Hello,
I’m a Japanese student that’s studying abroad from the U.S ( weird, I know ) to Sophia in the fall of this year, and I just wanted to ask about the living situation there? Is there any dorm options or apartment options that you might recommend a 20 year old like myself? I’d love to get out, so strict curfew and such is unfavorable, but I also realize that I am not in a position to choose based on financial hardship. I’m looking for something within -$800 USD per month, any suggestions?
5 comments
why don’t you directly check your school’s website and dormitories?
Your lucky day my friend. Studied at Sophia university in 2017 and I have the info you need. So, Sophia gives you a list of options that you can look through when you apply to the school. They offer many apartment options. However when you pay for one it’s not done on a month by month basis. I stayed at a international house called “D.K house shinkoiwa”( linked on their site). Let’s say you are only going to stay there a semester( I’m not sure on the length you are staying) but for 4 months of stay it would cost you 3000 dollars ( Sophia website) so no need to pay a monthly fee, it’s all bundled. As for the place itself,it’s cleaned everyday by a wonderful staff and the kitchen, commons area and living space are fairly decent. You will be living around a diverse cast of nationalities and John (the manager) hosts parties at the facility constantly( including a welcoming party with good food) however, the room you live in is Something to behold. If I had to describe it, I would have to say that some people have bigger closets than the room you stay in.Essentially it’s just a room, with a small mini Fridge, bed and desk. A place to put your head down for the night. If you’re not to picky on how a room should look I believe it’s sufficient enough for its main purpose since I’d hope you would be out and about instead of being in your room. Also, if this is a concern for you, people from the school will meet you at the airport and guide you to your living accommodations. So no need to feel pressure about finding your way.
Now here’s the kicker, this place is centrally located and gives you access to a cheat code of Tokyo. When you arrive at school there is a train pass you can get for about 200 dollars that allows you to set a path from your place of stay to your school. DK house shinkoiwa to yotsuya( Sophia) is pretty much a straight shot on one train (Chou sobu line and takes 30 minutes on a good day, mind the morning rush) however with this train pass every stop on the way to the school you can get off with no extra charge. Akihabara, asakusa, and other places are at your finger tips whenever you want to go. And from akihabara you can hop on trains to harajuku, shibuya etc for half the cost it would normally take. After school I’d go to akihabara like it was second nature to me.
Yet another little quirk about the city of shinkoiwa is that the city center has everything you need. 5 yen stores, clothing shops, a mini strip mall, diverse food, movie rental stores, an arcade, it’s got everything you need. Right next to your living quarter’s is a 7/11 that is open 24 hours, so food is always available. I’m going a bit to deep now but that’s my two cents, hope this helps and DM me of you have any other questions.
Hello! I’m one of those who applied for fall too. I am planning on renting an apartment from sakura house ([https://www.sakura-house.com](https://www.sakura-house.com)) and mine would cost 130,000 Yen (about $1,200 USD) since it is located in Shinjuku and about 5-8 minutes going to school and the grocery. But there are some that cost 800 USD too that already includes the utility costs. You might want to check the website for more info. ^_^
Japanese student from US studying at Sophia? That’s not weird at all for Sophia. $800 is more than enough to rent a small apartment in the area and have your personal freedom. I’d try to get into a university dorm (any of them) and then move out immediately after you get here, with the help of the nearest rental agency (walk around and you’ll find one). Unless you make friends with your dorm mates and they try to get you to stay. That happens.
Of course it would be nice to get an apartment lined up before coming, but it’s much easier after you’re here, so a temporary dorm is nice for the transition. It’s either that or a week or two in a hotel, which can end up costing much more than a month or two in a dorm. And the chance to make friends at a dorm can serve you well anyway.
I am also planning to study abroad at Sophia for next academic year! I am hoping to live at Sophia-Arrupe, which is so expensive but luckily due to scholarships I will be able to afford it. My 2nd option is sophia-soshigaya which is a lot cheaper but a lot farther from campus. I’m slightly confused on whether or not they have curfew or not. The rules list “do not enter other rooms after 22:00 as it may disturb your neighbors.” I’m not really sure what the context of that is.