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 Reyes St. (formerly Morayta St.), the eastern end of Claro M. Recto Avenue (formerly Azcarraga), Legarda Avenue, 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 Ave. 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 at 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 (six kilometers), in an irregular crescent string shape, across seven of the sixteen districts of Manila.