Authors

Ryza Gwen P. Villafranca*
Computer Engineering/College of Engineering
Bulacan State University
Malolos, Bulacan, Philippines
Email: ryzavillafranca@gmail.com

Alleah Joy M. Balbin
Computer Engineering/College of Engineering
Bulacan State University
Malolos, Bulacan, Philippines
Email: alleahjoybalbin@gmail.com

Ervin John S. Ilagan
Computer Engineering/College of Engineering
Bulacan State University
Malolos, Bulacan, Philippines
Email: ervinjohn.ilagan01@gmail.com

Abigail B. Nicolas
Computer Engineering/College of Engineering
Bulacan State University
Malolos, Bulacan, Philippines
Email: abigailnicolas598@gmail.com

Lech Walesa M. Navarra
Faculty, Computer Engineering/College of Engineering
Bulacan State University
Malolos, Bulacan, Philippines
Email: lechwalesa.navarra@bulsu.edu.ph

Abstract

The transition of first-year students to the university significantly affects their navigational adjustment where they face unfamiliar surroundings. This study analyzed the navigational difficulties of the first-year students at Bulacan State University – Main Campus. The research aims to analyze the encountered navigational challenges, the difficult locations to navigate, the factors in disorientation, and recommendations to reduce navigational difficulties. A mixed-methods research design was utilized. Online surveys distributed to 100 first-year students were selected using purposive sampling. Results of quantitative data were evaluated using weighted mean while the qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings revealed that navigational difficulties were somehow experienced by first-year students during Week 1 (2.978), especially in locating rooms while Week 2 (3.404) and Week 3 (4.006) showed improvements of students’ familiarity, independence and punctuality. The study concludes that students’ navigational difficulties are transitional and may be reduced using improved system signage and orientation programs to support future freshmen students to adapt to the environment effectively.

Keywords: Navigational difficulties, first-year students, campus navigation

*Corresponding author
DOI: http://doi.org/10.69651/PIJHSS0501833

Recommended citation:
Villafranca, R. G. P., Balbin, A. J. M., Ilagan, E. J. S., Nicolas, A. B., & Navarra, L. W. M. (2026). “Where am I?”: Navigational difficulties of first-year students in Bulacan State University. Pantao (The International Journal of the Humanities and Social Sciences) 5 (1), 9378-9389. http://doi.org/10.69651/PIJHSS0501833

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