Special Graduate Program at the Graduate School of Engineering
Admitted Candidates

Housing

Background Information

The current housing situation for international students

The current housing situation for international students is an important factor to consider because Tokyo is noted for its high living costs. For example, rents around the Hongo campus cost on average about ¥80,000 ~ ¥100,000 per month for a room of just 10 ~ 20 square meters.
Renting private accommodation in Japan, especially in the Tokyo area, can also be very time consuming. You will be required to complete a housing contract in person and provide a resident card; notification of a full guarantor (your supervisor cannot be your guarantor); and provide up-front payment of key money and/or a deposit.

Choices for International Students

Housing options for UTokyo international students can largely be divided into the following categories:

Dormitories operated by University of Tokyo (UTokyo)

  Degree students EAP students
When to start working on OSTA April entry
December
October entry
June
Which step on T-cens to notify OSTA application number Admitted>Administrative Procedures>Form1 Step3
When allocation results are received April entry
Late February/March
October entry
Late July/August
Which step on T-cens to fill in your housing results Admitted > Itinerary Step4


Application through OSTA (Online System for UTokyo Accommodation)

Apartments and Other Rental Properties Operated by Private Businesses

Some students may be interested in finding apartments and other privately rented accommodation provided by private businesses. They should contact each real estate company or office directly to apply for accommodation.Each type of accommodation has different benefits, so you would need to choose the accommodation type that best suits the purpose of your stay.

The Graduate School of Engineering strongly recommends that you read the following two sites before you start looking for an apartment or room.

  • For those who are planning to live in a private apartment: Private Accommodations
  • Please take time to understand the 'University Guarantor System' exclusively for international students who meet certain conditions set out by the University. University Guarantor System

Dormitories operated by UTokyo

Depending on the program or departments you belong to, your selection of applicable dormitories differs.
You should check which dormitories you can apply for at the time of application. You should also note that room allocation at these dormitories is not guaranteed. The number of vacancies is very limited, and demand is very high.
You will need to decide which room-type is most suitable for you. You cannot apply for both single and couple/family rooms at the same time. For example, application for "a single-room at UTokyo Mitaka and a family room at UTokyo Kashiwa at the same time" is not acceptable.

Those who are successfully allocated to one of the UTokyo dormitories will receive a Notification of Admission to UTokyo Accommodation from the Housing Office by e-mail with the name of the allocated dormitory and the possible move-in dates. There is the possibility that you need to pay your monthly dormitory fee before your actual check-in date due to the regulations laid down by each UTokyo dormitory.

What should I do if my Accommodation Application is UNSUCCESSFUL?

If your ACCOMMODATION APPLICATION was not successful, you need to find an apartment by yourself.
For CVL DPT candidates, please consult the Civil FSO.

Finding accommodation is most important to facilitate smooth and quick enrolment procedures.
Please read the contents below, and start searching for your accmmodation. Temporary Stay, setting down in your accommodation, Commuting Time, and Building a Foundation

Temporary Stay

There is the possibility that you will need to stay in temporary accommodation, for example a youth hostel, on the first few nights at your own expense. Each housing/dormitory management office will advise you of your move-in schedule, which may or may not correspond with your arrival date. In addition, certain formalities including contracts must be completed before moving into the room. You must always be mindful about whether cancellation charges apply when you make a reservation.

You can make your own reservation directly with these hostels.

Tokyo Central Youth International Hostel at IIDABASHI (20 ~ 30 minutes from the UTokyo Hongo campus) Sakura Hotel at JIMBOCHO (20 ~ 30 minutes from the UTokyo Hongo campus) Tokyo City Apartments

Settling down in your accommodation

You may need your tutor's help to complete the following processes, especially if you live in a private apartment.

Commuting Time

The JORUDAN Norikae site can be used to check train routes to and from your laboratory. JORUDAN Norikae site

FAQs for Housing

Please refer to the FAQs for Admitted Candidates.