Going to be attending waseda university for a year starting in September. Trying to decide on where to stay.
I have two options at current time
Apartment just north of Waseda by the river (8min walk according to Google) in direction to wakeijuku. 20/25 minute walk to takodanobaba. 5 min walk to Waseda tozai line station
Apartment in takodanobaba. Cheaper then option 1 by around ¥20,000-ish a month. 15 minute walk to campus. 5-10 min walk to takodanobaba station. Off about 1 street from the main road.
My hesitations
From what I've heard takodanobaba has a reputation a student area with plenty to do. Haven't come across the same for Waseda (although I assume Waseda would also be a student area given the university is there?)
However There is also the fact to consider that most other exchange students will be living on campus so maybe it is better to be closer to campus?
It might be better to live near campus for campus related activities. On the other hand might be better to live near takodanobaba for entertainment and shops?
Both rooms are similar in size but I think Room 2 isn't as nice asthetically room 1(although still liveable).
I'm not mega bothered about the cost. Both are within budget but obviously a little extra cash is always nice.
Based on this limited information what would you do? Anything I'm not taking in to consideration?
Update… Going with takdanobaba (as long as my application for the room goes through and it's still available). thanks for the input
by PopScythecle
5 comments
The second one. 20k is worth saving, Takadanobaba has better transport links to get around town, 15 min is a perfectly reasonable walk, if the weather sucks you can take the train.
Are you sure the first one isn’t near the Toden-Arakawa line station rather than the Tozai line? You can’t be north of the university by the river and still a 5 min walk to the Tozai line which is south of the university.
I would take takadanobaba if you are budget conscious. 15 mins walk is not too bad, get yourself a bike (just get one from a used shop), and your commute time will be halved.
Plus, takadanobaba station has 3 lines, with direct line to Shinjuku which will be very convenient.
Also, north of Waseda is Toden Arakawa which runs to the north and will not be the most convenient line.
Personally I would pick the Waseda option just since I’m not a huge fan of how busy and college-towny feeling Takadanobaba is. But I agree with the others that Takadanobaba is more convenient because of the Yamanote and if you value cost more it just makes more sense.
I stayed in Takadanobaba (re: my username) and absolutely loved it. I would highly recommend!
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