Spring 2027 New Students Welcome Week – Bridge Japan Admit (JA) Students

Seven TUJ students jump in the air in front of the City Campus entrance.

This schedule is for Japan Admit Students attending Temple University Japan's Tokyo area only. Japan Admit students applied to TUJ directly and will study at TUJ for about 1 to 4 years. *TUJ Kyoto students should receive information on their Welcome Week schedule through email. Please contact kyoto-osse@tuj.temple.edu for more information.

Your arrival to Japan and to TUJ is getting closer! We are very excited to welcome you into the TUJ community this upcoming semester!

Getting connected with other students, faculty, and staff, as well as exploring your interests is an essential part of any college experience. We have put together a New Students Welcome Week program full of activities and sessions that we hope puts you on track to accomplishing exactly this!

Below you will find the calendar that will give you an overlook of what will happen during this week. Below that, you will find the week’s schedule in detail. The sessions are designed to be informative and fun, and we hope there is something there that interests you! It is mandatory for all Bridge students to attend their Bridge Placement Test and Orientation, as well as Class Registration sessions on campus. The Living in Japan with Visa sessions are mandatory for visa-sponsored students, so please make sure to attend them. Dorm students will find out the exact date and time of group ward office visit upon check-in to the dorm on January 4. As we cannot reschedule your appointment, please be on time. Several of the sessions have capacity limits so please double-check your schedule and make sure you are able to attend the sessions you are signing up for.

*The following schedule is for Tokyo area Bridge JA new students only. TUJ Kyoto students should receive information on their Welcome Week schedule through email. Please contact kyoto-osse@tuj.temple.edu for more information.

Spring 2027 – Bridge JA New Students Welcome Week Schedule

Get Ready to Collect Stamps with OwlLink!

As you go through your schedule, you’ll spot this little ticket 🎟️. Think of them as collectible stamps you can earn by showing up at the information sessions! Collect them all to gather points and earn a chance to 🎁 win special prizes🎁 at the New Students Welcome Reception on Friday, January 8.

How do I collect stamps?

To participate in the Welcome Week Digital Stamp Rally, you will need to download the OwlLink app on your phone.

Where can I download OwlLink?

Complete the Welcome Week registration form in your TUJ Application Hub New Tab. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing the OwlLink download links for both iOS and Android. Once you have downloaded the app, log in using your TUmail account (for example, tuh12345@temple.edu.)

OwlLink is also TUJ’s platform for student clubs and organizations. Through the app, you can:

  • Access your Welcome Week Digital Stamp Rally
  • Browse TUJ student clubs and organizations and learn more about each group
  • Find contact information
  • Connect directly with club leaders

Download OwlLink, follow your schedule, collect your stamps, and get ready to win!

Schedule by Day

Monday, January 4, 2027

Designated Tokyo Arrival Day

All international student arrivals should plan to arrive on this particular day to move into the dorms between 9:00-21:00. Follow arrival instructions explained in your TUJ Application Hub as well as the respective dorm orientation course.

Tuesday, January 5, 2027

Dorm Residents Ward Office Visits

For Visa Sponsored JA students staying in the dorms: Group Ward Office Visits are pre-scheduled. Upon checking into your dorm on Monday, January 4th, you will receive more instructions.

For Visa Sponsored JA students at independent housing or homestay: Please make sure you visit your local ward office according to your new address within 14 days of arrival in Japan and before your scheduled Living in Japan with a Visa session. 

Wednesday, January 6, 2027

Attendance is required for ALL new Bridge JAs. All events on this day are happening at the Hillside Center near Mizonokuchi Station.


9:30 – 10:00 Arrive at Hillside to check in for the day!
Early arrivals get a light breakfast until it’s all gone.

10:15 – 10:30 Greetings from the Head of Hillside, Ms. Kacie Leviton! 
Hear from Ms. Kacie as she welcomes you to TUJ!

10:30 – 11:30 From GenEd to Graduation: The TUJ Academic Experience 🎟️
What is it like to be a student at TUJ? Begin your academic journey by learning all about TUJ’s General Education program, majors, and graduation requirements. Discover the opportunities, expectations, and experiences that will shape your time at TUJ.

11:45 – 12:45 Majors Sessions Group 1 🎟️
Connect with faculty and students in your major! Meet future study buddies and partners on group projects. Engage with faculty mentors and academic advisors to learn about major requirements, upcoming courses, and academic and professional opportunities.

11:45 – 12:45 Lunch with Admissions Counseling Group 2
Lunch is served! Come to the TUJ Cafeteria and have lunch with fellow classmates. Food will be provided by our Admissions Counseling Department; the good folks who helped you get admitted to TUJ!

13:00 – 14:00 Majors Sessions Group 2 🎟️
Connect with faculty and students in your major! Meet future study buddies and partners on group projects. Engage with faculty mentors and academic advisors to learn about major requirements, upcoming courses, and academic and professional opportunities.

13:00 – 14:00 Lunch with Admissions Counseling Group 1
Lunch is served! Come to the TUJ Cafeteria and have lunch with fellow classmates. Food will be provided by our Admissions Counseling Department; the good folks who helped you get admitted to TUJ!

14:15 – 15:15 Bridge Orientation
Learn about the Bridge Program and what to expect in detail. You will also meet others in the program too!

15:30 – 16:30 Placement Tests
You must take the test to learn which level for registration tomorrow

Thursday, January 7, 2027

All events on this day are happening at the Hillside Center. Rakuten Mobile will also be on-campus.


9:30 – 11:45 Registration by Level
You’ve taken the placement test. Now, it’s time to register for classes by your assigned level.

10:00 – 15:00 Building Tours of Hillside Center, Starting in the Lobby
Building tours start at 10 AM in the lobby. Student Workers will show you around the Hillside Center so you can familiarize yourself with the facilities and visit the student support offices.  

12:00 – 13:00 Lunch on Your Own
Explore the countless restaurants near Hillside Center and around Mizonokuchi Station! If you need help finding good restaurants, ask us!

13:15 – 14:15 Everything You Need to Thrive 🎟️
Find out how the Library, Career Development Office, and Information Center can support your journey from your first semester to graduation.

14:30 – 15:30 The Fun Starts Here! with Student Engagement 🎟️
Our Student Engagement Team has prepared a presentation about traveling in Japan!
Learn about the activities and trips Engagement has planned for the semester, as well as tips and recommendations for planning your own excursions!

15:45 – 16:45 Passport to ...? Pack your Bags! Study Abroad Info Session 🎟️
Welcome to Tokyo, and we are happy to see you in Japan finally! Now it’s time to think about leaving Japan…whether to explore Temple campuses in Philadelphia or in Rome, or to study abroad through Temple exchanges in South Korea, Taiwan, or the UK. Discover study abroad options for TUJ students and start thinking about where your next destination will be.

Friday, January 8, 2027

All events on this day are happening at the City Campus near Sangenjaya Station. Rakuten Mobile will also be on-campus.


9:30 – 10:30 Veteran & GI Bill Info Session
Thank you for your service! As part of the New Students Welcome Week, TUJ has included an info session for veterans and students using the GI Bill at TUJ. Here you can meet fellow Veteran and GI Bill dependent students and learn about some of the resources TUJ provides to you.

11:00 – 13:00 Living in Japan with a Visa - MANDATORY for ALL students studying at TUJ under a Visa
If you are going to be studying at TUJ on a visa (including those who switched from another school in Japan or are on a tourist visa visiting Japan) then you MUST attend this session according to your group number!

11:00 – 15:00 Campus Tours of TUJ, Starting in Cafeteria 🎟️
Building tours start from 10 AM at the cafeteria. Student Workers will show you around the TUJ and SWU (Showa Women's University) campuses so you can familiarize yourself with the facilities and visit the student support offices.  

11:00 – 15:00 Club Fair! Workshops and Activities by TUJ Clubs, Parliament Student Lounge (Next to Cafeteria)
TUJ Clubs have prepared some workshops and fun things to do in the Cafeteria and Parliament! Stop by for a minute and enjoy this opportunity to make some friends while having fun.

15:00 – 16:00 Financial Aid Fundamentals, MANDATORY FOR FAFSA USERS
No, unfortunately money does not grow on trees. And, yes, you do have to pay that loan back. >_< This session is to better help you understand how the financial aid system works at TUJ and give you some tips on fiscal responsibility.

16:00 – 17:00 Scholarship and Japanese Loan Programs Info Session 🎟️
Learn about local educational lending programs and look forward to TUJ’s Continuing Student Scholarships.

17:00 – 20:00 Hoot Together! New Student Reception
Otsukaresama - great job completing Welcome Week! Now, it’s time to celebrate! Hosted by TUJ’s very own Program Board, come hang out for a night full of new friends, lots of food, and an exciting raffle with the one and only Dean Wilson! Along with a surprise visit from a very special guest to celebrate with us!

Saturday, January 9, 2027

ONLY FOR NEW STUDENTS WHO REGISTERED IN ADVANCE ON THE WELCOME WEEK REGISTRATION FORM

10:00 - 16:00 Explore Tokyo, with TUJ Student Workers 

How about exploring Tokyo before the semester begins? TUJ Student Workers will be accompanying you to some of the most iconic areas in Tokyo! This is the perfect chance to make some friends and have fun before classes start!

Planned tours:

  • Explore Kawagoe
  • Explore Kamakura

Tours are subject to modifications and changes

New Students Welcome Week Registration

Check your email inbox for subject line "TUJ Welcome Week Registration 🌟" to register.