Dining room and study area, notice the traditional wood sliding doors to separate the rooms

When I saw that there was an opportunity to live on campus in married housing, I jumped at the chance to apply.  The application process was quite long since there are only five apartments and the university tries to keep the dorms very diverse. I had to write essays on our compatibility, adaptability, relationship, international experience and what we would contribute as a couple to the dorm experience.  It was a bit intense, but I was excited when we were notified that we passed and were assigned to apartment #201 for the next two years.

Bedroom, probably should have made the bed

Living in married housing has some huge advantages.  For one thing, it's very affordable.  We pay the equivalent of about 430 USD/month, which in Tokyo is unreal.  The apartment is also very big by the city's standards; most of the other fellows are living in an apartment that is the size of one of the rooms.  It also comes hooked up to electricity, water and internet so we didn't have to arrange that ourselves.  It's also very convenient living on campus as classes are only a five minute walk away, it's a nice space for running and we're close to the cafeteria if we don't feel like cooking.  We opted to rent bedding and for a yearly fee we're not only provided with sheets, comforters, pillows and blankets but we get clean sheets exchanged every two weeks.  Apparently, this is a common service for dorms in Japan and I'm not complaining.

Kitchen and main door to the hallway, bathroom is on the right

Naturally, there are some downsides too such as lists of rules that we have to follow which can be a bit much sometimes.  We also have to share the laundry facilities with everyone else in the dorm which can be challenging when there is limited sun for drying and only two washing machines. Oddly, the apartment did not come with a fridge so we had to arrange to rent one for two years.

Tiny bathroom with shower

Though it's a bit snug and storage is minimal, we're learning how to economize and essentially have zero personal space.  We do, however, have some extra futon mattresses if anyone wants to come and visit!

Our floor plan is the one on the right (one on left is for a single room)

0 comments