Housing in Kyoto
Kyoto Program Housing Arrangements
All students on the Stanford in Kyoto program live in private apartments.
Just like a local university student, Stanford in Kyoto students are responsible for managing the practicalities of their own daily lives such as organizing their meals, doing the cleaning, laundry, recycling, and some of the general admin that comes with living in your own place. The experience is distinct from living in a student dorm where live-in help is quickly on hand at all hours; students living in private apartments are challenged to develop the problem-solving skills necessary for living independently - and doing so using Japanese!
Outside of school hours, students in private apartments have a great deal of scope for setting their own schedule. However, this also means that they must have the discipline to make sure that their schedule supports their academic goals and other responsibilities appropriately. Students in private apartments are encouraged to be especially proactive in making and maintaining connections with local friends from Doshisha University and elsewhere.
Students will usually be housed in the same apartment building as a small number of other students from the program, subject to availability. In this way, they will be able to form their own support networks and social groups within their cohort.
In summary: students have a great opportunity to shape their own experience in Kyoto whilst gaining all the personal confidence that goes with knowing they can live and operate independently - and in a different country and culture to their own.
Students in private housing will have their basic living costs covered by the program:
- Meals: Students will receive a stipend to cover three meals a day (¥3,000/day).
- Commuting: Most private apartments will require a 30-60 minute commute (considered short by Japanese standards) to the Stanford Japan Center by public transportation. Commuting costs are covered by the program.
- Living spaces and equipment: Students living in private apartments will typically find that their living space consists of a living area containing a bed and bedding, a desk and chair, wardrobe and air conditioning. Apartments normally also have a small kitchenette with a stove, refrigerator and microwave, basic crockery and kitchenware, as well as a toilet/bathroom, and a washing machine to do laundry. Students are given an allowance to purchase essentials they don’t find in their apartment. Apartments will have internet access.