Why Did I Apply?

*This testimonial was provided in English and is published in its original form.

I applied because I needed a place to stay after my sister moved out of the house we shared. I wanted somewhere affordable yet safe, and after hearing glowing recommendations from friends who had lived in the share house before, I decided to give it a try. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I’ve made! The experience has been incredibly rewarding, not only did I find a comfortable place to live, but I also gained a supportive community and unforgettable memories. If you’re even slightly considering it, I highly encourage you to take the leap. Just give the share house a chance, you won’t regret it! 

Good Things about Living in International Student Shared House

One of the best things about living in a share house is getting to meet people from different countries and cultures, without even leaving Japan! I understand that it might seem intimidating at first, and you might worry about not having enough personal space. But trust me, most of your housemates will also want their own space, so it works out. Even though the rooms might be a little small, you’ll still feel at home. The share house provides a sense of safety, which is especially comforting in a country where natural disasters are frequent. No matter what happens, you’ll always have someone nearby, so you never have to feel alone.

Another great thing is the convenience! The share house is close to school and the supermarket, making daily life much easier. You can even cycle to the station in about 20 minutes! Plus, you always have access to a warm shower and can use the heater or air conditioner whenever you like, one of the best perks! (But of course, we all want to be eco-friendly too!)

One small struggle I had was waking up early to throw out the trash. We were only allowed to dispose of garbage on Thursday and Monday mornings, and they were pretty strict about it. But if you ever miss the collection, don’t worry, just talk to the reception desk, and they’ll help you out! Speaking of the reception desk, the staff there are the sweetest! They’re like your dorm parents, always ready to help with any issues, packages, or questions you might have. Their support is truly 200% reliable! I had my doubts before applying, but now, I’d love to stay again!

How Did My Experience at Share House Affect Me? 

Living in the share house taught me to be more open and put myself out there. I never imagined that I could live with complete strangers, but once you do it, you realize it’s not bad at all, trust me! At first, I was worried about how I would adjust, especially since I consider myself a clean freak who dislikes having guests over. I thought sharing a space with others would be difficult, but with good communication and setting house rules from the start, everything went smoothly.

One of the biggest things I gained from this experience was learning how to coexist with people from different backgrounds, lifestyles, and cultures. You develop a strong sense of respect and understanding for others, and in turn, they do the same for you. It’s not just about living together, it’s about creating a home where everyone feels comfortable. I also became much more adaptable and learned how to compromise without feeling like I was losing my personal space.

Another major impact was the sense of security and companionship it provided. Living alone can sometimes feel isolating, but in the share house, you’re never truly alone. Whether it’s celebrating small wins together, sharing meals, or even just knowing someone is nearby during emergencies, it made me appreciate the value of community. Also, having the reception desk staff there to help with any issues made life so much easier, they were like dorm parents, always reliable and supportive.

If you’re planning to live alone in the future, a share house can be a great starting point. It gives you the chance to learn how to manage your own space and responsibilities while still having a support system around you. You experience the balance of independence and shared living, which can make the transition to living completely on your own much smoother. It’s also a good way to test what kind of living environment suits you best, whether you prefer having company or truly being on your own.

Overall, this experience helped me grow in ways I never expected. It made me more independent, socially confident, and open-minded. If I had the chance, I would definitely do it all over again! 

Message to Applicants

Don’t hesitate, just go for it! You never know who your roommates will be, and that’s part of the excitement. In my case, all of mine were new GDP students, and they turned out to be amazing! We still keep in touch and even plan small trips to eat out together. Living in a share house isn’t just about having a place to stay, it’s about building connections that can last a lifetime. So take the leap and apply! Even if it doesn’t end up being your absolute best experience, at the very least, your wallet will thank you. Plus, I know many people who have lived in the share house and formed such strong bonds that they still visit each other in their home countries. It’s more than just a living space, it’s an experience that could shape your future in ways you never expected. Trust me, it’s 100% worth it!