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Similar Intramuros, La Loma Cemetery, R. Papa LRT station |
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.
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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 (formerly Morayta Street), the eastern end of Recto Avenue (formerly Azcarraga Street), 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.

Despite being distinct entities, the proximity of the three clusters leads many to view them collectively as a single expansive University Belt. They are situated no further than four miles (approximately six kilometers) apart, forming an irregular crescent shape that spans across seven of Manila's sixteen districts.

University Belt
Major universities and colleges located in Sampaloc, Quiapo, Santa Cruz, Santa Mesa, and San Miguel:


The University Belt is near Malacañan 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 (3.60 kilometers) from Universidad de Manila in the north to De La Salle University in the south.
Intramuros
All institutions are located within the walled city of Intramuros. It also lies very close in the northern tip of the Taft Ave. cluster.