Student life in Tokyo
Let's have a look at expat life in Tokyo but from the student's perspective version. How to find student accommodation in Tokyo? How to be a smart consumer? Here is an overview of the best places to spend less and make the most of your student life in the Japanese capital city.
Finding student accommodation in Tokyo
If you are studying in Tokyo and looking for accommodation, don't panic. The offer is quite huge. Don't forget to read our article dedicated to accommodation in Tokyo for more information on the different types of accommodation available in Japan.
The campus
This is probably one of the best options for international students in Tokyo. The universities of Todai and Hitotsubashi have their own campus. Make sure to enquire directly at the university you intend to join.
Homestay
This is an interesting option if you want to experience the family feel and immerse yourself in the everyday life of a Japanese family. The prices of a homestay in Tokyo are flexible. It may even be more attractive than a sharehouse because the cost of food is included in the price you will pay to your host family. For example, the Homestay in Japan website quotes an average rent of 76,000 yen for a stay of three to six months. In other words, this is the same price as one month stay in a good quality sharehouse or one month in a low-cost apartment, without the food.
Sharehouse or guesthouse
It is one of the favorite options of international students in Tokyo, as well as working holidayers in Japan, employees and travelers. You may benefit from a reduced rate by choosing a rental agency that has a partnership with your school. Sharehouses are not only for foreigners. Many Japanese people also stay there.
Rates vary depending on the location, the size of the accommodation, the facilities available on-site and the standard of living, amongst other things. Take time to think about it. For example, a low-cost room that is very far from your school may not be the best solution. The money you save there will be spent on transportation in Tokyo. Even though you will get a discounted rate as a student, consider the advantages and limitations before choosing your accommodation.
Social residences
Run by the same agencies that manage sharehouses, guesthouses and apartments, social residences are designed around the idea of large families. They are often quite large, accommodating more than fifty or even one hundred rooms). They have more facilities than a classic sharehouse, which may include gyms, mini-cinemas, billiards, coworking spaces, and more. The prices are usually higher than those of classic sharehouses, especially for a high-standard social residence in Tokyo. You will find cheaper accommodation if you move further away to Fussa, Saitama or Yokohama.
Apartments
Despite the presence of discounters like Fontana Tokyo City Apartment, which are able to smash prices with their 11 to 16m² bedroom-size apartments, renting an apartment in Tokyo is still one of the most expensive options.
Cost of living in Tokyo
Tokyo is an expensive city for international students. To help with school fees and living costs, you can apply for university scholarships. If you are an exchange student, check with your school and region. International agreements exist between universities in Tokyo. If your school and the Japanese university have signed one, you may be able to receive benefits.
Finding the best deals in Tokyo
Instead of the konbini (for convenient-store, a 24-hour mini-market), consider supermarkets (suu-paa). My Basket (mai basuketto), Hanamasa, or Akoru are known for their low prices. Mai basuketto is the most popular in the capital city. “Konbini”s like 7 eleven or Lawson are even more widespread, but their prices are a bit higher.
Consider AEON supermarkets and their discounted brand AEON/Topvalu. Besides, there are the famous 100 yens shops and Daiso stores. You may find fewer products in a 100 yens shop, but Daiso shops are bigger. As their name indicates, 100 yens shops sell everything or almost everything for 100 yens ( taxes). In Daiso too, you can find anything at an affordable price.
Student discounts in Tokyo
Fortunately, student life in Tokyo is not all about expensive shopping. As a student, you will benefit from some very interesting deals.
Transportation
As an international student in Tokyo, you will be entitled to 50% off the price of your transportation pass in Tokyo (teikiken). However, the pass only applies to the trip from your home to your university. Prices vary according to the distance covered and the transportation companies used. The Navitme website calculates the cost of your subscription, including the student discount.
Bikes
The same discount goes for cyclists. Since you're an international student, parking your bike will be less expensive.
Cultural activities
Going to a classical music concert, a rock concert, or a sumo wrestling competition is cheaper for students in Tokyo. For classical music, a ticket sold for 10,000 yen can be charged 10 times less for a student. For a concert, the price is often divided by 2. For sumo competitions, the discount is smaller — about a little less than 1000 yen than the basic price. These prices are given as an indication: they depend on the type of concert or cultural activity you plan to attend. For more information on the different discounts available for international students, please contact your university or school.
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