Student living costs in Japan

Satsumomo

Well today my ex-girlfriend from Japan told me that you can get a part-time job over there with just a student visa.

My school has deals with several universities over there, where I don't have to pay tuition, so basically I just have to pay for my living over there. With the news that my ex gave me, this has suddenly sounded a lot more feasible for me.

I get to choose between Kansai Gaidai U, Kobe U, Kyoto U and Sofia University. I'm about to go off to bed, because I need to get up early tomorrow, so I can't check each site quickly for student accommodations.

I suppose it's a lot cheaper to stay in a student dorm than getting a small apartment, right? Are some of these dorms "free" if you pay tuition? I'm checking tomorrow with my school if such deals include these.

Has anyone studied in Japan or lived on their own? How much am I looking to spend a month, and would a part-time job cut it? I have a slightly advanced understanding of the Japanese language and culture, since I got to do an exchange program for a year (Rotary club, so I had host families and didn't have to pay for anything). Also, what sort of part-time jobs should I be looking for?

Any info is greatly appreciated, thanks!

simonwolf

I just wrapped up a semester at Ryukoku University, near Kyoto.

Just on the part time job thing - ehhhhhh. Technically, you can get a part time job, but a basic student visa strictly prohibits you from engaging in any paid activities, unless you grab permission from both your school and the immigration offices. You can give it a whirl, but it'll take a while to get anything going. Japanese beaurocracy, even at a university level, is slower than a snail on valium.

Finding a part time job that would be willing to hire a gaijin is another matter entirely. Most people I know (including myself) did English tutoring to kick up the spare cash, but yet again, you're very limited even with the permission to take such a job. Outside of that, you're not going to be finding a lot of jobs.

Satsumomo

Yeah those were my concerns, I kept asking her if she was sure and she said yeah. I guess a small restaurant could be more lax? Good thing I know quite a few japanese people from my exchange year who could maybe help out with a part time job.

Maybe.

MoSiAc

If you're looking for quick money working up private english lesson students is the best way. Most want to pay under the table and there's a sort of no questions asked thing. When I studied at Kansai Gaidai there were a couple students who did have part time jobs, but they were also half Japanese so they sort of got a by in that regard. You're best bet at a part time job would be if one of your contacts needed to hire someone.