A growing number of college campuses are beginning to acknowledge the good effects that green spaces have on the overall well-being of students, in addition to the enhancement of their academic experiences. According to studies (Liu et al., 2022; Pratiwi et al., 2023; Zhang et al., 2023), these natural areas have been found to deliver a wide range of benefits, including improvement of one's physical and emotional well-being. Green spaces are able to provide this by fostering a sense of belonging, encourage relaxation, and give support for academic endeavors. 


Nestled in the midst of the bustling urban scene of Manila is where you'll find the hidden treasure that is De La Salle University (DLSU). Despite the fact that the campus is smaller in comparison to other universities, the amount of space that is available for students and staff to engage with nature has been maximized in order to guarantee that they will have the best possible academic experience. The students who are in the area can make use of the rich foliage and shelter that is supplied by the enormous trees and plants that are present in every available spot. Not only do the plants and trees on campus provide a haven for the birds and insects that live in the area, but they also contribute to the creation of a calming atmosphere in areas such as the SJ walk, which is a study space located between St. Joseph Hall and the Faculty Center. William Hall is surrounded by a secretly lush region that serves as a nursery for a variety of plants that are produced on campus as this area is hidden from view. On campus, cats are not only seen and welcomed with open arms in those particular spots, but they are also frequently noticed in other areas of the university. Not only does the CADS function as a promenade and a lounge for the cats, but it also functions as an activity area for the students and the classes that they are enrolled in. As a result of the presence of larger trees, smaller flowers, a number of cats lazing around, and turtles living in the little pond known as "Amphigong" within the amphitheater, the Marian quadrangle and the amphitheater exude an atmosphere that is both restorative and soothing. In addition to the newly added flowers and plants, the recent restoration that was done to these areas also included the addition of a gazebo that contained a tree and birds inside of it. This served as an enhancement to the beauty of the area. 


A further significant advantage is that the presence of these green areas has a beneficial effect on the student's physical and mental health. When compared to walking on district streets, walking in university green spaces was found to be connected with lower heart rates, improved moods, and lowered levels of anxiety, according to a study that was carried out in 2023 by Pratiwi et al. Furthermore, the study by Thompson et al. (2023) reports that students who participate in academic activities in green spaces within the campus environment are more likely to generate a positive sensation of connection, which ultimately results in improved well-being and a greater commitment to their studies. Furthermore, the research carried out by Zhang et al. (2023) under the use of virtual reality has indicated that green spaces that are rich in biodiversity have a stronger influence on the physiological and psychological recuperation of students. These findings would also be highly applicable to the DLSU campus as the contrast between the streets around the vicinity of the campus and the green spaces inside is night and day. 


These findings emphasize the necessity of incorporating green landscapes into college and university environments in order to promote comprehensive student growth. 


With green spaces already existing in DLSU, students and staff should participate in preserving and replenishing nature inside the campus by:



Students are required to spend a significant amount of time on campus so that they may successfully complete their degree programs. The Amphitheater, Marian quadrangle, SJ Hall, Faculty Center, William Hall, and CADS are all examples of green spaces on campus that offer students a peaceful and therapeutic setting in which they can study and engage in other activities. These green areas are significant because they provide an additional layer of relaxation for students and staff who seek comfort from interactions with them. Other creatures that students share these places with, such as cats, birds, turtles, and insects, are also vital in these green spaces. Nevertheless, because we reap all of these advantages from nature, it is our duty to ensure that these green places are preserved and protected so that future generations of students can also reap the benefits of these areas. Individuals are the first to initiate change, and even minor adjustments to our way of life can be of immense assistance if we collectively and consistently put these adjustments into effect.



References

La Fua, J., Dayanti, N., Aisa, A., Sulfia, N., Yusro, M., Nurlaila, N., Nurzahfitri, A., & Umi Nurlila, R. (2022). Using Green Open Spaces to Support Campus Academic Activities. KnE Social Sciences, 46–55. https://doi.org/10.18502/kss.v7i8.10723 


Pratiwi, P. I., Sulistyantara, B., Sisriany, S., & Lazuardi, S. N. (2023). Physiological and Psychological Effects of Walking in Campus Landscape to Young Adults. Journal of Regional and City Planning, 33(3), 367–385. https://doi.org/10.5614/jpwk.2022.33.3.5 


Thompson, C. A., Pownall, M., Harris, R., & Blundell-Birtill, P. (2023). Is the grass always greener? Access to campus green spaces can boost students’ sense of belonging. International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijshe-11-2022-0349 


Zhang, M., Chen, Z., & Zeng, M. (2023). Study on the Impact of Campus Green Space Biodiversity on the Physical and Mental Health of College Students. Open Journal of Social Sciences, 11(03), 378–394. https://doi.org/10.4236/jss.2023.113027