Living on Your Own
Living on your own in Japan can be exciting and independent, but it also comes with its share of worries. Though most programs recommend homestay, there may be reasons why living on your own is better for you.
Most schools offer dormitory living for students. This choice is by far easier than trying to find your own apartment, as getting an apartment requires a lot of work that often differs from that of your home country. Therefore, I think most people will choose to live in dormitories.
The dorms at Kansai Gaidai are of very nice quality, and require you to have a roommate. The dorms have sets of rules which you must follow, which include, among others, the removal of outdoor shoes before entering and a ban on food outside of a specific eating area. However, despite these rules, the general consensus is that dorm living is a little more free than most homestay situations.
Here is my list of some of the benefits of dormitory life:
- The ability to cook your own foods (useful for those with dietary restrictions, which are hard for host families to work around).
- The lack of a schedule to follow allows for more sightseeing and adventures.
- Living in a dormitory lets you spend more time around your peers and develop friendships with them.
- You have constant access to the Internet, which is useful for keeping in touch with your family.
- You may find it easier to study in a dormitory.