Life Of A Student In Japan
Student life is one of the most tiring yet exciting life phases that one can experience. However, when it ends, and your adult life begins, you’ll surely look back on these days, think about all the memories you’ve made and miss them.
Student life is one of the most tiring yet exciting life phases that one can experience. However, when it ends, and your adult life begins, you’ll surely look back on these days, think about all the memories you’ve made and miss them.
Let us know how many of these you can relate to!
1. Waking Up Early
Every student can relate to waking up early and going to sleep late during their university life. University life in Japan is also quite similar. If you’re an international student living far from the university, you may need public transport for commuting. Even though the public transport system is highly efficient and punctual in Japan, on average, it may take up to 1 to 1.5 hours for you to reach your school depending upon how far you’re residing. So, if you want to take a morning shower, dress up, catch the first meal of the day and reach school on time, you will definitely have to wake up early.
Prepare to wake up at around 6:00 am and finish classes by noon. If you’re living close to your university or school, you can also walk or ride a bicycle. However, we wouldn't suggest doing that when it's raining.
2. Life On Budget
Another tough part of student life in a foreign country is staying budget conscious. Even though you can work part time for up to 28 hours per week, you will always find yourself trying to maintain finances, save money and stay within your monthly or weekly budget. And that's alright because it's a part of the learning process.
Living in Japan, the tuition fee and accommodation will be your biggest expense, especially if you’re living in a big city like Tokyo. What we would recommend is that you find a shared house or live in a dormitory for the first few months to save money. Trust us, this is also your chance to make many local and international friends. For traveling, a more affordable commute would be through bicycle for closer places but if you’re using public transport every day, make sure to take advantage of commuter passes.
While fruits and vegetables are very expensive in Japan, you can always look out for small local shops for the best prices. It is much more budget friendly if you cook every day; however, if you like to eat outside, you can always try to find some budget friendly restaurants around your block.
3. Student Discounts
Did you know that your university or school student card comes with multiple benefits? Well, if you did not know, let us enlighten you. In Japan, many entertainment places have special discount offers for students. You can avail these discounts by simplifying presenting your student ID at different locations such as cinemas, restaurants and karaoke places.
As a student, you will also be entitled to get discounts on various national and international airlines if you want to travel. So, where should we head next? 😉
Busting Myths
It Is Very Difficult To Fit In
Japanese people are known to be very accommodating and warm towards international students and other foriegn expatriates. With a little bit of effort from your side, you will be able to make many local and international friends in no time considering that Japan is already a home to multiple students and expatriates from all around the globe.
All They Have Is Seafood
They most definitely don't! Japan offers a wide variety of cuisine made from all types of protein (chicken, beef, pork and seafood). Whether you’re craving noodles or steak, sushi or sweets, there are multiple options to explore and choose from. And if you’re feeling a little adventurous, try these budget friendly restaurants with us on your next trip to Tokyo.
Japanese Language Fluency Is Required
Not true! Japanese language skills is a good to have before you visiting Japan, but many universities in Japan offer courses in English. While most universities have Japanese language requirements, they also offer pre-courses to learn Japanese language. You can always take these language courses first before starting your university courses.
Japan Is Expensive
While Japan is an expensive country. However, depending on your monthly expenses, you too can enjoy most of Japan. Through planning your monthly expenses, you will have more “Entertainment Fund” for you to have fun in Japan. Read this blog for more money saving tips as a student in Japan!
