Animo La Salle!
About The University
De La Salle University (DLSU) is a private Catholic research university founded in 1911 by the De La Salle Brothers. Located in the heart of Manila along Taft Avenue, it is a premier institution recognized for its excellence in business, engineering, and computer studies. Operating on a distinct trimestral system, DLSU focuses on producing corporate-ready graduates through a blend of pragmatic education and Lasallian values.
T
he defining characteristic of your life at DLSU will be the trimestral system. Unlike other universities that operate on semesters, DLSU compresses the academic year into three 14-week terms. This creates a relentless, high-velocity environment where 'procrastination' isn't just a bad habit—it's a catastrophic risk. You will often hear the joke: 'Isang quiz sa Ateneo, LT (Long Test) na nyan sa Lasalle.' This pace shapes your entire psyche, forcing you to develop elite time-management skills often described as 'min-maxing' your education. To mitigate this, the university implements an Independent Learning Week (ILW) in Week 9, though students often find it functions more as a 'catch-up' period for asynchronous workloads than a genuine break.
“Min-Maxing: The elite time-management skill required to survive the trimestral system without burnout.”
DLSU operates with a spirit of corporate pragmatism. Even its religious identity is pragmatic; while Catholic, the focus is less on deep theological debate and more on social adaptability and efficiency. Students often view themselves as 'consumers' of education, demanding transparency in tuition fee increases (TFI) and value for the high cost of attendance. Politics at DLSU is often institutionally led by the De La Salle Brothers, who take strong stances on human rights. The student body itself tends to be centrist or pragmatic, mobilizing most reliably when their economic interests are threatened, such as during the #AyokongMagMahal tuition protest campaigns.
Student organizations (orgs) at DLSU are professional training grounds. Structured under the Council of Student Organizations (CSO), they mimic corporate hierarchies with a focus on project management and marketing. Joining an org is seen as a crucial way to build a resume and access influential alumni networks. However, the University Student Government (USG) currently faces a crisis of legitimacy. Many students have grown tired of 'performative' leadership, leading to a rise in 'Abstain' votes during elections as a form of protest.
DLSU is one of the most expensive universities in the country, with tuition often exceeding ₱90,000 per term. In exchange, you get highly efficient administrative processes and state-of-the-art facilities. The university also maintains a high 'scholar' population (~20-25%), which challenges the monolithic rich-kid stereotype and injects a culture of 'grind' and meritocracy into campus life.
DLSU is a vertical campus in a concrete jungle. You will spend a significant amount of time waiting for elevators in the Andrew Gonzalez Hall, where queues can last 20-30 minutes. The 'crown jewel' of the campus is the Henry Sy Sr. Hall (The Henry), a state-of-the-art library that serves as a social hub and a peaceful study sanctuary away from the pollution and noise of Taft Avenue. Daily survival involves navigating the Taft ecosystem. You'll eat at the Agno food court, the culinary heart of campus known for budget-friendly staples like bacsilog. However, once you step outside the gates, you must be street-smart. Taft is prone to flooding and safety concerns like snatching, necessitating a certain level of urban awareness.
You will thrive at DLSU if you are pragmatic, efficient, and resilient. This school is for students who want a 'fast lane' to their careers and value professional networking. You need to be someone who can handle a rapid-fire pace without needing constant hand-holding.
You might struggle if you prefer a slow, contemplative academic pace or if you feel deeply alienated by visible wealth and 'conyo' culture. Those who require a high degree of administrative 'cura personalis' might find DLSU's 'student-as-consumer' relationship a bit cold or transactional.
While stereotyped as an enclave for the 'conyo' elite, the social reality is more nuanced. The 'conyo' sociolect—a mix of English and Tagalog with a specific accent—is dominant, featuring slang like 'carps' (game) or 'scoobs' (no). However, students pride themselves on being 'social chameleons' who can switch between high-end 'aircon' humor and grounded 'kanal' humor. The community is surprisingly chill and less intellectually snobbish than other top schools. Wealth is visible through designer bags and nearby high-rise condos, but the social barriers are permeable. You will also encounter a strong 'work hard, play hard' ethos, historically centered around Happy Thursday, a drinking culture that serves as a release valve for the high-stress academic schedule.
“Isang quiz sa Ateneo, LT (Long Test) na nyan sa Lasalle.”
“A lot of frosh aren't used to the trimestral setup so by the third term pagod na pagod na sila and you can really see the burnout hit.”
“The enrollment system is designed to screw you over EVERY TERM.”
“Students are tired of performative leadership... tired of parties treating positions like boxes to be filled.”
“My friends talk about trips to Switzerland while I count coins for laundry.”
Do not procrastinate. Treat Week 1 like it's Week 5. Once requirements start, they don't stop.
Be ready for the AnimoSys war. Have back-up schedules ready for when slots vanish.
It's not just for books; it's the best place to nap, charge, and escape the heat.
Don't just join for a resume boost; find a community that supports your mental health.
ADMISSIONS OPEN FOR SY 2025-2026