
Rikkyo University, founded in 1874, is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Japan. With two campuses in Ikebukuro and Niiza, the university offers a range of academic programs and opportunities for its diverse student body, including international exchange students. For exchange students, the university provides housing options, including arranging dormitories located near the campus. Additionally, various alumni associations, such as the Tokyo St. Paul's Lions Club and the Ladies Club, offer support and activities for international students to foster cultural exchange and a smooth transition to life in Japan. When considering where to live, exchange students can choose between on-campus housing or renting an apartment in nearby areas like Toshima/Ikebukuro or Shinjuku, weighing factors such as proximity to the university and the appeal of the surrounding area.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Ikebukuro and Niiza, Tokyo, Japan |
| Accommodation | University dormitories or private apartments |
| Courses | Japanese Studies in Foreign Language, Japanese language, and various courses in English |
| Support | Alumni associations, Japanese lessons, cultural workshops, scholarships, counselling |
| Visa Requirements | Student visa required before arrival |
| Application Requirements | Financial and health information, proof of two semesters of Japanese language learning |
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What You'll Learn

On-campus dormitories
Exchange students at Rikkyo University are referred to as "Special International Students". The university operates two campuses: Ikebukuro, located in the centre of Tokyo, and Niiza, about 30 minutes westward by train in the neighbouring Saitama prefecture.
Rikkyo University can arrange dormitories for exchange students upon request. However, due to a limited number of rooms in each dorm, the university may not always be able to meet these requests. The on-campus Global Lounge is a hub for international exchange, where events are organised to foster friendships between international students and local students, as well as events to experience Japanese culture.
There is a wide range of support activities for international students, including Japanese-language volunteer lessons, counselling for life in Japan, and planning and invitations to various events. The Tokyo St. Paul's Lions Club, made up of Rikkyo alumni, offers scholarships for international students, as well as activities such as the Annual Bus Hike and support for Japanese classes. The Ladies Club, a volunteer group of Rikkyo alumnae, provides Japanese-language lessons, homemade lunch parties, Japanese cultural workshops, and lounges, as well as scholarships for international students.
The university offers a Japanese Studies in Foreign Language program, which provides an opportunity for students of all levels of proficiency to interact with each other and advance their skills in the Japanese language and their understanding of Japanese culture and society. Many academic courses are also offered in English by each college and graduate school and are open for enrolment to exchange students.
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$250

Off-campus apartments
Rikkyo University is located on two campuses: the Ikebukuro campus in central Tokyo, and the Niiza campus in the neighbouring Saitama prefecture, about 30 minutes away by train. The University provides dormitories for exchange students, but there is a limited number of rooms available. As such, you may want to consider renting an off-campus apartment.
One option is to rent an apartment in Toshima/Ikebukuro, close to the Ikebukuro campus. This would offer the advantage of being near the university, but there may be a trade-off in terms of nightlife and other attractions. Another possibility is to rent an apartment in Shinjuku, which is described as being more exciting for young students, but is further from the campus.
When considering the commute, it is important to take into account the distances and transport options in Tokyo. Google Maps can be a useful tool to calculate commute times and find the most convenient routes.
Rikkyo University also works with two real estate agencies, House Mate Shop Co., Ltd. and National Students Information Center Co., Ltd., to help students find suitable housing. These agencies offer a reduced brokerage fee of half a month's rent, which can be beneficial for students.
It is worth noting that recommended dormitories are not exclusive to Rikkyo University students and house students from various universities. This can provide a great opportunity to meet people from different institutions and broaden your perspectives. Additionally, choosing a dormitory that is on a rail line serving your campus can make commuting more convenient.
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Tokyo commute considerations
Rikkyo University is located on two campuses: the Ikebukuro campus, which is in the centre of Tokyo, and the Niiza campus, which is about 30 minutes away by train in the neighbouring Saitama prefecture.
When considering where to live as an exchange student at Rikkyo University, it is important to take into account the commute to and from campus. Tokyo is a sprawling city, but it boasts one of the world's best public transport systems, making it relatively easy to get around. Here are some things to keep in mind when considering your commute:
Public Transport:
Tokyo's public transport system is efficient, punctual, and well-maintained. The city is served by an extensive network of trains, subways, and buses, making it convenient to travel between different areas. The Japan Railways (JR) network covers the whole country, and JR East operates the train network in the east of Japan, including Tokyo. The Tokyo Metro and Toei Transportation provide underground train services, while buses offer an alternative for those staying outside the city centre.
Travel Cards and Passes:
To navigate the public transport system, you can use a prepaid card such as Suica or Pasmo, which can be purchased online and picked up at the airport. These cards are widely accepted on trains, subways, and buses. Alternatively, a Japan Rail Pass allows you to access the JR network, including the JR Yamanote Line, which connects many of Tokyo's major urban hubs.
Taxis:
While taxis in Tokyo are known for their excellent customer service and trustworthy drivers, they can be expensive. Therefore, they may not be the most economical choice for regular commutes, especially during rush hour.
Bicycles:
For those living near campus or in central Tokyo, renting a bicycle can be a practical and enjoyable way to get around. It offers a more flexible and scenic way to navigate the city compared to other forms of transport.
Distance and Location:
When choosing accommodation, consider the distance to the university campus. Tokyo is a vast city, and distances can make a significant difference in your daily commute. Living closer to the university can save you travel time and provide easier access to campus facilities. Additionally, certain areas of Tokyo, such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Roppongi, are like their own cities, each with its unique character and attractions.
In conclusion, when deciding on accommodation as an exchange student at Rikkyo University, it is essential to factor in the commute. Tokyo's excellent public transport system makes it convenient to travel between locations, but be mindful of distances and consider the pros and cons of different transport options to find the best commute for your needs.
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Alumni support
Rikkyo University, located in Japan, offers various support activities for international students through its several alumni associations. These associations provide a range of benefits, such as Japanese-language volunteer lessons, counselling services for navigating life in Japan, and invitations to various events and programs.
One notable alumni association is the Tokyo St. Paul's Lions Club, which is primarily composed of Rikkyo University alumni. The club offers a diverse range of support initiatives, including scholarships for international students, the Annual Bus Hike, and assistance with Japanese language classes. This comprehensive approach ensures that international students not only receive financial support but also have opportunities to engage with Japanese culture and improve their language skills.
Additionally, the Ladies Club, a volunteer group consisting of Rikkyo alumnae, plays a crucial role in supporting international students. They organise Japanese-language volunteer lessons, homemade lunch parties, cultural workshops, and lounges, fostering a sense of community and cultural exchange. The Ladies Club also provides scholarships for international students, further contributing to their academic and financial well-being.
The university's on-campus Global Lounge serves as a central hub for international exchange, promoting intercultural understanding and friendship between international and local students. Events such as the World Cafe and Country Festa encourage international students to share their cultural experiences and gain insights into Japanese culture, fostering a diverse and inclusive environment.
With a strong alumni network and dedicated support systems, Rikkyo University demonstrates its commitment to the success and well-being of its international student community, ensuring they have the resources and guidance needed for a fulfilling academic journey.
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Scholarships
Rikkyo University provides scholarships for exchange students on inter-university agreements. The university is committed to providing scholarships for overseas training courses and study-abroad programs carried out by undergraduate colleges and other divisions. Exchange students at Rikkyo University are referred to as "Special International Students" and are accommodated in dormitories.
There are two types of scholarships available for exchange students at Rikkyo University. The first is a scholarship for outbound exchange to partner institutions. This scholarship is offered to students who need financial aid and are taking part in study abroad programs conducted by the university. The scholarship amount ranges from 100,000 to 400,000 JPY per year, with the exact value decided during the selection process.
The second type of scholarship is for students studying at partner institutions where they are required to pay a large personal share of expenses, such as the University of Chicago and Cornell University. Students who have been admitted to these institutions can apply to receive 1,000,000 JPY. This scholarship is awarded to students with outstanding grades participating in study abroad programs. The recipients of this scholarship will receive an annual sum of 100,000 JPY.
In addition to the scholarships offered by the university, there are also alumni associations that provide scholarships for international students. The Tokyo St. Paul's Lions Club, composed primarily of Rikkyo alumni, offers scholarships, programs, and activities such as the Annual Bus Hike and support for Japanese classes. The Ladies Club, a volunteer group of Rikkyo alumnae, also offers scholarships and support for international students, including Japanese cultural workshops and language lessons.
Rikkyo University provides exclusive dormitories for its students, including international exchange dormitories where Japanese and international "Special International Students" live together. These dormitories are well-equipped with laundry rooms, refrigerators, and air-conditioning, in addition to the basic furnishings of beds, desks, and chairs. There are also recommended dormitories that house students from various universities, allowing for broader perspectives and network expansion.
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Frequently asked questions
Rikkyo University operates two campuses: Ikebukuro, located in the centre of Tokyo, and Niiza, about 30 minutes westward by train in the neighbouring Saitama prefecture.
Exchange students at Rikkyo University can choose to stay in a university dormitory or rent a private apartment. The university can arrange dormitories for exchange students upon request, but there is limited availability. Private apartments can be rented in neighbourhoods such as Toshima/Ikebukuro (near the university) or Shinjuku (further away but with a more exciting nightlife).
The advantage of living in a dormitory is that it is close to the university. On the other hand, the dormitories may not be very appealing, and there is a curfew.
Renting a private apartment in Toshima/Ikebukuro offers a convenient location near the university. Alternatively, renting in Shinjuku provides easier access to nightlife options but increases the commute time to the university.
Rikkyo University offers various support services for international exchange students, including alumni associations that provide Japanese-language lessons, counselling, and event planning. The university also has a Global Lounge that organises events to foster friendship between international and local students and promote cultural exchange.











































