Guide to Finding Apartments for International Students
- Contract Options Based on Your Intended Length of Stay
- Contract Options Before Your Arrival in Japan
- Contract Options After Your Arrival in Japan
- Rent and Initial Cost
- Comparison of Housing Types
Contract Options Based on Your Intended Length of Stay
In Japan, housing contracts typically last for two years. While early termination is possible, it may incur a penalty fee.
If you plan to stay for less than one year, we recommend considering short-term housing options.
Reasons for considering short-term housing options
- A penalty fee may apply if the contract is terminated within one year.
- Standard long-term contracts typically come with higher initial costs compared to short-term accommodations.
- . Many standard apartments are unfurnished, requiring you to purchase furniture and appliances.
Additional costs will also beincurred when disposing of them upon moving out.
Click the link below to explore shared-houses and monthly apartment options offered by the Student Housing Center.
Short-term stay accommodation for Waseda University students
If you find a property you’re interested in through the link above, please contact the respective management company by clicking the “Inquiry for Individuals” button for more details.
If you plan to stay for more than one year, we recommend two types of accommodation: student-only apartments or dormitories, and general apartments.
Please see below for more details.
Contract Options Before Your Arrival in Japan
Please understand that without a Japanese address and phone number, the number of available housing options is greatly limited.
However, all student-only listings in the link below are available to international students and can be contracted either before or after arriving in Japan.
Student-only accommodation for Waseda University students
We encourage you to explore the website.
If you find a property that interests you, please click the “Contact” button on the site. The respective property management company will respond with details on availability and rental conditions.
If you are looking for general (non-student-only) housing, please use the inquiry form below to send us a message.
Although options are limited before arrival, we are happy to assist you through one-on-one online consultations.
Contract Options After Your Arrival in Japan
Student-only accommodation
All listings in the link below can be contracted by international students currently residing in Japan.
Student-only accommodation for Waseda University students
This link features student apartments and dormitories—furnished with appliances and optional meal plans—conveniently located near Waseda University’s campuses.
We recommend exploring the website, and if you find a property that interests you, please click the “Contact” button on the site.
The respective property management company will respond with details on availability and rental conditions.
General Apartments
The link below features properties owned by registered landlords who have previously hosted many international students from Waseda University.
Our Partner Landlords’ Properties
If you are a student or affiliated individual of Waseda University, there is no agent fee (one month’s rent + tax)when signing the contract.
If you find an apartment that interests you, please contact us via the inquiry form（この物件へのお問合せはこちら）on the corresponding property page.
The Student Housing Center will respond to your request.
Alternatively, you can use the inquiry form below for a one-on-one consultation.
We can assist you in person at the Student Housing Center, by phone, or via video call—whichever method you prefer.
Rent and Initial Cost
Monthly fee
- Rent (price varies depending on the area and type of property)
- Common area charges/maintenance fee : 3,000 JPY～10,000 JPY
- Utility bills : around 12,000 JPY/month *Depends on usage
- Internet fee : around 5,000 JPY/month
*Most of the properties have internet fiber installed, but in many cases individual contract is required
Our partner internet provider @George
- Food expenses
- Transportation expenses
- Other miscellaneous expenses (books, household items, etc.)
Our partner mobile phone company GTN mobile
Initial cost
| Key money/ Entrance fee |
Gratuity payment to the landlord. This is not refundable. |
|---|---|
| Deposit | A payment that the landlord keeps as collateral for rent and other expenses. A part of it will be refunded when the tenant moves out |
| Agent fee |
A fee of up to 1 month’s rent + consumption tax of the property is payable to the real estate company We are offering a special discount for all Waseda University-affiliated individuals. |
| Guarantee company’s fee | Approximately 30% to 100% of one month’s rent for the first year. From the second year onward, you may need to pay a renewal fee or a monthly continuation fee, depending on the contract. |
| Household insurance | around 13,000-22,000JPY (2years) |
| Key exchange fee | around 15,000-40,000JPY |
| Other charges | Varies depending on the property. |
Other expenses for moving
| Moving |
The cost of your move depends on the number of items, the distance, and the time of year. |
|---|---|
| Purchase furniture and appliances |
Student-only apartments and dormitories are usually furnished. However, most general apartments do not come with appliances, so you will need to purchase them yourself. |
Comparison of Housing Types
| General Apartments | Student-only accommodation | Short-term stay accommodation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residents |
No restrictions. |
Students |
No restrictions. |
| Security and management system | Varies by property | Extensive Security Measures | Varies by property |
| Equipment/Furniture | Most are NOT furnished. | Many of them have furniture. | Most are NOT furnished. |
| Initial cost | Varies by property | Varies by property | Lowest among all categories |
| Internet | Internet is often not included. Contract setup required. | Most include internet service | Most include internet service |
*1 Owner may have specific requirements / restrictions, such as female-only, male-only, student-only, etc.
