Japan
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A day in my life as a Osaka University student
By Gloria Zheng, Osaka University, Japan I normally start my day by 9:15 on weekdays with an easy breakfast of a pasta pot with rice alongside a cup of green tea. Breakfast (~179 yen) Most of my classes start at 10:30, with this semester being much lighter than my previous one as I’m taking 12 credits now compared to 18 I took last semester (I would really not recommend taking this many and to split them 15/15 so you fufill the 30 credit requirement to pass the year). Study spot on campus I usually leave my dorm at 10:21 because even though the dorm is located next door to Minoh…
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Reasons to choose Osaka University
By Gloria Zheng, Osaka University, Japan As a Japanese Studies student, choosing the university I would spend a whole year at was intially overwhelming. Manchester Uni had 26 partner universities at the time when I applied, ranging from universities in Hokkaido to Kyushu. Prestige Osaka University is considered one of the most prestigious universities in Japan. It is one of the former Imperial Universities of Japan, which include the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Tohoku University, Kyushu University, Hokkaido University, Osaka University, and Nagoya University. Additionally, Professor Shimon Sakaguchi from the Immunology Frontier Research Center (IFReC) at Osaka University was awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine of…
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Guide to Osaka University Minoh Campus
By Gloria Zheng, Osaka University, Japan Choosing Osaka University as my study abroad choice was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Osaka University comprises of the Toyonaka, Suita, and Minoh campuses of which foreign languages students study at the Minoh Campus. In 2021, the campus was completed comprising of 10 floors adding up to a total 24,896 square metres. The facilities are very new and shiny so you can look forward to that if you decide to come to Osaka Uni. Places to eat Around campus there is a wide range of restaurants you can choose from when you get tired of cooking. My favourites are the curry…
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Hiking Mt. Ashigara: from Tokyo
By YiPin Wu, (University of Tokyo, Japan) If you’re looking for a day trip from Tokyo that actually gets you into nature, Mt. Ashigara is one to put on the list. It’s about two hours from central Tokyo, the hike is doable, and on a clear day you get one of the best views of Mt. Fuji you can find. Getting There Take the Odakyu Line to Odawara Station, then head to the east exit to catch a bus to the Kintoki-tozanguchi stop, which is about 50 minutes on the bus. One thing to note: buses aren’t that frequent, so check the timetable before you go. The Trail Mt. Kintoki sits at…
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Setting Up in Japan: Shopping Guide
By YiPin Wu, University of Tokyo, Japan Moving to Tokyo? Here are the shops you actually need to know about. Daiso (ダイソー) — Your First Stop Seriously, go here first. Daiso is Japan’s famous 100-yen shop, and it’s so much better than it sounds. Plates, bowls, chopsticks, hangers, storage boxes, cleaning supplies, stationery, kitchen stuff, all ¥110 (about 70p) each. Whatever you think you need, just check Daiso first. I managed to tick off most of my moving-in list for under ¥3,000 (roughly £15). I’d recommend doing a big Daiso sweep in your first few days before spending money anywhere else. Nitori (ニトリ) — Japan’s IKEA For the bigger stuff,…
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Life at UTokyo: A Guide to Komaba Campus
by YiPin Wu, University of Tokyo, Japan If you’ve ever wanted to study at the University of Tokyo, let me take you on a tour of Komaba Campus — the main hub for exchange students. Nestled just two stops from Shibuya on the Keio Inokashira Line (about 20 minutes on foot), it’s also within walking distance of Nakameguro — known for its cafés and cherry blossoms — and Shimokitazawa, famous for vintage shops and curry. It’s hard to believe this calm, tree-lined campus exists in the heart of central Tokyo. Campus Life In my first semester, I had six classes a week — the minimum recommended. One thing that really…
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Living sustainably in Japan
By Gloria Zheng, Osaka University, Japan I really can’t believe it’s been over 2 months since I’ve arrived in Japan. It has realy been full of ups and downs and I’ve really learnt a lot over living by myself in a foreign country. I’ve also had some time to think about ways to live more sustainably in a country that seems to full of contradictions – where everything seems to be wrapped in plastic with an eco label stuck on- but I’ve managed to find some ways to make daily living more sustainable for the future and the planet. It seems that Japan is in love with plastic with everything…
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17 hours from London to Osaka: A guide to survive
By Gloria Zheng, Osaka University, Japan It has been over a month since I arrived in Japan, so I figured it was time to sit down and write about my experience travelling alone for the first time. I flew from Heathrow Airport in London to Kansai International Airport in Japan (if you’re studying in the Kansai region you’ll most likely be flying here). 1. Book everything in advance I booked my flight the same day I received my visa from the Japanese Embassy in London. This meant that I could get the best savings as as prices steeply rise the weeks following the date you’re planning to fly. I also…
