My daughter transferred to FEU in Manila, so we had to look for a safe, secure and affordable dorm within walking distance from FEU. We spent more time in looking for a dorm than in working out her transfer. We looked at dorms near FEU, UE, UST, San Beda, UM and PSBA.
There are some insights that we learned about dorms and dorm hunting:
1) Private bathrooms are not always an advantage. In some dorms that we visited, we heard some renters complaining that their roommates don’t help in cleaning their bathrooms. Well, they could always hire someone to clean their bathrooms, but that’s additional expense. In dorms that have plenty of common shower rooms and restrooms, these are preferable to private bathrooms as common bathrooms are cleaned by the dorms’ cleaners.
2) You can go overbudget if you rent aircon rooms without submeters, or even with submetered rooms with roommates who insist on using aircon all the time. Without submeters, you’ll be paying for the consumption of aggressive electricity users, even if the bill per room is based on appliances used per room.
3) Dorms have contracts with terms ranging from two months to one year, with discounts for longer contracts. Most have one-month deposit and one-month advance requirements.
4) It’s so tiring looking for a lot of dorms, but if you’re patient and determined, you can still find an affordable but comfortable dorm. Wear flat and light sandals, and have pen and paper in handy for notes. When you’re comparing dorms later at home, you tend to forget some things, so it’s helpful taking notes.
5) Most shared rooms feature double-deck beds, certainly to save space. Among the ones we saw, it’s only KFFI that provides single beds.
If our experiences could help you, then we’re glad to be of help. Here are the dorms we looked at: (Rates are per individual)
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KFFI Dorm
P. Paredes St., corner Espana, Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines
Tel. No. 7354663
Monthly rent: 1,800 (rooms on 2nd floor), 1,650 (rooms on 3rd floor), 1550 (rooms on 4th floor), with four people per room, non-aircon rooms; additional fees of 200 for electric fan, 100 for cellphone charging, 75 for light, and 50 for water; annual registration fee of 200.
Advantages: plenty of common bathrooms and restrooms, beds are not double deck, have windows, fairly wide concrete stairs, parents can call for login-logut info, very near FEU, lots of eateries nearby, including one eatery wherein one can buy food through a window from the first floor
The dorm is run by civic organization Kapatiran-Kaunlaran Foundation, Inc. KKFI also runs Hugh Wilson Hall Dormitory along Lerma St.
My Main Comment: If I were studying and looking to help my parents budget their money, I’d consider this dorm. Aside from its nearness to FEU and to affordable eateries, the beds are single, the bathrooms and toilets are adequate, and it’s run by a foundation.
GLORIETTA DE MANILA
776 San Sebastian St. near corner Claro M. Recto Ave., Manila, Philippines
Tel. Nos. 733-80-61 loc 106, call Mon to Fri 10am-7pm
Monthly rent: 2,200 (4-person aircon room with bathroom, excluding electric and water bills), plus a one-time payment of 2,140 for maintenance fees for a six-month contract; 1,200 (4-person room with common bathrooms) plus one-time payment of 2,140 for maintenance fees for a six-month contract
Advantages: Fenced compound with a small garden with chairs and tables for guests and relaxation, eatery near the compound entrance, fairly wide concrete stairs, large mirrors near the stairs, mini-balconies
ST. CATHERINE’S LADIES DORMITORY
868 Quezon Blvd., beside FEU
Tel. Nos. 410-3743, 721-77-36, 0919-602-8101
Monthly rent: 1,200 (room for ten persons, five double-decks, electric fan, including water and electricity), 2,200 (room for two persons, but all occupied when we inquired)
Advantages: One of the nearest to FEU because it’s just beside FEU. If it’s raining and you don’t have an umbrella, you can reach the dorm without getting wet. We didn’t time our walk, but I think a walk from the FEU’s western gate to the dorm takes about two minutes. There are also plenty of affordable eateries nearby.
Features: Has a security guard (palabiro, has been with the dorm for years) and has a manang who’s very pleasant.
Concerns: Only a few common bathrooms — my daughter’s main concern.
My main comment: If I were a student who’s concerned about my parent’s expenses, I’d choose this dorm, especially if I’m school all the time, and use the school’s facilities most of the time, so I’ll just use the dorm for sleeping and getting ready for school.
METRO DORM
1388 Claro M. Recto Ave., corner T. Alonzo, corner San Bernardo, Santa Cruz, Manila, Phil
Tel. Nos. 0906-538-5024, 735-5121
Monthly rent: 2,800 (2-person non-aircon room, one double deck), 3,100 (2-person aircon room, one double-deck, excluding aircon charge)
Advantages: steel closet per person, study table and chair per person, plenty of common shower rooms, restrooms, and long sink area, large lobby, a Mercury Drugstore on the first floor of the building (good for groceries and toiletries), building security guards, and a dorm doorwoman.
Concerns: One has to take a seven-peso jeep ride to and from FEU, although someone used to walking can cover the distance by walking. There are a lot to be encountered on the sidewalk though, such as vendors, street children, merchandise, pedestrians, pet hawkers, and the like.
My Main Comment: If not for the distance to FEU, I’d choose this for my daughter, as the price is just right considering that there are only two persons in a room, the room is wide enough for two study tables (which are missing in most dorms), and the shower rooms and toilets are new and clean. Mattresses are also provided and bedsheets are changed every week.
FINEST LEGACY SUITES
778-780 San Sebastian St., near corner Claro M. Recto, Manila, Philippines
Tel. Nos. 985-68-48, 734-95-88
Monthly rent: 3,000 (4-person aircon room), 5,000 (2-person aircon room), 2,500 (4-person non-aircon room), 4,000 (2-person room), excluding electric and water bills
Advantages: Every room has an electric submeter, private bathroom, and place for hanging wet underwear. Has reception area and security guard. Parents can call for login-logout info. This dorm looks newly built.
My main comment: If not for the distance to FEU and the overall total costs, I’d choose this dorm for my daughter. The building is new and clean with each room with a hanging area for wet underwear, fitting my daughter who has allergic rhinitis.
QUINCE DORMITORY
2206 San Anton St., Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines
Tel. No. 0928-275-4243
Monthly rent: 2,200 (4-person non-aircon room double-deck beds), 2,400 (2-person non-aircon room), 3,500 (4-person aircon room including aircon charge), 3,000 (6-person aircon room including aircon charge)
Advantages: The dorm manangs cook affordable food and there’s free wifi connection.
CITIDORM
748 M.D. de los Santos St., Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines
Tel. No. 998-7165, 559-7824, 0922-8619798
Monthly rent: 3,200 (4-person aircon room, common toilet and bath), 3,500 (4-person aircon room with private bath and toilet), 2,100 (4-person non-aircon room with common bath and toilet), 2,400 (4-person room with private bath and toilet), electric and water charges already included, but aircon runs only at certain hours.
Advantages: Free wifi connection, security guard, reception room, fairly wide concrete stairs, plenty of common bathrooms and toilets
PACIFIC POD
2nd Floor, San Jose Bldg., P. Campa cor Espana, Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines
above KFC
Tel. Nos. 0922-8847157, 09339551852, 711-2719, 711-4445
Monthly rent: 3,500 (two-person aircon room)
Advantages: along Espana, near FEU and UST, near KFC, McDo and other eateries
Features: Common bathrooms — This is an advantage for those who don’t have time cleaning bathrooms. There’s a small store for snacks and prepaid loads inside and an Internet station.
There’s also a Pacific Pod dorm on 507 Gastambide St. very near the corner of Claro M. Recto Ave. and Legarda, Sampaloc.
We were still looking at other dorms when my daughter’s friend from high school texted if my daughter likes to stay with her and another friend at an unfurnished studio-type unit along Espana. Although my daughter needs to take a jeepney ride from the offered unit to and from FEU, we decided to say yes, as it’s my daughter’s first time to live away from us, so living with friends could help. Besides, her share of the rent would be only 1,400 plus her share of the electric consumption. (When my daughter moved in, however, her share increased to 2,100 pesos as the third person backed out.)
Update based on a flyer given to my daughter this February 2011:
ALQ CONDO DE LUXE LADIES DORMITORY
926 P. Campa St, Sampaloc, Manila
Beside McDo Espana, near overpass to Morayta (now Nicanor Reyes)
Tel Nos: 734-0118, 346-4273
According to the flyer:
– Rooms for 2, 3, 4 or 6 persons
– 24 hour air conditioning, surveillance camera along hallways, and lady guard on duty
– Intercom inside rooms
– Bathroom inside room
– Elevator service from 6 am to 9 pm
– Public phones, audio-video programs and wi-fi in the lobby
– Individual cabinets and drawers with locks
– Individual study tables with wi-fi
– Automatic generator, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, fire alarms
– Furnished bed and foam mattress
Update as of April 2, 2011:
Here’s info on two dorms, shared by Kitin. Thanks a lot, Kitin, for the well-organized info.
Hello again.. I just got home from dorm/apartment hunting.. kapagod pala talaga.. Anyway, about sa ALQ Condo Dormitory, very secured sya kasi bukod sa may security guard e automatic lock din yung entrance so walang basta bastang makakapasok. and yung lobby is hotel-like. very beautiful kaya lang they have 1 year contract so obviously, hindi ako pwede dito kasi 3 months lang naman yung review.
DAYSTAR ECONOROOMS
1070-1074 P. Campa St., Sampaloc Manila
5597932 / 09104947805
Units prices range from P6500 – P10,500
P6,500 – 2pax
P10,500 – 4pax
-Semi furnished rooms with wall fan
– Free Wifi (in the lobby)
– Private toilet and bathroom
Terms of Payment:
2 months advance, 1 month deposit
Nakita ko po yung rooms nila. Though medyo maliit, ok naman for 2 persons. I think I will rent this one. Pero and sinabing price sakin is P7,000 para sa rooms sa 1st floor and P7,500 para sa rooms sa 5th floor.
LIGHTS HOME INC.
(infront of Daystar Econorooms)
I saw one room on the 3rd floor with aircon and it costs P7,500. Double deck lang yung laman nung room and yung aircon. walang cabinet and study table. plus yung walang private toilet and walang wifi…
So there.. sana makatulong din to sa paghahanap niyo ng dorm/apartment, etc…
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halo ask lang po san maganda dorm malapit sa feu babae po anak ko.
Hi Irene, thank you very much. Pero graduate na ang anak ko. Hindi ko na kasi na-update itong post ko na ito. Thanks again
Are you still looking for dorm. My daugher need a room mate. She is in Amaia Skies Avenida right now. If you interested just text or call her at 09558945537.
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Looking for dorm for ladies for 3persons po near RESA for review..affordable and safe thanks..
Hi. Any dorm for months reviewee? Preferably aircon pero affordable. Ok lng kung di aircon kung maaliwalas at malinis. If may naghahanap din ng girl room mate condo or dorm maye, pls you may invite me. -09161531861
Looking for dorm near FEU yung pandalawahan lng magrereview kase ako and pasok sa budget, contact me 09051089867
Hi looking for a dorm na pwede guy visitors and sleepover kasi we’re going to have a thesis na and kailangan ng sleepovers ng groupmates ko ???? Help contact me 09150657373
Looking for a room only for 2 mos. Magrereview lang po kasi para sa board exams un affordable sana and solo room
Good day po. Patulong naman ako maghanap ng dorm na malapit sa UST. Affordable price and may private cr. Tnx.
Contact# 09177835955
We have a condo studio unit for rent good for 4 persons at 4k each person, so whole unit is at 16k excluding utility bills. The unit is located at Avida Towers San Lazaro Manila, UST and SM City San Lazaro. It is very secured with generator set and swimming pool. Unit is semi furnished with aircon, shower heater, double deck beds, and hanging rack. For inquiries pls contact 02-9355601.
Hi am looking for a Lady dorm alone in room near FEU staring June to September lng 2016 any suggestions?
Urgent looking for Room-mate
[B]Looking for room[/B]
2 rooms (In the other Room: Can be 2-3 Persons)
1 cr
No Curfew
Apartment
Payment: 6500 Only (Per Room a total of 6500. Total rent for apartment 13k)
Deposit of just 4k
– Were Looking for Roommates
:Near Ust, Feu, Central Market, Quaipo
:Location: Analisa Bldg. Paquita Str. Sampaloc Manila
Contact No. 09156133296
Thank You
Hello poh!Meron po bang malapit at mura na dorm sa may 1 Madison St, Aurora Blvd, New Manila, Quezon City? Im from the Province po. Thanks in advance po sa info at siguradong makakatulong to para po mag Bar this 2016
Hi! Sino po pwedeng kasama sa dorm? Babae lang po. Para may kasama ako palage. Message nalang ako sa Facebook Shimiku Dimaano. Thanks!
Hi im looking for a room or a bed aoacw near feu manila
txt me at 09369513387
Hi lyn, sorry I’m no longer updated with dorms. Search online and look around the FEU area.
hi, I’m looking for a room for my daughter in near feu manila
looking a first class ladies dormitory to my daughter near in FEU or studio type .
Hi, I’m looking for dormitory or condo na pwede kahati. my budget is 5k. Text me 09056158640
Hi, I’m ever and I’m looking for a dorm good for 2 females near FEU this coming June din. My budget is 3-4k and my number is 09351166948. 🙂 My choices are ALQ, Metrodorm and if there’s better dorm pa.
I am looking for a dorm good for 2 boys with good amenities this coming June..preferably walking distance to FEU morayta…thanks.
Baka may alam po kayong room sa pwedeng magkasama girl and boy. 🙂
Hi Sky, yong sa MetroDorm along Recto, merong floor for boys and another floor for girls in the same building. Walk around the University Belt and look for boarding house signages na merong for boys and for girls.
Hi Gabriel, V Exclusive looks great. Include also electric and water expenses. Check the term of the contract. If you’re the one signing the contract, you will have to pay the monthly rent and utilities in case your roommate backs out of your agreement.
I would like to ask if meron kayong alam na boarding house na pwedeng magkasa ang girls and boys kasi kasama ko po cousin ko, i hope you can help me. Thanks 🙂
Hi.. im looking for a dorm or any unit po na malapit sa ue.. wala pa ako kasama female po ako.. may mare recommend po ba kau? Thanks po.. here is my number 09062712616. Thanks po.. ung v tower is it near po sa ue?
Good Day po. I was so glad I get to stumble in this helpful site. By the way I’m looking for a roomate sa V exclusive it will be available sa june. Yung 10500 then half tayo. I’m having a hard looking for a roomate and they sent me pictures of their establishement and it’s wonderful.
Hi. Meron po ba kayong alam na dorm malapit sa CEU? I will be staying ng mga 2 months for may studies this summer. THANKS po! Hope you can help me kasi nahihirapan ako maghanap. 🙂
Hi Nicko, check out Metro Dorm along Recto corner T Alonzo St, Santa Cruz
Good day!
Very Helpful article.
I am searching for dorm or room for rents near intramuros or port area, the lesser the person in the room the better, im working.. 🙂
Thanks!
at sana po pala yung malapit sa fitness gym??tnx nors..
isa p pong tanong nagsearch po ako sa mga website ng mga school na malapit sa review centers pro wla clang nakapost na recommended dorms/apartments..tnx..what to do??
pwd pong magtanong kung meron pong apartment for rent o room for rent na hiwalay sa may ari ung good for one lng cya,and 3-5k ung price..tnx..ung malapit po sa prc a,s recto or legarda pwd na basta malapit sa review center kc reviewee ako..tnx
Hi mariella, check out the comments by Viel above about V Exclusive Tower.
i need a dorm with great amenities i mean a dorm that will surely make me comfortable as if i’m at home, my budget is 3-5k. any recommendations? oh by the way, walking distance lng po sa feu. hoping for an immediate response. thanks.
Hi jamille, per month yon. Pero I’m sure nag-increase na itong mga rates, kasi 2011-2012 pa itong mga dorm rates sa article na ito.
KKFI DORM
‘yun po bang 200-electric fan, 100-cellphone charging etc. per day po ba yun o monthly na? 🙂
Hi Vien, thanks for posting about your dormitel. will help students. If you can email me (workingpinoy.com@gmail.com) additional info and some photos, I can post your dormitel info at schoolsphilippines.com and universitiescollegesphilippines.blogspot.com
Hi,, there will be a new dormitel rising near feu, located in P.Paredes street sampaloc manila,Named: V EXCLUSIVE TOWER, as of now its still in full swing of construction. But we’ll be having a 1 week open house on May 2014, free food and tour around the building.No commitment, only to showcase our new and hotel like residential dorm for prospective house guest.
You could email me your contact number so we could invite you on which exact date we will do the open house.. you could email me at
v_exclusive_resort@yahoo.com, or text to me your contact number at 09178905281. you could invite some friends as well ;-)… thank you
Hi wwe, sori, wala na kami diyan sa area, so hindi ko na alam yong mga open diyan. Google na lang muna para meron kayong maumpisahan na tingnan, pero mas okay ang mag-walk around the area kasi maraming hindi nag-aadvertise sa Internet, naglalagay lang sila ng For Rent sa windows or doors.
Hi poh ask lang poh ako kung meron poh iayong alam na boarding house malapit sa san sebatian good for two dahil magrereview poh kami ng bar for 7mths.yong budget poh namin hanggang 3k included water and electricity..ty poh..
Hi Karen, sorry hindi na ako updated. Maganda kung walk-around ka na lang with a companion in the area near JPT.
Hi! i would like to inquire if you know any dorms/transient rooms/pension house/boarding house near JPT Review Center Manila? Thanks! would appreciate your reply
Hi tisha, sorry hindi na ako updated ngayon. Pero walk around the university belt area with your friends, yong mga inner roads, yong mga residential areas; try yong mga houses na merong Room for Rent sign kasi yan ang mga lower ang rent.
Hi po. May alam pa ho kayong room rent na di tataas sa 3000 per month po and allowed and visitors gawa ng marami kaming gawain na grpup work. Male and female visitors po kasi mejo karamihan ng classmate ko lalaki thanks po
Hi Mary Grace, thanks for suggesting your dorm, so others will know some options. I hope you write also the rates when you have time. thanks again
I lived in Metro Home Ladies Dormitory in Sta. Mesa, Manila and I am satisfied and happy cause its like you are living in a Condo with a very reasonable priced..they have rooms for 2, 4 and 6 persons.In every room they have toilet and bath, study table, chair,cabinet and laundry area.And most of all its accessible to UBELT,LRT2,Divisoria…
Hi Agatha, it’s sad that your son had to stay in a dorm with owners like those you described. No, my daughter did not stay at Pacific Pod; I was only writing about dorms we checked when we were looking for a dorm. If your son started college last June, then he must now be familiar with the area and must have seen other dorms/boarding houses in the area with posted ads. In our daughter’s case, later on, she came to know of other dorms/boarding houses through her new friends/classmates, and they rented together, at first by four, and then later on, by two. I hope your son can also find a good dorm through his friends/classmates. Many dorms and boarding houses do not advertise on the Internet, and you can only see them if you walk around the area. But it’s always better to search online first, so you have some dorms to start with when going around the area.
The mother (boardinghouse owner) should tell her daughter to treat your son as well as the other boarders, and if not, they should refund your advance payment, so your son can stay in another place, and focus on his studies. I hope this will not get to case filing — we don’t know what these people are capable of doing if their source of income is jeopardized. Mas maganda pa rin na kausapin mo yong mother na nag-recruit sa son mo para ma-improve ang treatment or para maka-refund na at makalipat sa place conducive for studies.
good evening, so your daughter was once an occupant of Pacific Pod? how;s the place Ma’am? is it secured? i called just a minute ago their solo room is at 6k a month the room has windows…my son wants to move to one(dorm or boarding house) which is flood free, his experience to a certain boarding house actually an old one was that the flood water entered the house’s first floor unluckily all rest rooms are at the first floor…more so theres a feud between the daughter who is now managing the old boarding house with her mother owner who stays in the province. her mother recruited my son so that she prefers we’ll pay the rent to her not to her daughter who manages the old boarding house, she too has more recruits, now,pinag iinitan ang son ko, konting diperensiya lang the daughter relay it to her mother and the mother called us up…my son is still adjusting to city life in manila.even worst his roomate makes stories which are too trivial…what hurts me, Nors was that we were nice to his roomate and to the manager of that old boarding house, we were good payer. we are nice persons(not bragging) we dont deserved such kind of treatment especially to my son! we still have our deposit which the mother says its to consume, his stay thereat will be due by nov 3. Sana lang Nors they will be nice to my son, if there will be days that the julalays will be hesitant to open the door for him then, God forbids we will file grave coercion and civil damages and that old boarding house i make sure will be investigated for not paying the proper taxes, as it has no official recipt being issued…its very lamentable , no matter how we try not to use our clouts, these shall open when our kids are at prey
Hi Beverly, sorry most of the dorms I wrote about here prefer those who will rent for at least 6 months. And I’m no longer updated with the newer dorms in the area. The best thing really is to search online for newer dorms ads, and then to walk around the area, because many dorms or rentals are not advertising online.
Hello there,
Greetings. My daughter and 3 classmates will be having their review this October at Manor Review Center located at CMFFI bldg corner R Papa and SH Loyola, Sampaloc, Manila.
Are there places where they can rent for at least 2 and a half months? Preferably with Aircon, study table, hot and cold shower,safe and secured.
2pax each room or 4pax per room. Walking distance is preferable or one jeep ride?
Hope to hear from you Ma’am. Highly appreciate your response.
Sincerely,
Beverly
Hi Ray, in your case, it’s good to find a dorm along or near Espana so the Letran student can easily get a ride to Letran. The KKFI dorm at the corner of Paredes and Lerma is in such location. There are other dorms, old and new, in the inner streets near UST and even across Espana. Find time to walk and look
Hello po ate, me and my cousin were planing to find dormitory. May alam po ba kayong dorm na malapit sa UST but malapit din sa Letran? Thanks
Hi Mae, yong dorm ng PWU sa likod ng PWU, maganda siya, pero sasakay ka ng jeep. Sori wala na akong alam na iba, pero you can walk around the area, sa mga inner streets, para you can find a boarding house or dorm.
Hello po ate, tanong ko lang po kung may alam kayo na dorm or boarding house na malapit po sa Adamson or yung pwede lang po lakadin pa Adamson. Thank you po.:)
Ok thanks 🙂
Hi Annie, sorry, hindi na ako updated sa mga new dorms there. This post is not updated; although most of the dorms mentioned here are still operating. Citidorm would be okay, I think, for your nephew. But walking the streets near UE would be a good way to find a good dorm because there are newer dorms.
Hi ….. I’m looking for a dorm / boarding house for my nephew who’ll study in UE Recto this June. What’s your top 5 recommendation – walking distance only from his school? Thanks a lot 🙂
Hi Nikka, yes, a lot of dorms. Just walk around the area with a companion. Check these schools’ websites; many of them have a list of recommended dorms. If you’re alone, a dorm is better, because usually it’s already furnished, has a guard or front office clerk, manangs, cleaners. Water, aircon and electricity are usually also already included in the rent.
An apartment is better only if you have great friends or relatives who will rent with you; in many cases, you take care of utility bills, advance/deposit rentals, cleaning, etc. and you bring your furniture or appliances if apartment is unfurnished or partly furnished.
hello! ask ko lang po if maraming dorm near ue,ceu,or la consolacion na affordable and safe din.. and what’s better? apartment or dorm? thanks
Oh… I see. Thank you!
Hi Jessica, most dormitories don’t allow cooking, so I think your best bet is an apartment or big studio-type rooms. About security, find a place on a safer street.
Hi! Just like Kevin Bryan above, I will also be reviewing for my board examination starting this June and me and my other 9 classmates are looking for a place to stay in Manila. I just would like to ask if you have seen any dormitory in Manila which allows their tenants to cook their own food and do their own laundry?? My classmates insist on finding an apartment for those purposes but I feel more secured on dormitories so I was hoping maybe there are some dormitories there that would allow those things. Thanks in advance!