is one of the world's largest Catholic universities in terms of enrollment found on one campus.UST is also the largest university in the city of Manila. Also, it is the only university which was bestowed with three titles: Royal, Pontifical and Catholic given by no less than Pope Leo XIII, King Charles III of Spain and Pope Pious XII.

The university is composed of several autonomous faculties, colleges, schools and institutes offering undergraduate,, graduate, and postgraduate degrees. The forte of this school lies on the allied medical professions (Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Rehabilitation Sciences, Medical Technology) as manifested by consistent top performances in the local board examinations.

Other noteworthy programs of this university are Architecture and Accountancy, both of which also garner honors in the licensure exams.

Centers of Excellence

Architecture
Chemistry
Electronics and Communications Engineering
Literature
Medicine and Surgery
Music
Nursing
Philosophy
Teacher Education

Centers of Development

Biology
Financial Management
Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Mechanical Engineering

What I like about this university is the diverse mix of people you meet. In my experience with me coming from the province, I could say that adjusting to the Thomasian environment is easy since a lot of people are also from the provinces and the people here are really friendly and easy to get along with. No social strata discrimination here, you get to meet people from different socio-economic levels and they actually mix very well.

The environment is also very conducive for learning, although it lags behind other institutions when it comes to facilities probably because it's 400 years old (Go figure why.) But I think the university is also trying catch up, I've been seeing some improvements lately (ex. new computer units, new gymnasium, etc.)

The UST Entrance Test is very easy since it's more of an aptitude test rather than a qualifying one. Passing the exam is easy; however, passing quota courses such as Nursing, Accountancy, Pharmacy and Medical Technology is another story. Some courses may also require an interview and some may even have a talen t test (Music, Fine Arts and Architecture)

Here are the degrees and career options:

Faculty of Pharmacy

Faculty of Arts and Letters

Faculty of Engineering

College of Education

College of Science

College of Architecture

Bachelor of Science in Architecture

College of Commerce

Conservatory of Music

Bachelor of Music

College of Nursing

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

College of Rehabilitation Sciences

College of Fine Arts and Design

AMV College of Accountancy

College of Tourism and Hospitality Management

Address: Office for Admissions
Rm 104, UST-Tan Yan Kee Student Center
University of Santo Tomas
España, Manila
Telephone: +632 406.1611 local 8276; + 632 309.7211
Mobile: +63 917.815.6323; +63 919.352.2634
Tele-facsimile: +632 309.7214
E-mail: ofad@mnl.ust.edu.ph
Website: www.ust.edu.ph