Why Did I Apply?

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

It could be mainly due to my experience in the UK as an exchange student. I stayed shared flat more than three time. Plz don’t misunderstand that I had in the troubles with flatmates. Technically I have before. It’s not worse than you think. Although I had been involved with Korean guy, I gained how to maintain good friendship with them. Basically, the shared space is supposed be cluttered and messy especially with only men. However, it would be conductive experience to my future because I wonder settle in the UK at some point. I was so gratified with living with various people from all over the world, which made me feel to undergo even in Japan until graduation. Also, other purpose to have apply for was to maintain my speaking skills. Hence, I decided to live in International Student Shared House. 

Atmosphere and Daily Life

Surprisingly I have been staying with flatmates in good vibes: chatted casually, shared experiences and updates. Speaking of internal features of flats, we were given spacious common room more than expected. Remarkably the living room was so large that we could work out. And kitchen is enough space to cook with someone. Turning to daily lives, our lives were filled with humour and gossips. I’d say our unit was so peaceful and joyful which was ready to help each other. 

Good Things about Living in International Student Shared House

Spilling the tea with flatmates could be most worthwhile and enjoyable moment so far. We kinda held irregular meeting about sharing updates and relationships. All of them were quirky including me and this similarity facilitated the conversation deeper and deeper. We also had a lovely time together at the restaurant occasionally. 

Difficulties and Failures

I got used to living with someone based on my abroad experience, so I didn’t undergo apparent problems. Suffice to say, rota of roles such as taking the rubbish, hovering on the floor and etc was smidgen difficult for us. We are only guys to live together It’s quite common that the men struggle to keep hygiene at shared accommodation. Likewise, we found it difficult to do each of chores and ended up giving up in the middle. However, one of my flatmates cleaned actively one day, we followed him and gradually started to do chores without separating roles. 

Lessons Learned, Skills and Abilities Gained

I gained the problem-solving and cooperation. In fact, our flat sometimes experienced power outrage. Not gonna lie. it was fairly inconvenient and annoying. We managed to help each others and overcome. When it’s blackout, we had no clue how to retrieve the power. By identifying the issues with cooperation, we succeeded to sort out. Without trustful relationships, we would have failed to do.

How Did My Experience at Share House Affect Me? 

There is no visible impact on my life because I experienced living with someone several times. Yet, the more I experienced sharing, the more I became confident to tell my opinion directly. For instance, when I felt suffocating past midnight due to the sounds, I could tell them to keep them down. I could improve my reclusive personality.

How Do I Want to Use This Experience in the Future?

I’ve already decided to live in shared flat in the UK as a postgraduate. The reason why I chose is that it’s more affordable to pay. I will keep getting along with people who have different backgrounds. I hope as the experience piles up, it’s gonna be more adaptable to work and live with non-Japanese speakers. I would like to apply it to coursework to succeed in the future as well. 

Message to Applicants

There would be difficulties to live in shared more than you think such as separating tasks, language barriers, anxiety to live with someone. Simultaneously, I believe you will gain more valuable experience and skills. For the first time to live in shared accommodation, I was so nervous and felt why would I need to live strangers. However, the experience of living together would be helpful to change your values and common sense. What’s more, communication skills will be reinforced once you start to live here. Why don’t you apply for here?