I’m moving to Tokyo in 2024 April and I need some general advice.

6 comments

1. This is a copy of your post for archive/search purposes.

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   **I’m moving to Tokyo in 2024 April and I need some general advice.**

   I’m 19 years old and I only have A level qualifications ( I live in the UK). I’m from Lithuania so I have a lithuanian passport.
   I’m moving to Japan as I want to get into university there not sure which one yet but I want to study Psychology.
   I’ve already started applying through gogonihon to get my student visa and enter akamonkai language school. I currently have a part time job as a cleaner in a popular law firm but I plan to get a second job to save up for the big move.
   I’m also currently self studying japanese to learn the basics before moving there
   I’ve been in Japan twice so far.

   My question:

   .Would I be able to get into a university with mediocre grades? ( I got B,C and D in my A levels)

   .Are 2 years enough for me to get level N1 from the JLPT exams after studying in akamonkai?

   .would I be able to survive financially on my own living in a studio with only 28hrs of work a week max?

   .would I be able to study Japanese efficiently whilst also working?

   .which are the best prefectures in tokyo to live in that are affordable and convenient?

   If anyone has any advice or answers to these questions pls let me know ☺️

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2. >I currently have a part time job as a cleaner in a popular law firm but I plan to get a second job to save up for the big move.

   So you’re aware: As a language school student you’re going to need to show 1.5-2 million yen in savings (~$15k-20k USD/8k-12k GBP) before they will issue you the visa. You will *also* be required to show the same savings every time you renew your visa.

   >Would I be able to get into a university with mediocre grades?

   Maybe? You’re not going to be getting into one of the top-tier schools, but there might be a B or C-tier school that would accept you.

   >Are 2 years enough for me to get level N1 from the JLPT exams after studying in akamonkai?

   What’s your current Japanese level? If you’re starting from zero: No, it’s not going to be enough time. You’ll be able to reach N2, but N1 in two years isn’t really feasible.

   >would I be able to survive financially on my own living in a studio with only 28hrs of work a week max?

   No. The general rule of thumb is that your part time job can pay your tuition or your living expenses, *but not both*.

   With the sort of minimum wage jobs available to students it’s not a zero-sum game. You *will* deplete your savings, which is potentially an issue when it comes time to renew your visa. (See above)

   >would I be able to study Japanese efficiently whilst also working?

   That’s a question only you can answer.

   One thing I can say is that almost everyone who has tried to work the full 28 hours a week has hated the experience. They end up burnt out and with no free time to actually experience Japan.

3. My recommendation is that you apply to a college in the UK with a good exchange program in Japan. You do your first semester in the UK and apply for an exchange program instead.

   Why Japan if I may?

4. 1.) probably not the university you want to get into, but A university? Sure
   2.) depends on who you are as a person and what your level already is, but if you study hard, immerse yourself in the language, etc, then probably
   3.) again, depends on you and where you find an apartment. It’d probably be WAY better for you to be in a share house or corridor
   4.) I haven’t met anyone that can yet. Doesn’t mean you can’t.
   5.) akirunoshi is cheap, but far as hell. Suginami-ku is a bit more expensive, but convenient. Paying 110k yen for a 26 sqm studio for two people in suginami. Mikata also convenient, but more expensive. Those three are the only ones I’ve lived in, so only experiences I’ve had.

5. >Are 2 years enough for me to get level N1 from the JLPT exams after studying in akamonkai?

   Depends the level you’re starting from but generally, N5 to N2 in 2 years of serious study can be achieved. N1, probably not unless you’re an absolute genius.

   >would I be able to survive financially on my own living in a studio with only 28hrs of work a week max?

   Probably not, you’re not expected to be able to cover all of your expenses though, this is why you will need roughly 10 million yen per year before being able to apply.

   >would I be able to study Japanese efficiently whilst also working?

   Maybe, maybe not, that’s more of a personal question and if you have the energy to do both at a good enough level.

   >which are the best prefectures in tokyo to live in that are affordable and convenient?

   Tokyo is Tokyo, I’m assuming you mean districts? It doesn’t have multiple prefectures. Can’t help you there though but look at train lines that goes to school and check places on that line.

6. Look into the holiday work visa. I’m fairly certain that it’s available for Lithuania, as it is for Poland and many other EU countries. This will allow you to move there and work for a year.