Discover the best housing options, read reviews from those who've already done this exchange, and connect with peers from universities worldwide!
Discover the best housing options, read reviews from those who've already done this exchange, and connect with peers from universities worldwide!
Ruby
From: University of Lincoln
To: Rikkyo University
2025 • Full year
Social life is great, close to popular social places in Tokyo (Shibuya, Shinjuku etc)..
What kind of place was it?
Student Residence
How much was the rent per month?
Around £500 a month
Where was it located?
Tokyo, 5 mins from University
How can someone find this place?
Google, Instagaram
Would you recommend it?
Yes, Very convenient
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
Social life is great, close to popular social places in Tokyo (Shibuya, Shinjuku etc)
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
Unique Law classes, Japanese Classes
Do you have some tips?
Very easy, helpful staff
Best trips to do?
Lots of transport options, close to all trains and 2 major airports
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Tokyo?
Busy, convenient
Saviour every moment
Lorea
From: IE University
To: Hitotsubashi University
2025 • Fall
The cost of living is a lot cheaper than in Europe, especially if you live in a dorm. Food and restaurants are very cheap so take advantage of that. There are…..
What kind of place was it?
Student Residence
How much was the rent per month?
150€/month
Where was it located?
in Kodaira City, outskirts of Tokyo but close to uni campus. Very nice residential and local place.
How can someone find this place?
Assigned by uni
Would you recommend it?
Yes, it was a very nice experience becasue you get to live with all other exchange students as well as some local Japanese students. The rent is also extremely cheap so it's very convenient and will save you time from having to look for something yourself.
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
There are many many neighbourhoods in Tokyo that always have so much stuff to do, you can try a different place each time, they'll all be great
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
I chose classes with mostly no exams, you can check the syllabus to know, so I was never way too busy, just some assignments for midterms and finals. Professors are overall very nice and for me personally the most interesting classes have been the ones Japan-specific as well as Special Topics on Social Science E. Some classes are a bit long and boring sometimes but nothing crazy
Do you have some tips?
The campus is super nice and the cafeteria here has cheap and good food. They're very helpful with all the paperwork and any registration processes. It's a uni with a small amount of students, super prestigious in Japan so very much worth it. They organise a big festival once a year which is super fun and they also have a lot of clubs, activities and programmes that I definitely recommend.
Best trips to do?
The very famous spots of course: Kyoto and Osaka. Also super worth it to do weekend trips close by to Kamakura, Nikko and Hakone. For a tropical more summery vibe go to Okinawa and for some cold, snow and skiing go to Hokkaido. Hiroshima is also very worth it as well as the southern peninsula, Fukuoka.
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Tokyo?
The cost of living is a lot cheaper than in Europe, especially if you live in a dorm. Food and restaurants are very cheap so take advantage of that. There are 1000 activities to do everyday so make sure you have time and energy to explore. Learn the japanese basics and carry cash with you. Take recommendations from locals, they'll teach you the coolest places and don't follow the tik tok famous places, you can always find practically the same thing with no queues and better prices. If something seems expensive it's probably a tourist scam! Be respectful to the Japanese people, follow their rules and respect their culture, don't be an annoying foreigner.
Mathilde
From: university catholic of lille
To: Sophia university
2025 • Fall
there is a women only floor so it is great for privacy while we can still hangout with the other downstairs (we watched twilight and played wii) the price is…..
What kind of place was it?
Coliving / Shared House
How much was the rent per month?
460€
Where was it located?
Koenji, 30 min from sophia
How can someone find this place?
Oak house - fastroom koenji
Would you recommend it?
there is a women only floor so it is great for privacy while we can still hangout with the other downstairs (we watched twilight and played wii) the price is cheap for the location due to the state of the house (old traditional japanese wooden house). It is not perfectly clean in the common room but worth the price reduction. overall the atmosphere is great, I met many amazing and diverse people which is a great asset compared to dormitories (only student). However the vibe and people in the house change with time so not guaranteed.
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
nice r&b bar in ueno - chrono fake in shibuya - baia and the voyageur event - apc in space odd shibuya but dont know if they will do it again
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
japanese contemporary literature with kevin niehaus is the best class i ever had in my whole life (only if you like reading and talking/ debataing)
Do you have some tips?
easy process, campus well located, only one campus (dont need to commute between course), nice view of the city, we can even see fuji from building 2
Best trips to do?
went for a weekend in nikko in autumn by car with roommate 10/10 experience, nice airbnb, great temples and hike, nature is breathtaking there. Solo trip to kyoto by night bus for 3 days and 2 nights in nara and osaka also. Great experience, paid 60€ for bus and 60€ for hotels. Highly recommend to visit temple+hike in kurama (north kyoto)
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Tokyo?
life in tokyo is cheaper than in france if you do not consume to much. weather in fall semester is just perfect 17-20 degree very sunny in nov-dec. tokyo is a very busy city so the train is often exhausting, recommend to live in a quiet/ chill neighbourhood and avoid shinjuku shibuya..
Enjoy !
Kamal
From: Essec
To: keio
2025 • Fall
Nikko, do the Shimanami Kaido bicycle route. Kyushu is really nice. Niseko for skiing. Hakone for mt Fuji. If you like golf and can go play at Fuji classic. (…..
What kind of place was it?
Classic Apartment
How much was the rent per month?
1200
Where was it located?
ITABASHI
How can someone find this place?
https://modernlivingjapan.com/
Would you recommend it?
Really nice place, well connected to the Center, it is quite far tho but direct train line to the main areas like Shibuya and Shinjuku, and also a direct metro line to uni so overall really good and very spacious apartment.
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
Baia, atom, ce la vie. And then go to izakayas, all you can drink.
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
Economic analysis, money banking and finance, international trade and te GPP program is quite good for credits.
Do you have some tips?
campus is really cool, registration is very easy to be honest and would definitely choose it again.
Best trips to do?
Nikko, do the Shimanami Kaido bicycle route. Kyushu is really nice. Niseko for skiing. Hakone for mt Fuji. If you like golf and can go play at Fuji classic. ( contact Preserve golf for the tours they do) Osaka and Kyoto are a must and then outside japan, go to South Korea, china, Hong Kong, vietnam
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Tokyo?
Most expensive is transportation, get your suica card before you arrive, learn the rules of living , no speaking on trains, no garbage, etc. Download Meetup the app to join events all around Tokyo, like football pickup games, make friends, really nice app.
Veronica
From: Politecnico di Torino
To: Institute of Science Tokyo
2025 • Fall
Tokyo, Kyoto, nikko, monte Fuji..
What kind of place was it?
Student Residence
How much was the rent per month?
370
Where was it located?
Ookayama
How can someone find this place?
Institute
Would you recommend it?
I don’t know
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
Shibuya, shinagawa
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
All
Do you have some tips?
Yess very modern
Best trips to do?
Tokyo, Kyoto, nikko, monte Fuji
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Tokyo?
Trasport is good but expensive
People don’y speak English
Goro
From: WU
To: TIU
2025 • Fall
if you want japanese experience and dont care about the price..
What kind of place was it?
Student Residence
How much was the rent per month?
600€
Where was it located?
Bunkyo
How can someone find this place?
wakeijuku
Would you recommend it?
if you want japanese experience and dont care about the price
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
.
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
japanese courses
Do you have some tips?
.
Best trips to do?
Kyoto, Osaka, Okinawa, Hokkaido, Seoul
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Tokyo?
Cash is king here
.
Erwan
From: university catholic of lille
To: Kanagawa University
2025 • Fall
it's so expensive to travel out Japan. But I can recommend OKINAWA, it was amazing you have to go if you come in Japan..
What kind of place was it?
Student Residence
How much was the rent per month?
300€/Month
Where was it located?
near to Yokohama station
How can someone find this place?
only if you are in Kanagawa university
Would you recommend it?
yes ofc I recommend it, it's cheap and cool
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
no one, Tokyo is boring as fuck lol
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
no one, there are all boring
Do you have some tips?
the campus is just amazing, it's a building on 21th floor in the affair area
Best trips to do?
it's so expensive to travel out Japan. But I can recommend OKINAWA, it was amazing you have to go if you come in Japan
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Tokyo?
idk
Céleste
From: IESEG
To: waseda
2025 • Fall
Tokyo is a never ending city. There is always something to do. Regarding the expenses, the rent will be the most expensive but food and shopping can be way…..
What kind of place was it?
Coliving / Shared House
How much was the rent per month?
750€/month
Where was it located?
Bunkyo
How can someone find this place?
University website
Would you recommend it?
I would recommend this place because it's really comfortable (the place is recent) and you will live with many international students. The downside for me is the price, I find it quite expensive for the little space I have.
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
A lot of events and parties take place every night in Tokyo as it's a huge city. Some stores are 24/24 which is also really convenient.
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
The classes at Waseda are great. Choose whatever you're interested in. Just be careful with the level of the class so that you don't end up in a too difficult class.
Do you have some tips?
The campus is huge but no worries, all the english courses are in the same building which is easy to find.
Best trips to do?
Everything is accessible from Tokyo so I think it's really the place to be if you want to travel to Japan. You can easily do day trip all around Tokyo and it's rather cheap.
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Tokyo?
Tokyo is a never ending city. There is always something to do. Regarding the expenses, the rent will be the most expensive but food and shopping can be way cheaper depending on where you're from. (it's my case coming from France)
Clara Ellis
From: University of Montreal
To: Meiji University
2025 • Full year
Yes, it’s an only girl dormitory that is know to be very safe. Cleaning is done every day by the staff, who is very kind, even with the language barrier. Only…..
What kind of place was it?
Student Residence
How much was the rent per month?
Around 550 CAD per month
Where was it located?
Suginami, 15 minutes by train from Shinjuku
How can someone find this place?
Provided through Meiji University choices
Would you recommend it?
Yes, it’s an only girl dormitory that is know to be very safe. Cleaning is done every day by the staff, who is very kind, even with the language barrier. Only thing that is a problem is that there is a curfew from 12pm-6am, you can go out but need to tell them you won’t be back for the curfew.
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
Tokyo is a very diverse city where everyone can be satisfied with what the city has. There are Temples, Parcs, Coffee shops, nightclubs, thrift stores… And more!
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
My classes were a lot about the history of Japan. I think most of my classes were interesting but it also depends on what you are looking for in a class. As the classes were conducted in English, the level was easier than expected.
Do you have some tips?
The registration for the classes is done the day of the first day of school. It was really confusing at first because you only have a day to register for classes. But I learned you can your classes the week after, after you got to experience the classes you registered to.
Best trips to do?
With only an hour from Tokyo there is so much to see and for a decent price! With a three hour bus trip you can be in the mountains for a price of 30 CAD. I haven’t got the chance to go travel a lot yet but what I can say is, it is really easy to travel and for cheaper than expected.
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Tokyo?
If you have to take any sort of transportion to go to class I recommend taking the community pass which could be translate as the monthly pass for the subway.
Laure
From: Ugent
To: Hitotsubashi
2025 • Fall
I would pick the same place. I was sharing with other student, but that was nice. Because of that you can already meet people easily. And you also had already…..
What kind of place was it?
Student Residence
How much was the rent per month?
Around 200 euro a month
Where was it located?
30 min from the campus
How can someone find this place?
University
Would you recommend it?
I would pick the same place. I was sharing with other student, but that was nice. Because of that you can already meet people easily. And you also had already the basic necessities.
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
A lot of good izakaya’s, clubs
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
The lottery courses i would recommend, such as world affairs or japanese business. Those are interesting and not a heavy workload.
Do you have some tips?
Yes, i would chose it again. It was easy to meet people, because almost every exchange student sleeps in the same building. So there was a good community.
Best trips to do?
You can do a lot of day trips, but you can also go easily to another country.
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Tokyo?
Use a suica card for transport. Have cash by you and just enjoy where you are.
Massimo
From: Bocconi University
To: Waseda University
2025 • Fall
Safe answer is Shibuya and Shinjuku areas for nightlife and clubs, but there is something about smaller and less foreigner-oriented neighborhoods izakayas that…..
What kind of place was it?
Classic Apartment
How much was the rent per month?
460€/month
Where was it located?
Ogikubo (16 minutes by train from uni, 13 from Shinjuku)
How can someone find this place?
https://x-house.co.jp/en/
Would you recommend it?
Yes, easy process to contact the agency with English support on whatsapp, easy move-in process and responsive support if there are any problems with the day-to-day life in the apartment
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
Safe answer is Shibuya and Shinjuku areas for nightlife and clubs, but there is something about smaller and less foreigner-oriented neighborhoods izakayas that does the trick on a random night once in a while. Also make sure to go to the Waseda Connect events every friday night to meet other exchange students from Waseda.
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
I don’t really have specific advice for courses, just be prepared for sub-par english skills from most of the professors😅
Do you have some tips?
Amazing campus, big and well mantained. Registration was kind of a tedious process , but after that you’re good to go
Best trips to do?
Apart from the obvious suggestions (and maybe pricey) like Osaka and Kyoto, make sure not to miss some neat day trips like Kamakura, Lake Kawaguchiko and Nikko
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Tokyo?
Make sure to find accomodation near a well-serviced train station that can get you to the main nightlife neighborhoods easily. At the moment Japan is at the highest-ever affordability (at least for European/American students) because of the weak yen. Be ready for a decent quantity of rain (especially fall semester)
Alejandra
From: Hogeschool of Rotterdam
To: Sophia University
2025 • Fall
Easy to travel all around Japan (tip: before coming you should take the international driver license). Two international airports in Tokyo, so many…..
What kind of place was it?
Airbnb
How much was the rent per month?
580
Where was it located?
Kasai, 45min from my university
How can someone find this place?
University dorm
Would you recommend it?
Yes, because it is cheqo compares others in Tokyo, you have meals included and the facilities are really good. Negative things is distance from university and the center.
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
Voyager, Celavi, Atom, Izagayas… there is plenty of life all they in the city.
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
Marketing Strategy 2 (online and easy) and Consumer Beahaviour is really easy to pass
Do you have some tips?
The campus is awesome, both location and facilities, registration was really easy.
Best trips to do?
Easy to travel all around Japan (tip: before coming you should take the international driver license). Two international airports in Tokyo, so many opportunities to travel around Asia.
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Tokyo?
Transport it’s really expensive. Food is really cheap.
Elise
From: IESEG School of Management
To: Rikkyo University
2025 • Full year
The residence is safe, full of International students so it's very nice to meet people from different horizons. We are also pretty free to do what we want,…..
What kind of place was it?
Student Residence
How much was the rent per month?
720€
Where was it located?
In Bunkyo (Tokyo) so 30min by metro from the university
How can someone find this place?
Website, instagram, social media
Would you recommend it?
The residence is safe, full of International students so it's very nice to meet people from different horizons. We are also pretty free to do what we want, there is no curfew for example. It's near some restaurants and supermarkets, making it convenient. If I needed to choose again, I would stay in the same place.
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
Every restaurants in the city are good, no bad suprises. The food is not that expensive in general compared to Paris (France).
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
I took a class of Marketing in Japan which was very nice and also a class about the gaming industry. I recommend those classes. If possible, adding a Japanese class can also be great
Do you have some tips?
The campus is like Harry Potter so very cool. The meals at lunch are cheap and nice. It is possible also to go for free to the gym and some special days to the swimming pool The registration is easy and the administration is answering quickly.
Best trips to do?
It is possible to go to day trips very easily and the train station makes it easy to go to one city to another. For instance, Kyoto is only at 2h30 from Tokyo in shinkansen
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Tokyo?
The food is nice, the transportation as well. However, the latest is expensive. The supermarkets are nice but most of workers doesn't speak English, so having a translator is necessary if you don't have any Japanese or can't read Japanese
As a girl, the city is safe and there is no problem of walking alone at night. Also, there is no transportation after midnight until 5am. The karaoke is very fun to do with friends and it can be cheaper in some places for students
Massimo
From: Bocconi University
To: Waseda University
2025 • Fall
Lots of great spots all around Tokyo, nice places to drink for good prices. Mainstream Clubs could be a bit underwhelming if you’re from big nightlife cities…..
What kind of place was it?
Classic Apartment
How much was the rent per month?
500€ per month
Where was it located?
Nishi-Ogikubo, 25 min from Waseda
How can someone find this place?
Xross House
Would you recommend it?
Decent sized apartment, but I really had to look for quite some time
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
Lots of great spots all around Tokyo, nice places to drink for good prices. Mainstream Clubs could be a bit underwhelming if you’re from big nightlife cities in Europe, but still decent nonetheless
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
Pick ones that dont require mandatory attendance if you want to be free to travel some days around Japan once in a while
Do you have some tips?
Large and chill campus, easy registration process, lots of foreign students to hang around with.
Best trips to do?
Kamakura on the coast, Nagano Mountains to the north and lots of cool cities around Mt Fuji
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Tokyo?
Be sure to live close to a station that has lots of useful connections: absolute best is the JY (Yamanote Line) for moving around most of the important central neighborhoods
Maxime
From: Kedge Bs
To: JUE
2025 • Spring
I loved my exchange and particularly due to the dormitory. Because I was on the same floor than the other foreign student and it was super simple to make…..
What kind of place was it?
Student Residence
How much was the rent per month?
200€ par mois
Where was it located?
In shikushino, 30 mins from the city center and 15 min from school
How can someone find this place?
residence website
Would you recommend it?
I loved my exchange and particularly due to the dormitory. Because I was on the same floor than the other foreign student and it was super simple to make fiends and enjoy my time with us.
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
Ibiza, Round 1
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
Economie classes I recommend. All courses with Bruno. Because you can miss 5 class per semester and have class online.
Do you have some tips?
Incredible ! So good mood, it is giant and there are so many this to do. Gym, and so many sports accommodation. And the food is delicious.
Best trips to do?
I was in Fukuoka and not Tokyo. You should go with some friend to Seoul, Shanghai and pekin. because it's cheap from Fukuoka.
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Tokyo?
In Fukuoka. the weather is nice, the city is big, you have mountain, ocean and country side. Transports are very easy.
Mathis
From: Kedge BS
To: Soka University
2025 • Spring
The level of the class was a little bit low. But it was interesting depending of the course you chose. And the University was very clean, the staff very nice…..
What kind of place was it?
Coliving / Shared House
How much was the rent per month?
400
Where was it located?
at 5 minutes from the school
How can someone find this place?
The school is providing us this
Would you recommend it?
Of corse !! It's a very good place to make friends, a little bit small but very convenient.
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
In Japan, social life is a little bit complicated. But, i have been with a lot of international people and they are willing to go out so it was very nice.
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
The level of the class was a little bit low. But it was interesting depending of the course you chose. And the University was very clean, the staff very nice and the people very friendly.
Do you have some tips?
Yes, the staff of Soka is awesome. Dont hesitate to go see the International affair Office they will definitely help you as mush as they can.
Best trips to do?
In hachioji, you are 1h from Tokyo and near a lot of nature. If you want to, you can do so many activies.
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Tokyo?
Tokyo is legendary !!!! I recommend you to explore every neighborhood .
I would recommend you to enjoy your life their and not kill yourself with too many class. Time will fly so do a lot of activies, talk with a lot of people, travel as much as you can and make this trip unforgettable.
