For those graduating from Waseda University and about to start living alone
Waseda University has campuses in Shinjuku, Toshima, and Nishitokyo in Tokyo, and many students live alone while attending classes. For students who are living away from their parents for the first time, there are bound to be many anxieties and questions.
It's important to gather information beforehand, such as "What's the average rent?", "Which areas are convenient for commuting?", and "How much will I need for living expenses?". This article clearly explains the realities of living alone as a Waseda University student, providing specific details from finding an apartment to estimating living expenses.
When is the right time to start living alone? When should I start looking for a place to live?
For those living alone at Waseda University, early preparation is key to success.
Especially from February to March, both new and current students are in high demand for accommodation, and good properties get snapped up very quickly. If you've already been accepted through recommendation or AO entrance exams, it's best to start looking in December or January, while those taking the general entrance exam should start looking as soon as their results are announced, from mid-February.
In recent years, the number of properties that accept "pre-acceptance reservations" has increased, so searching for potential properties before the entrance exams will broaden your options. If you want to find a room that meets your desired conditions, gathering information and making inquiries early, even before you are accepted, is key.
Recommended and popular areas for single people living around Waseda University, and their characteristics.
There are several areas that are convenient for commuting to Waseda University and also offer a good lifestyle. Among them, "Waseda/Nishi-Waseda," "Takadanobaba," and "Kagurazaka/Edogawabashi/Mejiro" are particularly popular with students.
Each area has its own unique characteristics, such as average rent, safety, convenient transportation, and abundance of commercial facilities, so it's important to choose a neighborhood that suits your lifestyle. Areas slightly further away, such as Nakano and Myogadani, are also good options due to their convenient commute and cost-effectiveness.
Waseda/Nishi-Waseda area
The biggest advantage is its proximity to Waseda University's Waseda Campus and Nishi-Waseda Campus, resulting in a short commute. Living within walking or cycling distance allows for a more relaxed start to the day.
There are many quiet residential areas, and plenty of restaurants and supermarkets catering to students. While rents are a bit on the higher side, it's an ideal area for those who prioritize convenience for commuting and daily life. It's also recommended for new students who want to live safely near the university.
Takadanobaba area
This is a popular area for Waseda University students. It boasts excellent accessibility with the JR Yamanote Line, Tozai Line, and Seibu Shinjuku Line. The area around the station is well-equipped with restaurants, supermarkets, and electronics stores, making it a comfortable place for students to live.
Rent tends to be higher the closer you are to the station, but you can find more affordable options a little further away. Because many students live in this area, it's a safe and secure place to live alone for the first time.
Kagurazaka, Edogawabashi, and Mejiro area
Kagurazaka, with its stylish and tranquil atmosphere, Edogawabashi, a quiet residential area in Bunkyo Ward, and Mejiro, known as an upscale residential area, are all popular choices among Waseda University students.
Kagurazaka, in particular, is a popular area for women, with plenty of cafes and shopping streets. Edogawabashi is a hidden gem with relatively low rent prices. Mejiro is safe and suitable for students seeking a peaceful life. All of these areas are accessible via the Tozai Line and Fukutoshin Line.
Other areas convenient for commuting to school (Nakano, Higashi-Nakano, Myogadani, etc.)
Areas slightly further away, such as Nakano, Higashi-Nakano, and Myogadani, are also convenient locations with easy access to Waseda by train. Nakano, in particular, boasts numerous commercial facilities and restaurants, making it extremely convenient for daily life.
The rent is also relatively low, making it a good choice for students who prioritize cost-effectiveness. Myogadani is located in Bunkyo Ward, which is known for its safety and is popular with people seeking a quiet environment.
Let's broaden our options and search within a range that fits within a 30-minute daily commute.
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Average rent for single-person apartments around Waseda University
If you're starting to live alone around Waseda University, the average rent will vary greatly depending on the area, the station, and the age and amenities of the property.
Generally, a one-room or 1K type apartment costs around 60,000 to 90,000 yen per month. Popular areas like Takadanobaba and Kagurazaka tend to be a bit more expensive. In addition to rent, you will also need to pay common area fees, management fees, and initial costs, so it is important to consider your overall budget when choosing a property.
Average rent for a studio apartment/1K
The average rent for a studio or 1K apartment around Waseda University is approximately 65,000 to 85,000 yen. For newer properties or those within a 5-minute walk of a station, the rent can exceed 90,000 yen.
On the other hand, older properties located a little further from the station can sometimes be found for around 50,000 yen. Student apartments, designed specifically for students, are popular for their cost-effectiveness, as they often include meals and furniture/appliances in the rent.
Estimated rent prices by popular train station (Waseda Station, Takadanobaba Station, Kagurazaka Station, etc.)
Here are some examples of typical rent amounts.
- Around Waseda Station: 70,000 to 90,000 yen (most popular as it's closest to the university)
- Takadanobaba Station area: ¥65,000 - ¥85,000 (Excellent access and convenience)
- Around Kagurazaka Station: 70,000 to 90,000 yen (popular with women due to its calm atmosphere)
- Edogawabashi/Omokagebashi Station area: 60,000 to 75,000 yen (hidden gem area)
Since rent trends vary from station to station, the key is to choose based on the balance between "commute time" and "rent."
Expenses other than rent (common area maintenance fees, initial costs)
When you start living alone, you'll have various expenses besides rent. First, there are common area fees and management fees, which are typically around 3,000 to 5,000 yen per month.
Also, when moving in, you may need to pay initial costs that amount to about 4 to 6 months' rent, including a security deposit, key money, brokerage fees, and fire insurance. If you want to keep costs down, you should look for properties with "no security deposit or key money" or "no brokerage fees."
Types of properties suitable for single people and how to choose them
When starting to live alone around Waseda University, choosing the right type of accommodation is very important. Typical options include student apartments, student dormitories, apartments, condominiums, and share houses, each with different costs, facilities, and lifestyles.
Consider factors such as convenience for commuting, security, rent, and the surrounding environment, and choose a place to live that suits your lifestyle and purpose.
Differences between student apartments and student dormitories
Student apartments are rental properties designed specifically for university students, and are characterized by their enhanced security features, such as automatic locks and parcel delivery boxes.
On the other hand, student dormitories are operated by universities or companies, often include meals and furniture, and offer various living support services. However, there may be curfews and rules, so it's best to choose based on whether you prioritize freedom or support. For those living alone for the first time, it's a reassuring option.
Advantages and disadvantages of apartments and condominiums
Apartments and condominiums are the most common types of rental properties for single occupancy. Condominiums offer excellent soundproofing, earthquake resistance, and security, making them ideal for comfortable living.
On the other hand, apartments are attractive because they have lower rents and are easier to keep costs down. However, the living experience can vary greatly depending on the age of the building, the facilities, and the surrounding residents, so it's important to check these things carefully during a viewing. Also, be sure to check for amenities such as internet access and air conditioning.
Share house
In recent years, shared housing has become increasingly popular among students. A major attraction is that rent and utility costs are lower because living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and other facilities are shared.
This type of accommodation encourages interaction among residents and is suitable for those seeking an environment where they can enjoy international exchange and communal living with international students. However, since private space is limited, compatibility in lifestyle and personality is an important factor. Be sure to check the rules beforehand before making your choice.
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Recommended ways for Waseda University students to find an apartment
If you're starting to live alone at Waseda University, choosing the right method for efficiently finding your ideal apartment is key.
There are many ways to utilize resources, including university-affiliated real estate companies, student cooperatives, rental information websites, and apps. Each has its own advantages, so it's important to choose the method that best suits your schedule and preferences. Especially during peak seasons, consider using reservation-based inquiries and consultations, or even making reservations before you've been accepted.
Use of university-affiliated vendors and cooperatives
At Waseda University, the student cooperative and affiliated real estate agencies provide support for students living alone. These agencies have a wealth of information on properties suitable for students, are highly reliable, and often offer rents that are in line with market rates.
With support systems in place to ensure peace of mind even for those living alone for the first time, and some properties even accepting reservations before acceptance, it's especially recommended for new students. Since it's also recommended by the university, you can consult with them with confidence.
How to use rental websites and apps
For those who want to search for an apartment at their own pace, using rental websites and apps such as SUUMO, HOME'S, CHINTAI, and Able is convenient.
You can efficiently search for your desired property by narrowing down your search criteria in detail, such as map search, commute time, average rent, and amenities. Additionally, there are special features such as "no security deposit/key money" and "women-only," making it easier to find a property that meets your needs. If you're interested in a property, be sure to inquire or schedule a viewing as soon as possible.
Useful systems and support for living alone
Many students living alone at Waseda University experience financial anxieties. To support these students, various forms of assistance are available, including rent subsidies, scholarships, living support programs, and counseling services.
New students, especially those leaving home for the first time, can start their lives with peace of mind by utilizing these programs. It is important to check in advance the support offered by universities, local governments, and external organizations and to make effective use of it.
Rent subsidy and scholarship programs
Waseda University offers a comprehensive scholarship system to support students financially. In addition to grants and loans from the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO), students can also utilize university-specific scholarships and rent subsidy programs provided by local governments.
Some programs offer support specifically for students living alone, and in some cases, if you meet the conditions, you can receive tens of thousands of yen per month. Application periods and conditions vary depending on the program, so gather information early and consider applying.
Student support offices and consultation services
Waseda University has several support services where students can seek advice on problems and concerns related to their student life. The Student Affairs Division and the Health Center provide a wide range of support, from financial consultations to health and mental health support.
You can also receive support regarding finding accommodation and part-time jobs. Furthermore, it's reassuring to take advantage of regularly held "life consultation sessions" and "seminars on living alone." If you encounter any problems, don't try to handle them alone; seek advice at these places.
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summary
Living alone at Waseda University involves a lot of information you should know beforehand, such as choosing an area, average rent, property types, and estimated living expenses. The popular areas around Waseda, Takadanobaba, and Kagurazaka are convenient for commuting, but depending on your rent and lifestyle, lesser-known areas like Nakano and Myogadani are also worth considering.
When searching for accommodation, the key to success is to make good use of university-affiliated agencies and rental websites, and to start early. By fully utilizing rent subsidies, scholarships, and the university's counseling services, you can start your new life with peace of mind. Find accommodation that suits you and enjoy a fulfilling university life.
