What is Hosei University's Tama Campus?
Hosei University's Tama Campus is a lush, green campus located in Aihara-cho, Machida City, Tokyo.
The university has four faculties: Economics, Sociology, Contemporary Social Welfare, and Sports and Health Sciences, with approximately 9,000 students. Although it is a bit far from the city center, it is popular with students who want to study in a calm environment. The vast campus boasts state-of-the-art buildings, a library, and a student cafeteria, allowing students to enjoy a comfortable student life.
Furthermore, the Tama Campus has a more community-oriented atmosphere compared to other campuses within Hosei University, making it ideal for those who desire a friendly and relaxed student life.
Location and Access
This is information about the location and access to Hosei University's Tama Campus.
- Location: "4342 Aihara-cho, Machida City, Tokyo"
- The nearest stations are Mejirodai Station on the Keio Line (approximately 10 minutes by bus), Nishi-Hachioji Station on the JR Chuo Line (approximately 22 minutes by bus), and Aihara Station on the JR Yokohama Line (approximately 13 minutes by bus). Many students commute by bus from these stations. It is also easily accessible from Shinjuku Station, where you can arrive in just under an hour using the Keio Line.
There are several bus routes around the campus, and direct buses to the university run during the morning and evening rush hours. While access may not be as convenient as in urban areas, there are advantages, such as being able to avoid rush hour by using the starting station. It is recommended to check your commute route in advance and look for an apartment near the most convenient station.
The nearest station is convenient for commuting to school.
There are several nearby train stations.
- "Mejirodai Station": The most popular station for commuting to the Tama Campus is Mejirodai Station on the Keio Line. It is also easily accessible by bus or bicycle, and the rent is relatively inexpensive.
- "Nishi-Hachioji Station": The popular choice is JR Chuo Line's "Nishi-Hachioji Station." Located along the Chuo Line, it offers good access to Shinjuku and is also popular as an area with many part-time job opportunities.
- "Aihara Station": This station is relatively close to the campus, yet it is located in a quiet residential area, making it suitable for students who want to live in peace.
All stations have well-served bus routes, so the key is to choose one that suits your commute time and lifestyle.
Faculty and student atmosphere at Tama Campus
The Tama Campus houses three faculties: Economics, Sociology, and Contemporary Social Welfare. All of these fields emphasize social issues and interpersonal relationships, and the students tend to be calm and composed. Compared to campuses in the city center, it is less flashy, and students tend to lead serious and peaceful lives.
Furthermore, its location surrounded by nature provides an environment conducive to focused academic study. The campus also boasts active student clubs and seminars, creating an atmosphere conducive to building relationships. It's the perfect campus for students who want to develop independence and life skills through independent living.
Which areas are recommended for single people? Popular station rankings
The areas popular with students living alone at Hosei University's Tama Campus are chosen based on three criteria: ease of commuting, affordable rent, and convenience of daily life.
Let's take a closer look at the advantages of each station.
1st Place: Mejirodai Station | Close to campus and reasonable rent
Mejirodai Station is a Keio Takao Line station with excellent access to Hosei University's Tama Campus, which can be reached by bus or bicycle. The area around the station has supermarkets, convenience stores, and restaurants, providing a convenient living environment for those living alone.
Furthermore, the rent is relatively reasonable, ranging from 40,000 to 50,000 yen for a 1K or studio apartment, making it ideal for students experiencing living alone for the first time. The area around the station is a quiet residential neighborhood with good security, making it recommended for those who prefer a peaceful environment. There are buses to campus every morning, making it a popular area for those who want to avoid rush hour.
2nd Place: Nishi-Hachioji Station | Excellent access and convenient for shopping
Nishi-Hachioji Station is located along the JR Chuo Line, making it an ideal area for students who prioritize both commuting and easy access to the city center. Hosei University's Tama Campus is accessible by bus in about 20 minutes.
The area around the station boasts a wide array of amenities, including large supermarkets, chain restaurants, and drugstores, ensuring that daily life is convenient. Rent is around 50,000 to 60,000 yen, and many properties close to the station are relatively affordable. Furthermore, there are direct trains to Shinjuku, making it a popular choice for students who frequently travel to the city center for part-time jobs or leisure.
3rd Place: Aihara Station | Attractive for its quiet environment and good cost performance
Aihara Station is a station on the JR Yokohama Line and one of the closest stations to the Tama Campus. The university is about a 10-minute bus ride from the station, and it's also within cycling distance.
The area around the station is a quiet residential area with good public safety. It is popular with students who want to live a peaceful life. The rent is also the second cheapest after Mejirodai Station, with plenty of 1K apartments available for around 40,000 yen. Although there are few commercial facilities, there are enough shops for the basic necessities of life, making it especially recommended for students who mainly cook for themselves.
This area is perfect for those who prioritize proximity to school and a quiet living environment over easy access to the city center.
Other areas | Options include Hashimoto, Machida, and others.
Although a little further away, Hashimoto Station and Machida Station, which are served by the JR Yokohama Line and Keio Sagamihara Line, are also popular areas for Hosei University students.
Hashimoto Station is served by three train lines and boasts numerous large shopping malls and restaurants.
Machida Station is located in an urban area, offering convenient access to part-time jobs and shopping. However, commuting to campus requires taking a bus or a combination of train and bus, and the commute can take 30 minutes to an hour. While rent is somewhat high, it tends to be a popular choice for students who want to enjoy city life.
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What is the average rent? Average prices by type.
A major attraction of rental properties around Hosei University's Tama Campus is that the rent is more reasonable compared to central Tokyo. There are plenty of properties available that are suitable for students.
Rent varies depending on the area, with average rents differing along the Keio Line, Chuo Line, and Yokohama Line. Therefore, it's important to choose based on your desired lifestyle and the convenience of commuting to school. In this chapter, we'll take a detailed look at average rents by type and area.
Market price for a studio apartment (1K)
The most popular apartment layouts among students around the Tama campus are simple studio apartments or 1K apartments. The average rent for these properties varies depending on the area and the age of the building, but is roughly between 45,000 and 58,000 yen per month.
Newer properties near stations tend to be a bit pricey, but older properties a little further from the station can be found for around 40,000 yen. Areas around Mejirodai Station and Aihara Station, in particular, tend to have lower rents and are popular with cost-conscious students. On the other hand, urban areas like Machida Station can exceed 60,000 yen, so choosing a property that fits your budget is important.
Average price of furnished and meal-inclusive student apartments
If you're looking for a student apartment with furniture and appliances included, or a residence with meals provided, the rent will be a bit higher, typically around 60,000 to 75,000 yen per month. These properties are characterized by lower security deposits and key money, and often include services such as free internet access.
Furthermore, many properties offer security measures such as resident dorm parents and security cameras, making them ideal for those who want to start living alone for the first time with peace of mind. Since properties with meals included are in high demand, early reservations or provisional applications are key.
Area-specific price comparison (Keio Line / Chuo Line / Yokohama Line)
Comparing average rent prices along train lines used for commuting to Hosei University's Tama Campus, the most affordable option is along the Keio Line (Mejirodai, Yamada, etc.). Here are the average prices for studio apartments and 1K apartments in each area.
- "Along the Keio Line (Mejirodai, Yamada, etc.)": Approximately 45,000 to 55,000 yen
- "Along the Chuo Line (Nishi-Hachioji, Takao, etc.)": Approximately 55,000 to 60,000 yen
- Along the Yokohama Line (Aihara, Hashimoto, etc.): The going rate is approximately 48,000 to 62,000 yen.
If you prioritize easy access to the city center and a wide range of commercial facilities, the Chuo Line and Yokohama Line are popular choices. However, if you prioritize proximity to school and cost-effectiveness, the Keio Line area offers the best balance.
A guide to finding an apartment for single occupancy
If you're planning to start living alone around Hosei University's Tama Campus, it's essential to efficiently search for accommodation. Especially if it's your first time living alone, it's important not only to understand the area and the average rent, but also to use websites and real estate companies that specialize in student-friendly properties. In recent years, there are also student-friendly systems in place, such as "pre-acceptance reservations" that allow you to reserve before the acceptance announcement, and "rent sliding scale systems" that adjust rent according to the move-in date.
This chapter will provide specific examples of how to search for properties.
Recommended real estate companies and student-friendly websites
For finding properties around Hosei University's Tama Campus, we recommend the following student-oriented real estate websites.
- Student Apartments.com
- Nasic
- UniLife
- Mini Student Edition
These services handle many student-only properties and properties in partnership with Hosei University, offering a wide selection of properties that prioritize safety and convenient commuting. Furthermore, they provide comprehensive consultation and support from a student's perspective, making it easy to find an apartment even for those living alone for the first time. They often collaborate with local real estate companies, which is another advantage as it allows for quick access to the latest vacancy information.
What are the pre-acceptance reservation and rent adjustment systems?
- Pre-acceptance reservation
This system allows you to tentatively reserve a property before the university's acceptance announcements. It's very popular among Hosei University applicants. Since cancellations are often possible regardless of the acceptance result, you can secure your desired property early.
- Rent adjustment system
This system offers free or discounted rent until the actual move-in date. It's a convenient option for students who want to sign a contract early in preparation for moving in in the spring.
By utilizing these systems, you can avoid missing out on popular properties while keeping costs down, so early information gathering and consultation are key.
Make use of online tours and contracts.
In recent years, many real estate companies have introduced online property viewings and contract procedures, which is extremely convenient for students who are coming from far away to attend school.
Online viewings, which allow you to check the interior of a property in real time while communicating with a representative using Zoom or LINE calls, are gaining popularity as a way to get a feel for the property without actually going there.
Furthermore, contract signing and move-in procedures can often be completed electronically or by mail, saving you time and transportation costs. Especially during entrance exam periods or the busy spring season, it's highly recommended to use online resources to smoothly search for properties.
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Which is better: a student apartment or a regular rental apartment?
Around Hosei University's Tama Campus, there are both student-only apartments and general rental properties that include those for working adults, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. If you prioritize security and support systems, student apartments are recommended, while general rental properties are better if you prioritize rent and freedom.
To ensure a smooth and worry-free start to living alone for the first time, it's important to understand the characteristics of each type of accommodation and choose the one that best suits your needs.
Features and benefits of student apartments
We will explain the features and benefits of student apartments.
Features
- Since many of the residents are students from the same university, it's easy to make friends and less likely to feel lonely.
merit
- Because the residents are limited to university students, there are fewer concerns about safety and resident disputes.
- The building boasts excellent security features, including an automatic locking system, security cameras, and a resident manager.
- Many properties come furnished with appliances and furniture, offer free internet access, and include meals.
- The hurdles to starting a new life are low.
Advantages and points to note about general rental properties
Here are some of the advantages and points to consider when renting a regular rental property.
merit
- The wide range of options, allowing you to choose based on various conditions such as the age of the building, floor plan, and amenities.
- Many of these properties have lower rents compared to student apartments, making them a good option for those who prioritize cost.
Points to note
- Since the residents come from diverse backgrounds, including working professionals and families, consideration must be given to noise and potential problems.
- Furniture and appliances are often not included, which can increase moving costs and initial purchase expenses.
- Since management systems and security measures vary greatly from property to property, it is important to check the surrounding environment and the management company's response during viewings.
Also check the differences between dormitories, recommended dormitories, and student halls.
Hosei University offers various options, including recommended dormitories and affiliated student halls.
Dormitories and student residences are highly reliable because they are operated or affiliated with the university, and they offer a supportive environment for student life, including meals, on-site managers, and curfews. They are particularly popular with new students and their parents who are anxious about living alone, and are suitable for those who prioritize safety and a regular daily routine.
On the other hand, the degree of freedom is somewhat limited, with curfews and restrictions on visitors. For students who want to live "their own way," such as cooking for themselves or decorating their own home, regular rental apartments or student apartments may be more suitable. Choose the option that best suits your lifestyle.
Initial costs and living expenses for living alone
When starting to live alone around Hosei University's Tama Campus, it's important not only to choose a room but also to carefully estimate both the initial costs and monthly living expenses.
Although rent is generally cheaper than in the city center, initial expenses such as security deposits, key money, and furniture purchases still require a substantial amount of money. Furthermore, monthly expenses such as utilities, food, commuting costs, and communication fees can be surprisingly high, making a realistic financial plan crucial. Even students from families with little or no financial support can manage their finances through scholarships or part-time jobs.
This chapter will provide a concrete overview of realistic costs.
Breakdown and estimate of initial costs
When starting to live alone, the initial costs involved are a significant expense.
Main breakdown
- Security deposit and key money
- Brokerage fee
- advance rent
- Fire insurance premium
- Lock replacement fee
In addition to this, you will also need to pay for furniture, home appliances, curtains, and household goods.
Generally, a deposit equivalent to 4 to 6 months' rent (around 200,000 to 400,000 yen) is a good guideline. Especially in student apartments, some properties have no security deposit or key money, which can help reduce initial costs. Choosing a furnished apartment can also reduce moving expenses. It's a good idea to get an estimate beforehand and prepare the necessary funds.
Monthly living expenses simulation
Monthly living expenses for someone living alone consist of various items, primarily rent.
For example, if the rent is 55,000 yen
- Utility bill: 10,000 yen
- Food expenses: 20,000 to 30,000 yen
- Communication expenses (smartphone/Wi-Fi): 8,000 yen
- Transportation expenses: 5,000 yen
- Daily necessities and miscellaneous expenses: 5,000 yen
- 10,000 to 20,000 yen for socializing, hobbies, etc.
In total, it's generally necessary to spend around 110,000 to 130,000 yen per month.
If you want to save money, the key is to focus on cooking at home, reviewing your fixed expenses, and using budget smartphones. It's important to do simulations beforehand and create a lifestyle plan that balances your income and expenses.
Can I manage without financial support from my family, but with scholarships?
Even if you come from a family where financial support is minimal or nonexistent, living independently is entirely possible if you make good use of scholarships and part-time jobs.
Let me give you an example.
If you borrow 50,000 to 80,000 yen per month through the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) Type II scholarship and earn around 50,000 yen per month from a part-time job 3 to 4 days a week, you can secure a total income of 100,000 to 130,000 yen. You will need to be careful about cutting back on living expenses, but you can further reduce costs by choosing a student dormitory or a student apartment with rent subsidies.
However, since scholarships must be repaid in the future, borrowing within your means is paramount. Manage your household finances and expenses carefully and live a planned life.
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Real voices from Hosei University students
What are the daily lives like for students living alone at Hosei University's Tama Campus?
The real-life experiences of those who have actually lived there, as well as the honest reviews regarding commuting, living environment, and safety, are full of helpful tips for finding an apartment. Also, since the Tama Campus is far from the station, "bus commuting" is common. You can learn about the reality of this and ways to avoid congestion from the voices of current students.
If you're considering living alone, refer to the experiences of actual students to choose a lifestyle that suits you best.
Reviews about commuting, daily life, and safety.
Students living around Hosei University's Tama Campus have been giving positive feedback.
- It's quiet with lots of nature, making it a good place to concentrate on studying.
- A large supermarket is nearby, which is convenient.
- The area is safe and it feels secure even at night.
The areas around Mejirodai Station and Aihara Station, in particular, are quiet residential areas and are popular as places where even those living alone for the first time can live without worry.
On the other hand, the following opinion was also raised.
- The campus is a considerable distance from the train station.
- There are many hills, so cycling to school is somewhat difficult.
It's important to consider your daily transportation options beforehand. When choosing a property, prioritize a balance between convenience and safety.
The reality of bus commuting to school and countermeasures
The Tama Campus is not within walking distance of the nearest station, so many students commute by bus.
Buses are especially crowded during the morning rush hour, and many students report being unable to board at intermediate bus stops. Therefore, living near the bus's starting station (e.g., Mejirodai Station, Nishi-Hachioji Station) is considered a way to reduce commuting stress.
Many students also make efforts such as "lining up at the bus stop a little earlier than scheduled" or "choosing classes during less busy times." By planning your life around bus commuting, you can enjoy a comfortable university life.
summary
Living alone around Hosei University's Tama Campus is appealing due to its rich natural environment and relatively affordable rent. Areas with high commuting and living convenience, such as those near Mejirodai Station, Nishi-Hachioji Station, and Aihara Station, are popular, and tend to have lower rent and initial costs. You can search for accommodation with peace of mind by using real estate companies that offer a wide range of services for students and by utilizing pre-acceptance reservation systems.
Before starting university, consider the real experiences of current students and the bus commute situation to choose accommodation that suits your lifestyle and ensure a comfortable start to your university life.
