Earning a college degree is tough enough by itself. Imagine spending two to three hours commuting to and from your school under the blistering sun or during a fierce typhoon. If you’re planning of pursuing college in Manila, you may want to consider a condo for rent.

There’s a wide range of choices of condos for college students in Metro Manila. Some are located right beside schools, while others are near public transport lines. However, traffic is not the only struggle Manileños face on a daily basis. There’s also the issue of home maintenance given that the rainy season can bring massive flooding and property damage. Every city dweller also knows the hassles of power interruptions and the need for adequate home security.

Spare yourself from these mundane worries and concentrate on your studies. Here are 9 top condo rentals for college students in Manila.

Condo vs. dormitories

If this will be your first time to live in Manila alone, you have a number of housing options. However, there are numerous reasons why you should consider condos for rent near your university

First, condos have better safety facilities. Zinnia Towers, a condo for rent in Quezon City, has 24/7 security, fire exits, fire extinguishers, CCTV cameras, and smoke sensors in common areas. Second, condos allow you to cook your own meals, which helps you manage your allowance better. Most dormitories don’t allow cooking in the premises. Also, in your condo, you don’t have to worry about curfews. The list goes on. In choosing a condo over a dormitory, always think about safety, convenience, and freedom.

Live near your Quezon City school

When you move to Metro Manila, one of the most important things you should know is that traffic has no specific schedule. If you’d need to commute for your 7:00 a.m. class, you’d need to leave your house at least two hours earlier. Quezon City is home to some of the country’s top universities including the University of the Philippines and Ateneo de Manila University. It’s also a massive city. Save yourself from the daily headache of two- to three-hour trips with condos for rent near your school, such as The Amaryllis in New Manila and Stellar Place in Visayas Avenue.

Smart living in a Mandaluyong City condo

The rental rates in the capital region depend on the city. Generally, rents in Caloocan City and Quezon City are lower than in Mandaluyong City or Makati City. For many students and young urban professionals, an apartment for rent in Makati CBD is just beyond their budget. Thus, a no-frills room for rent is preferable. However, here’s one question you should ask yourself: would you sacrifice your safety and comfort in a dingy housing if you can have better options at affordable rates?

If you’re attending Centro Escolar University, Lyceum or FEU in Makati, you can rent a condo in neighboring Mandaluyong City. Tivoli Gardens Residences is in fact walkable from Ayala Avenue and other universities in Makati. The Flair Towers is accessible via MRT Boni Station, which is one station away from Makati. Live smart with DMCI.

A quiet study home in Taguig City

Makati City is home to several universities, colleges, and language schools. The premiere business district, can be a little too chaotic for students who need quiet time to study. One of the college tips you should learn is finding an area conducive for studying.

If you’re looking for a condo for rent in Makati and you want to get away from the noise and chaos, you can opt for a place in neighboring Taguig City. DMCI’s Acacia Estates is a large community in Taguig surrounded by resort-type residential condos. In Verawoods Residences, you are assured of privacy in your unit and quiet moments in outdoor areas. Bring your books by the pool deck or the gazebo and read away.

Shed stress in your Taguig condo

College students are exposed to a lot of stress in school and even beyond their school hours. Some signs of stress are a change in appetite, sleeping problems, anxiety and depression and an increased use of alcohol or tobacco. Don’t let college pressure send you to the emergency room. Managing stress is among the college hacks you should master. Exercise regularly, meditate, and have a break.

When looking for affordable condo rentals, choose one that can help you improve your college life. In Cedar Crest in Taguig, you have access to the fitness gym, lap pool, and playcourt. There’s also a jogging / biking path and open spaces for meditation.

Convenient living in a Manila condo

The city of Manila is regarded as the college capital of the country. Millions of students, local and foreign, attend the schools surrounding the popular University Belt. Independent living is a rule among college students especially those from the provinces. Many live alone, though some rent accommodations in groups.

For an affordable and convenient condo for rent in Manila, Sorrel Residences is your best option. You can rent a fully furnished studio unit and get easy access to lifestyle amenities, commercial spaces, a laundry station, and a convenience store.

Take a breather from school stress in your condo

Excessive school work can lead to study burnout. According to the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, the factors that cause study burnout are “piles of school work, lack of sleep, poor eating habits, concurrent family demands, limited or no physical exercise, poor time management and unrealistic goals.” This type of extreme stress not only saps your energy, it can also result lower your immunity against diseases.

Take the time to relax and clear your mind. La Verti Residences offers resort-like amenities that can help you decompress anytime. No need to spend extra or commute far. La Verti has a game room, entertainment room, and a swimming pool. Invite your classmates for a weekend get together.

College is an exciting chapter in a person’s life. For many, this is the last stage of their formal education. If you’re a parent sending your child to a university in the capital region, it’s expected that you only want the best housing accommodations for her or him. “Should I rent a condo for my college student?” Definitely! Condos for college students in Manila are strategically located near schools and main roads, equipped with 24/7 security facilities, features fitness and lifestyle amenities, and houses commercial establishments. The only thing your child needs to do is to study well.