All students receiving a new student visa sponsored by TUJ are required to stay in the TUJ Dorm (Tokyo area). Fall or spring start students are required to stay in TUJ Dorms for two consecutive semesters. Fall start students may elect to stay in the dorms for up to three semesters as long as the full-time class registration is confirmed and paid in time for the summer priority registration period. Spring start students are required to stay for two semesters unless they elect not to take courses in the summer and return home. Summer start students can only stay one semester. Only students who complete the Housing Plan by the deadline and are either approved for a waiver of this requirement or confirm their intention to apply for a homestay via Nextage do not need to stay in the Dorms. The housing requirement does not apply for visa switchers.

After the required semester(s) of stay, students vacate the Dorm and find independent housing such as private apartments, share-houses etc. The Office of Student Services and Engagement (OSSE) provides information and housing support in the form of Housing Fairs and online information sessions. This helps students learn about private housing options when they move out of the Dorm.

Also, it might be possible to remain in the dorm through a private contract made directly with the dorm facility except for Yoga Parkside Residence and the Nogawadai Dorm. If Japanese students and students who do not need new visa sponsorship would like to live in the Dorm where other TUJ students live, it is suggested to make a private contract directly with the dorm managing company (Tokyo Student-House Musashi Kosugi New Tab or Uninest Kamikita House New Tab). TUJ cannot guarantee room availability and does not assist students with the contract process.

TUJ Dorm

For students receiving a NEW student visa sponsored by TUJ, submitting the Housing Plan* on TUJ Application Hub is mandatory. Housing allocations take place closer to the start of each semester and the Office of Student Services and Engagement will inform you of your housing assignment. Housing Plan is for us to understand your preference. Your request is not guaranteed.

Arrow-Medium TUJ Housing Policies (PDF) New Tab

Homestay

Staying with a Japanese family is a good option for students who wish to become more immersed in Japanese culture and language. Indicate on your Housing Plan that you wish to do a homestay through Nextage (Homestay in Japan) New Tab then you will need to complete Nextage’s application process separately.

Housing Waiver Petition

You must meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Are 20 years old or older by the time of arriving in Japan.
• Live with a family member (immediate or extended family) legally residing in Japan
• Have lived in Japan for more than 6 months on SOFA status or other type of visa (not tourist) within two years of filing this petition
• Are married
• Can document and substantiate another highly compelling reason to grant this petition

*The link for Housing Plan will become available at the bottom of Visa Application tab within your TUJ Application Hub after the visa COE application deadline each semester.