Hi everyone,
I have been lucky enough to get the opportunity to visit Japan for a full year of studies (almost 11 months). The university is near Osaka (close enough to be reasonably near a lot of metro stations that serve Keihanshin) and I am coming from the UK. I have a few questions:
– public transport in Keihanshin seems to be extremely comprehensive, but is it still worth purchasing a bike? I’ve heard these can be taken on trains if folded, is this still true and are foldable bikes still reasonable? Public transport in Japan is notorious for having an expensive reputation but I am terrified of cycling on the roads in built up areas 😂
– the university (Kwansei Gakuin just in case anyone knows about it!) offers its own accommodation, or I could go private. The options for both private and university owned seem roughly similar, but are there any general differences? Also, should I go for accommodation that houses both Japanese and international students, international only accommodation, or does it depend? (homestays are an option too but I’m not so sure about those and they seem very limited anyway).
– any tips before leaving that my university will not necessarily tell me e.g. they should walk me through the visa process, but they may not necessarily tell me about things that may save me money etc. Also any other subreddits I could ask in
Regards
Owen