Student Dormitories
Residential life is an integral part of the Hokkaido University experience with around half of all international students living on campus during their studies here. We hope that our dormitories provide a sense of the distinctive experience you will have studying here. In total, we have six dormitories all located in and near Sapporo Campus. Most house students in single rooms, however we do offer accommodation for married couples as well as families. Some dormitories are single-sex; others unisex, some mix Japanese students with International Students, others are purely for International Students. Each dormitory room comes equipped with fresh bedding and linen, as well as high speed internet access.
1. Keiteki-Ryo (Men’s Dormitory)
2. Sosei-Ryo (Women’s Dormitory)
3. International House Kita 8
4. International House Kita 23 Bldg 1
5. International House Kita 23 Bldg 2 (Women’s Dormitory)
6. International House Kita 8 East (Men’s Dormitory)
Renting Privately
In Japan, most people look for an apartment through a real estate agent. Generally, the agent asks you about the type of apartment you are interested in, then shows you what is available according to your requirements. When you find an apartment that meets your needs, you then begin the leasing procedure. In Japan, the lease contract needs to be signed and stamped by a co-signer. Once the lease contract procedures are complete, the agent gives you your keys, and you are free to move in. Please make sure you understand the information below prior to approaching a real-estate agent.
Agents in Japan deal with customers in Japanese, which means that almost all explanations, contracts, and related documents are written in Japanese only. If you are not entirely confident in your Japanese abilities, it is a good idea to have a fluent Japanese speaker with you when you look for an apartment. Once you decide on a room, you need to check the room conditions with the landlord and/or the agent. If there is any damage, discoloration, or dirty areas in the room, take pictures and show them to the landlord and/or the agent. If you do not have any proof that the damage, discoloration, or dirty areas were there before you moved in, you may have to pay for repairs when you move out.
We have compiled a set of notes for you to assist you with making an easy transition into privately renting accommodation here in Hokkaido.
1. Rent Payment
In Japan the rent fee must be paid generally by the designated date of the previous month. Rent fee in arrears causes a lot of troubles toward a landlord, a management company and a guarantor. Be aware to pay the monthly rent fee by the designated date of the previous month.
2. Noise Issues
In several apartments, sounds go through easily to the rooms of neighbors or downstairs. Listening to music at a high volume, talking loudly in your room and using such items as laundry machines and the shower after midnight may inconvenience your neighbors. Especially during night time sounds becomes louder. Please remember that you live in a shared complex and respect your neighbors at all times by keeping noise levels down.
3. Frozen Water Pipes
During winter season when the outside temperature drops below -4˚C, water in the pipes may freeze and water pipes may burst. It takes time and costs a lot to repair the pipes. On cold days, it is advisable to defreeze pipes by running water for a few minutes in the morning.
4. Moving out
You need to inform your landlord/management company of your leaving date at least one month prior to vacating. Where this has not been done, additional rent will be imposed. Your room should be in the same condition as to when you moved in. In the event of any damage to the premises or items within, you will be liable for all costs. Depending on the apartment contract you may also be required to pay a mandatory cleaning fee.
5. Breach of Contract
The room you are renting is the landlord’s property. It is forbidden to renovate the room or remove attachments. Please also note that only the contract holder(s) are permitted to live in the apartment.
