What kind of place is Tokai University's Shonan Campus?
Located in Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Tokai University's Shonan Campus is a large-scale campus boasting a rich natural environment and state-of-the-art facilities.
With a diverse range of faculties encompassing both humanities and sciences, the area attracts many students from both within Japan and internationally. It boasts excellent access from the train station, and the surrounding area offers a wealth of student-friendly rental properties and living facilities. It's a popular area for those looking to balance university life with independent living.
Campus location and access
This article provides information about the location and access to Tokai University's Shonan Campus.
- Location: 4-1-1 Kitakaname, Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Nearest station: Tokai University-mae Station on the Odakyu Odawara Line
- Access: Approximately 15 minutes on foot from Tokai University Mae Station.
It's easily accessible from Shinjuku and Odawara, and there are bus routes, supermarkets, and restaurants nearby, so daily life is convenient. Good access is an important factor when choosing a rental property.
Introduction to Major Faculties and Facilities
The Shonan Campus houses numerous faculties that offer interdisciplinary education combining humanities and sciences.
Main faculties
- Faculty of International Studies (1st and 2nd year, Shonan Campus)
- Faculty of Business Administration (1st and 2nd year, Shonan Campus)
- Faculty of Tourism (1st and 2nd year, Shonan Campus)
- Faculty of Information and Communication (1st and 2nd year, Shonan Campus)
- Faculty of Political Science and Economics (1st and 2nd year, Shonan Campus)
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Letters
- Faculty of Culture and Social Studies
- College of Liberal Arts
- Faculty of Child Education
- Faculty of Physical Education
- Faculty of Health Sciences
- Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Information Science and Engineering
- Faculty of Architecture and Urban Studies
- Faculty of Engineering
The campus boasts excellent facilities including a library, sports facilities, experimental buildings, and a cafeteria, providing a comfortable learning environment. A major advantage is the supportive system that allows students to focus on their studies while living independently.
Convenient surrounding area for commuting to Tokai University Shonan Campus
The area around Tokai University-mae Station is popular for its convenient location for commuting to Tokai University's Shonan Campus. The university is within walking distance of the station, and there are many rental apartments and condominiums available for students.
Furthermore, Tsurumaki Onsen Station and Isehara Station are within easy reach, making it a great option for those looking to keep rent costs down. There are also plenty of supermarkets and convenience stores nearby, creating a safe and comfortable environment even for those living alone for the first time.
Living alone around Tokai University's Shonan Campus
When considering living alone around Tokai University's Shonan Campus, it's important to understand the average rent, popular areas, and the characteristics of different property types. This chapter explains each of these points.
What is the average rent?
The average rent around Tokai University-mae Station, the nearest station to Tokai University's Shonan Campus, varies depending on the floor plan and other conditions of the property.
For example, the average rent for a studio apartment is about 36,000 yen, for a 1K apartment it's about 43,000 yen, and for a 1LDK apartment it's about 68,000 yen. For newly built apartments within a 5-minute walk from the station, a studio apartment can start from around 68,000 yen. As you can see, rent varies greatly depending on the age of the building, distance from the station, and amenities.
Popular Area/Station Ranking
Here are some popular areas and train stations that are convenient for commuting to Tokai University's Shonan Campus.
- Tokai University Station: This station is the closest to the campus, making it possible to commute on foot or by bicycle. There are supermarkets and restaurants around the station, making it a very convenient place to live.
- Tsurumaki Onsen Station: Located next to Tokai University Station, this area boasts relatively low rents and a peaceful environment with hot spring facilities. Commuting to the university by bicycle or bus is common.
- Hadano Station: Located one station away from Tokai University Station, it offers affordable rent and plenty of commercial facilities such as supermarkets and drugstores. Commuting by bicycle or bus is possible.
Each of these areas has its own unique characteristics, so it's important to find a property that suits your commuting needs and lifestyle.
Features by property type (apartments, condominiums, student dormitories)
There are various types of properties available around Tokai University's Shonan Campus.
- Apartments: Many are made of wood or light steel frame construction, and rent tends to be relatively inexpensive. While some properties are older, they are suitable for students looking to keep costs down.
- Apartments: Constructed from reinforced concrete, they offer excellent sound insulation and earthquake resistance. Many properties also feature amenities such as automatic locks and elevators, making them popular with students seeking a comfortable lifestyle.
- Student dormitories: Many offer meals and furnished accommodations, making them ideal for those living alone for the first time. However, curfews and rules may apply, so it's essential to check beforehand.
Each type of property has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to choose a room that suits your lifestyle and budget.
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Recommended apartments for Tokai University students living alone
For students attending Tokai University's Shonan Campus who are living alone, choosing an apartment that meets various conditions such as rent, facilities, and security is crucial.
In particular, student rentals are popular for their affordable prices (under 30,000 yen per month), separate bathrooms and toilets, and furnished apartments. Furthermore, there are many female-only and security-focused properties available, making them ideal for those seeking a safe and comfortable lifestyle. This chapter will introduce properties categorized by popular student features.
Cheap properties with rent under 30,000 yen
For students who want to keep their living expenses as low as possible, apartments with rent under 30,000 yen are very attractive. Around Tokai University Station, you can find many affordable apartments that are close to the station and convenient for daily life, even if they are older buildings.
The apartments mainly feature simple layouts, such as studio apartments with combined bathrooms and toilets, or properties with a small kitchenette. However, their main advantage is their proximity to the university, making commuting easy. This is a perfect option for students who want to manage their finances with allowances from their families or part-time jobs.
Properties with popular amenities such as separate bathroom and toilet, and free internet access.
Properties with separate bathrooms and toilets are particularly popular among students who value their privacy. Additionally, the increasing number of properties offering free internet access is a major draw, allowing students to easily access the internet necessary for remote learning and report writing.
Furthermore, amenities such as a separate washbasin and an indoor washing machine space ensure a comfortable living experience, making it ideal for those living alone for the first time.
Properties that come furnished with appliances and have no security deposit or key money, thus reducing initial costs.
For students looking to minimize moving expenses, furnished apartments and those with no security deposit or key money are highly recommended. Since they come equipped with beds, refrigerators, washing machines, and other appliances, you can start living comfortably immediately after moving in.
Furthermore, because the initial costs are low, it's popular with students who want to start living alone immediately after passing their exams. It's also easy to accommodate sudden moves or short-term stays, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a cost-effective room.
Women-only property with enhanced security for peace of mind.
Around Tokai University's Shonan Campus, there are many rental properties exclusively for women, as well as properties with robust security measures. Properties equipped with features such as automatic locks, video intercoms, and security cameras provide a safe living environment, making them ideal for women living alone for the first time.
Furthermore, apartments with on-site managers and women-only floors are also popular. These are recommended for those who want to enjoy a comfortable student life while prioritizing safety.
Points to know before starting to live alone
For students starting to live alone when they enter university, the initial preparations greatly influence their subsequent life. Understanding financial aspects such as rent, living expenses, and average amounts of allowances is crucial. Knowing the best timing and checkpoints for searching for an apartment will also help ensure a successful apartment search.
Here, we'll explain essential information you should know before starting to live alone, in a way that's easy for beginners to understand.
Estimated initial costs and breakdown for living alone
The initial costs for living alone are generally estimated to be around 200,000 to 400,000 yen on average.
The breakdown is as follows:
- Security deposit, key money, and brokerage fee: 2 to 3 months' rent
- Moving expenses: Approximately 50,000 to 100,000 yen
- Cost of purchasing furniture and home appliances: tens of thousands to over a hundred thousand yen
Depending on the property, you can find options with no security deposit or key money, or even furnished apartments, which can help reduce costs. It's important to plan wisely according to your budget.
Monthly living expenses and their breakdown
The average monthly cost of living for someone living alone near Tokai University is around 80,000 to 120,000 yen.
The breakdown is as follows:
- Rent: Approximately 40,000 to 50,000 yen
- Utility costs: Approximately 10,000 yen
- Food expenses: around 20,000 yen
- Communication expenses and daily necessities: around 10,000 yen
Including entertainment and transportation expenses, costs will vary depending on your lifestyle. The key to comfortably living alone is to plan your finances by recording your monthly income and expenses.
Average amount of remittances and how they are used
The average monthly allowance for university students is said to be around 50,000 to 70,000 yen, but this varies greatly depending on the family. The allowance is often used to cover rent, with the remainder typically used for living expenses and school supplies.
Many students supplement their income with part-time jobs if their allowance isn't enough, so it's important to be mindful of the balance between income and expenses. Regularly reviewing your household budget will help you use your allowance more effectively.
Tips and timing for finding the perfect apartment
The most active time for apartment hunting is two to three months before the start of the school year, which is around December to February. Popular properties fill up quickly, so acting early is key. When viewing properties, be sure to check the surrounding environment, sunlight, and soundproofing.
Furthermore, by using pre-acceptance reservations and online viewings, you can smoothly decide on a property even from a distance. Choosing a trustworthy real estate company is also essential for a satisfying apartment search.
Search for a room
Only furnished properties with appliances are listed!
Convenient services for finding apartments for single people
To smoothly start living alone around Tokai University's Shonan Campus, it's essential to utilize convenient rental services.
In recent years, the number of properties that allow pre-acceptance reservations and online contracts has increased, making it possible to search for properties with peace of mind even from afar. Some real estate companies offer campaigns and discounts exclusively for students, providing ample support to help you with your first experience of living alone. Be sure to carefully check real estate company websites and take action early.
What properties allow pre-registration and advance application before passing the exam?
Properties that allow "pre-acceptance reservations" or "advance applications" offer a convenient service that allows you to tentatively reserve a room without waiting for the entrance exam results.
Many properties around Tokai University's Shonan Campus have adopted this system, offering a chance to secure desirable properties in popular areas early on. In some cases, cancellations are free if you are unsuccessful in the entrance exam, making it highly popular among prospective students and their parents. The key is to act quickly during busy periods.
Can property viewings and contracts be completed entirely online?
Recently, there has been an increase in properties where the entire process, from viewing to signing the contract, can be completed online. This is a major advantage, especially for students commuting from far away to Tokai University's Shonan Campus, as it saves time and money.
With features like VR viewings, video call tours, and electronic contracts, you can easily choose a property from the comfort of your home. This is a rental style that's gaining attention, especially for those who find it difficult to go out during exam season.
Recommended real estate companies and store list
When searching for property around Tokai University's Shonan Campus, it's reassuring to use a real estate company that specializes in serving students.
Representative stores include:
- Able Hadano Store
- Apaman Shop Tokai University Mae Store
- Mini Mini Hiratsuka Store
The real estate companies listed above offer a wide selection of student accommodations. Portal sites like SUUMO and Homes are also helpful. Many companies offer pre-acceptance reservations and special promotions, so it's worth inquiring.
summary
If you're starting to live alone after enrolling at Tokai University's Shonan Campus, it's important to understand the average rent, area characteristics, and differences in property types before finding a place to live that suits you.
For those looking to keep rent down, budget-friendly properties and those with no security deposit or key money are recommended. If comfort is your priority, properties with separate bathrooms and toilets, and free internet access are popular choices. Take advantage of convenient services such as online viewings and pre-acceptance reservations to ensure a safe and comfortable start to your school life.
