Hello! I am a KUINEP student trying to decide between Shugakuin and Mizuki for this coming summer. I heard about how Mizuki feels a bit more like a community and the RA would typically host events. This sounds great because I would love to have more interaction with my peers and get to know other people, however, I am feeling a bit iffy about the older facilities and 100 yen showers. Shugakuin I’ve heard is also a bit social, but further away from campus. What are people’s thoughts, especially for those who have studied at KyotoU and visited these dorms?
by youllneverfindmemate
2 comments
I don’t know, I like Ohbaku. It’s far but nice. Great for introverts.
I lived in Shugakuin International House (???), but it was years ago now, so unless they have fixed it up since it will be quite old. I found the rooms smallish but very comfortable. That is where graduate students and families stay, so the Mizuki option sounds better for a more social undergraduate experience. The Shugakuin area is quite lovely, with the mountains and temples, and Takaragaike Park, shopping is easy, but it is a 10-15 minute bicycle ride from campus.
If the Mizuki place is right in Yoshida, near Hyakumanben, it will be more lively, and convenient for access to the campus and the cafeterias, and for access to downtown, where all the fun stuff is. If you are on an exchange and it is only for the summer, I would say go where the other undergraduates are. Graduate students are busy, and often just not all that social. It’s going to be stinking hot wherever you are, so be aware of that. Good luck with all that.
What is an RA, by the way? Just curious.