With classes being held online, and on-campus learning still prohibited, we miss our favorite go-to spots inside the Far Eastern University (FEU) grounds.The recent academic year abruptly ended with us stuck in our homes, unable to celebrate our yearlong hard work, and say “see you next semester” in person to our friends. We miss campus life, our favorite tambayan where we rest and unwind, our favorite food spots, the comfortable spaces for studying or doing some tasks, conversations, having moments of laughter and mixed emotions, and all the other places where we feel at home.
Now that almost everything is done on the web—classes, workshops, events—we only get to see our favorite sites through photographs and clips. We reminisce about those normal times because some things are just not the same.
For now, here’s a list of spots inside the “oasis of the university belt” that we miss the most.
‘Tayuman’ canteen
Spam rice, Paotsin, buko juice and mango-graham shake—this canteen serves it all. This is a go-to place for affordable snacks or on-the-go meals for students before their next class. No, it’s not actually on Tayuman Street and it’s not close to the LRT station either—students call this “Tayuman” canteen because there are no seats inside and you have to remain standing while you eat.
Bilog-bilog (Batibot)
Named after its circular seats and brick patterns, this area inside the campus is filled with countless stories. It’s one of the spots where students can take their in-between class breaks, memorize their spiels, wait for their friends and relax under the shade of trees. If those trees could talk, they would have a lot of tales to tell.
Gazebos
This area is usually filled with students waiting for their next Wellness and Recreation Program class like hip-hop, Zumba or board games. It is also a spot where you can freely watch those who are playing volleyball. This is also the place for chilling out and enjoying your Spam rice when Tayuman is already full.
FEU Conservatory (Pavilion)
“Let’s go Tamaraws!” is the battle cry that you hear at this venue every UAAP season. Students gather here to support FEU’s varsity team and watch the games but most of the time it is a learning space for students studying their lessons or finishing plates while enjoying being in a cheerful environment.
FEU Plaza (Freedom Park)
Famously known among Tamaraws as the “freedom park,” this is the best spot for unwinding, meeting with friends or group mates and hanging out under the shade of trees. Its peaceful and quiet ambiance helps students relieve stress from their schoolwork, and its spacious area is a great place for breathing in some fresh air. It’s a good spot too for reflecting on life, expressing yourself, and dwelling on those bittersweet experiences.
Missing your favorite campus tambayan? FEU’s Facebook page’s got you! Last month, FEU’s official Facebook page launched its Tambay Tuesdays livestreaming. It showcases different places inside the campus, giving students and alumni a chance to see their favorite sites again.
Christian Evasco of the FEU corporate affairs-marketing and communication office said that their goal is “to keep the campus life alive” despite quarantine restrictions and even while students are at home. “The term ‘Happy Halls’ is not just from the [FEU] Hymn, it is real.”
The initiative is also for freshmen. Evasco said, “I feel sad especially for the freshmen because they haven’t experienced the campus yet. This is us bringing the campus to them.” —CONTRIBUTED INQHow about you? What do you miss the most in your school campus? Email us at inquirerstudentcorrespondents@ gmail.com.