For those who have graduated from Waseda University and are about to start living alone
Waseda University has campuses in Shinjuku, Toshima, and Nishitokyo in Tokyo, and many students live alone while commuting to school. Students who are living away from their parents for the first time are bound to have many worries and questions.
It is important to gather information you need to know in advance, such as "What is the average rent?", "Which area is convenient for commuting to school?", and "How much will living expenses be?" In this article, we will clearly introduce the real life of a Waseda University student living alone, and provide specific details on everything from finding a room to an estimate of living expenses.
When is the right time to live alone? When should I start looking?
The key to success when living alone at Waseda University is to prepare early.
In particular, from February to March, both new and current students are busy looking for rooms, and good properties fill up quickly. Those who are accepted early through recommendation or AO entrance exams should start looking from December to January, while those who applied for general entrance exams should start looking from mid-February, immediately after the results are announced.
In recent years, the number of properties that allow "pre-admission reservations" has been increasing, so you can expand your options by searching for candidates before the entrance exam. If you want to find a room that meets your desired conditions, the key is to gather information and make inquiries early before you pass the entrance exam.
Popular areas and features recommended for living alone around Waseda University
There are several areas that are convenient for commuting to Waseda University and are easy to live in. Among them, "Waseda/Nishi-Waseda," "Takadanobaba," "Kagurazaka/Edogawabashi/Mejiro" are popular among students.
Each area has its own characteristics, such as average rent, public safety, convenient transportation, and abundance of commercial facilities, so it is important to choose an area that suits your lifestyle. Areas a little further away, such as Nakano and Myogadani, are also good options because they are easy to commute to and have good value for money.
Waseda/Nishi-Waseda area
The biggest attraction of this apartment is the short commute to Waseda University's Waseda Campus and Nishi-Waseda Campus. Since you can live within walking or cycling distance, you can be active in the morning with plenty of time to spare.
There are many quiet residential areas, and plenty of restaurants and supermarkets for students. Rent is a little on the high side, but it's the perfect area for those who value convenience for commuting and living. It's also recommended for freshman who want to live safely near the university.
Takadanobaba area
This is a popular area for Waseda University students. It is very conveniently located on the JR Yamanote Line, Tozai Line, and Seibu Shinjuku Line. There are plenty of restaurants, supermarkets, and electronics stores around the station, making it an easy place to live for students.
The closer you are to the station, the higher the rent, but there are also more affordable properties a little further away. Many students live in this area, so it's a safe place to live alone for the first time.
Kagurazaka, Edogawabashi, Mejiro area
The fashionable and relaxed Kagurazaka area, the quiet residential area of Edogawabashi in Bunkyo Ward, and Mejiro, known as an upscale residential area, are also popular among Waseda students.
Kagurazaka in particular is full of cafes and shopping streets, making it a popular area with women. Edogawabashi is a hidden gem with relatively low average rent. Mejiro is safe and suitable for students looking for a calm lifestyle. Both areas are accessible via the Tozai Line and Fukutoshin Line.
Other areas convenient for commuting (Nakano, Higashi-Nakano, Myogadani, etc.)
Nakano, Higashi-Nakano, and Myogadani are also convenient areas with access to Waseda by train. Nakano in particular has many commercial facilities and restaurants, making it extremely convenient for daily life.
The average rent is relatively low, so it is recommended for students who value value for money. Myogadani is located in Bunkyo Ward, has good public safety, and is popular with people looking for a quiet environment.
Expand your options and look for places that are within 30 minutes of your daily commute.
Average rent for single people around Waseda University
If you are starting to live alone near Waseda University, the average rent will vary greatly depending on the area, station, age of the property, and its facilities.
Generally speaking, a one-room or 1K apartment will cost around 60,000 to 90,000 yen per month. Popular areas such as Takadanobaba and Kagurazaka tend to be a little more expensive. In addition to rent, you will also need to pay maintenance fees, management fees, and initial costs, so it is important to choose a property based on your overall budget.
Average rent for a studio/1K apartment
The average rent for a one-room apartment or 1K apartment around Waseda University is around 65,000 to 85,000 yen. If the property is new or within a 5-minute walk from the station, it can be over 90,000 yen.
On the other hand, if the property is older and a little far from the station, you can find one for around 50,000 yen. "Student apartments" designed for students are popular for their high cost performance, as the rent includes meals, furniture, and appliances.
Rent estimates for popular stations (Waseda Station, Takadanobaba Station, Kagurazaka Station, etc.)
Here are some examples of estimated rent amounts.
- Around Waseda Station: 70,000 to 90,000 yen (closest to the university and most popular)
- Around Takadanobaba Station: 65,000 to 85,000 yen (good access and convenience)
- Around Kagurazaka Station: 70,000 to 90,000 yen (Popular with women for its relaxed atmosphere)
- Around Edogawabashi and Omokagebashi stations: 60,000 to 75,000 yen (hidden gem area)
Rent trends vary from station to station, so the key is to choose an apartment that strikes the right balance between "commute time" and "rent."
Costs other than rent (common area fees, initial costs)
When you start living alone, you will have to pay various expenses in addition to rent. First of all, maintenance and management fees are generally around 3,000 to 5,000 yen per month.
Also, when moving in, you may have to pay initial costs equivalent to four to six months' rent, including a security deposit, key money, brokerage fee, fire insurance fee, etc. If you want to keep costs down, it's a good idea to look for a property with "no security deposit or key money" or "no brokerage fee."
Property types for single people and how to choose them
When you start living alone around Waseda University, it is very important to choose the type of property you want to live in. Typical properties include student apartments, student dormitories, apartments, condominiums, and shared houses, each with different costs, facilities, and lifestyles.
Consider factors such as convenience for commuting to school, security, rent, and the surrounding environment, and choose a home that suits your lifestyle and goals.
Differences between student apartments and student dormitories
Student apartments are rental properties designed for university students, and are characterized by their comprehensive security features, such as automatic locks and delivery lockers.
On the other hand, student dormitories are run by universities or companies and often come with meals, furniture, and support for daily life. However, there may be curfews and rules, so it is recommended to choose a dormitory based on whether you value freedom or support. It is a safe choice for those living alone for the first time.
Benefits and points to note about apartments and condominiums
Apartments and condominiums are the most common rental properties for single people. Condominiums offer excellent soundproofing, earthquake resistance, and security, making them a comfortable place to live.
On the other hand, apartments have the advantage of being cheaper and easier to keep costs down. The age of the building, the facilities, the surrounding residents, and other factors can greatly affect how comfortable the apartment is to live in, so it is important to check carefully when viewing the apartment. It is also important to check whether the apartment has internet access, air conditioning, and other facilities.
Share House
In recent years, shared houses have become increasingly popular among students. The biggest attraction is that rent and utility costs can be kept low by sharing the living room, kitchen, bathroom, etc.
There is also interaction between residents, so it is suitable for those who are looking for an environment where they can enjoy international exchange and communal living with international students. However, since private space is limited, it is also important to consider whether your lifestyle and personality are compatible. Be sure to check the rules in advance before making your selection.
Recommended room-finding methods for Waseda students
If you are planning to start living alone at Waseda University, the key is to choose the most efficient way to search for your ideal place to live.
There are many ways to use them, such as real estate companies and co-ops affiliated with universities, rental information websites, and apps. Each has its own advantages, so it is important to use them according to your schedule and desired conditions. Especially during busy periods, you should consider making inquiries and consultations by appointment or making reservations before you pass the exam.
Use of university-affiliated businesses and co-ops
At Waseda University, the Student Co-op and real estate agents affiliated with the university provide support for those looking to live alone. These agents have a wealth of property information for students, are highly reliable, and often offer rents that are in line with market rates.
They have a support system that makes it easy to live alone for the first time, and some properties accept reservations before you pass the entrance exam, so they are especially recommended for new students. They are also recommended by universities, so you can consult with them with confidence.
How to use rental sites and apps
For those who want to search for an apartment at their own pace, it is convenient to use rental site pages and apps such as SUUMO, HOME'S, CHINTAI, and Able.
You can search for the property you want efficiently by narrowing down your search by map search, commute time, average rent, facilities, etc. In addition, there are special features such as "no deposit/key money" and "women only", making it easy to find a property that meets your needs. If you are interested in a property, make an inquiry and book a viewing as soon as possible.
Systems and support to help those living alone
Many students who live alone at Waseda University feel financially anxious. To support such students, various support measures are available, such as rent subsidies, scholarships, life support systems, and consultation services.
In particular, new students who are leaving their parents' home for the first time can start their lives with peace of mind by taking advantage of these systems. It is important to check in advance the support offered by the university, local government, and external organizations and make effective use of them.
Rent subsidy and scholarship system
Waseda University has a comprehensive scholarship system for financial support. In addition to grant and loan-type scholarships from the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO), the university's own scholarships and local government rent subsidy systems are also available.
Some of these programs are targeted at students who live alone, and in some cases, students can receive tens of thousands of yen per month if they meet certain conditions. Application periods and conditions vary depending on the program, so it's a good idea to gather information early and consider applying.
Student Support and Consultation Desk
Waseda University has several support desks where you can get advice on any worries or problems you may have regarding student life. The Student Life Division and Health Center offer a wide range of services, from financial advice to health and mental support.
You can also receive support in finding housing and part-time work. You can also take advantage of the "life consultation meetings" and "solo living seminars" that are held regularly. If you have any problems, don't keep it to yourself, but consult with these places.
summary
There is a lot of information you should know beforehand when living alone at Waseda University, such as choosing an area, average rent, property type, and estimated living expenses. The popular areas around Waseda, Takadanobaba, and Kagurazaka are convenient for commuting to school, but you can also choose lesser known areas such as Nakano and Myogadani depending on your rent and lifestyle.
The key to success in finding a property is to make good use of the university's affiliated agencies and rental websites, and to act early. If you make full use of rent assistance, scholarships, and the university's consultation desk, you can start your new life with peace of mind. Find a home that suits you and enjoy a fulfilling university life.
