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Housing

Accommodation for International Students

Niigata University offers the following accommodation options for international students: International student accommodation (Co-op Leased Apartments Supported by Niigata University, International House) and Residence Halls (Rikka Hall and Ikarashi Hall). Eligibility differs by student status.

Accommodation Options Degree-seeking Students Non-degree-seeking Students (Exchange Students & Research Students) Period of Residence

Monthly Rent
(*5)

Co-op Leased Apartments Supported by Niigata University

Enrollment period (* 1)
(more than 1 month)

Depends on a selected apartment room
(Approx. 25,000-55,000 yen)

International House
(* 2)

(* 2)
Enrollment period 22,000 yen

Residence Hall
(Rikka Hall)


(* 3)

In principle, starting from April or October, either by the end of the minimum period of study required for completion of study, or for two years, whichever comes earlier. 13,000 yen

Residence Hall
(Ikarashi Hall)


(* 4)
4,300 yen

*1:Even after the period of enrollment at Niigata University, you may continue to live in the same apartment room due to employment, etc. if you wish.
*2:International House is offered to the following international students:
 ・Japanese Studies Students or Teacher Training Students under the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship Program
    ・JICA trainees based on the consignment contract between Niigata University and JICA
 ・Others deemed necessary by the Director of International House
*3:Applications from non-degree-seeking students (Research Students) are accepted, but priority is given to degree-seeking students for admission. Only if the number of applications from degree-seeking students is below the number of rooms available, non-degree-seeking students (Research Students) will be added to the selection.
*4:Undergraduate students only. When the number of applicants exceeds the fixed number of rooms, newly enrolling undergraduate students will be given priority, and residents will be selected by lot.
*5:Initial cost of moving in is also required.

Each student can apply for only one accommodation option. However, international students who are newly admitted to Niigata University (excluding those who are going to higher education on campus) may apply to Co-op Leased Apartments Supported by Niigata University if they are not permitted to enter the Residence Halls.

Accommodation for International Students

Co-op Leased Apartments Supported by Niigata University and International House

Co-op Leased Apartments Supported by Niigata University

Niigata University has contracted with the Niigata University Co-op to provide housing “Co-op Leased Apartments Supported by Niigata University” and living support for international students newly enrolling into the university so that they can start their lives in Japan safely and comfortably.

Advantages of Co-op Leased Apartments Supported by Niigata University

  1. You can choose and reserve the apartment you want to live in before coming to Japan.

  2. The university pays a part of the initial cost, so you can live in an apartment with a relatively low initial cost.

  3. If you move into an apartment during the month, no rent will be charged for the month if you stay in the apartment for 7 days or less that month; if you stay for 8 days or more, the rent will be charged on a pro-rated basis. If you move out in the middle of the month, the rent for that month will be charged on a pro-rated basis.

  4. The procedure for Co-op Leased Apartments Supported by Niigata University is easier than signing a contract for an apartment on your own. In Japan, a "joint guarantor" is usually required to rent an apartment, but you do not need such a guarantor if you use the system.

  5. The Co-op will explain and guide you on what you need to do when you move in or move out.

  6. The Co-op will take care of the procedures for starting use of lifelines (electricity, water, gas) and the Internet (Wi-Fi) in advance, so you can use them from the day you move in. The Co-op will also take care of the termination procedures when you move out.

  7. Internet (Wi-Fi) is free.

  8. The following furniture and appliances are provided in the Co-op Leased Apartments. You can use them from the day you move in.
    ・Bed ・Desk ・Chair
    ・Stove ・Refrigerator ・Washing machine
    ・Microwave ・Lighting fixture ・Curtains

    In addition to the above, some rooms have other furniture that can be rented for an additional fee. For details, please refer to the exclusive website.

  9. The Co-op will consult with you and deal with any problems regarding your housing while you are living there.
  10. There are restrictions on the period of residence in student dormitories, so you may have to move even while you are still a student at Niigata University. However, there are no such restrictions in the Co-op Leased Apartments. In addition, if you remain in Japan legally with a valid status of residence after your enrollment period due to employment, etc., you may continue to live in the same apartment if you wish.

For more information about the Co-op Leased Apartments Supported by Niigata University, please read the following.

■Eligibility

Students who meet all of the following conditions:

  1. Newly enrolling international students whose status of residence is "Student" or "Temporary Visitor*," excluding those who are going on to higher education within the university
    *Those who enter Japan with “Temporary Visitor” status for the purpose of participating in a short program (less than 3 months) and who do not intend to change their status of residence during their stay in Japan
  1. Those who will stay in an apartment for more than one month

 

■How to make a reservation

Once you have been admitted to Niigata University, you will be notified of the URL of an exclusive website from the Student Affairs Office of your faculty/graduate school. Register your information on this site, and you will be able to search for and reserve an apartment room. If you have any questions, you can also make inquiries to the Co-op through this site.
Please refer to the next section for the dates when reservations are accepted and when you can move in.If you cancel your reservation after it has been made, you may be charged a cancellation fee. Please read the cancellation policy on the website thoroughly and make a reservation after careful consideration.

 

■Reservation start date and move-in date (as of February 2023) 

  Reservation start date Move-in start date

April enrollment

Mid-February Late March

October enrollment

Late August Late September

・ Reservation start date and move-in date will be specified for April and October enrollment due to the large number of international students enrolling in these months.

・ If you have already been admitted to the university and your enrollment date is not April or October, please follow the instructions of the Student Affairs Office of your faculty/graduate school regarding the reservation start date and other details.

・    14 days are required from the reservation to the move in date. Please complete the reservation at least 14 days prior to the scheduled move-in date.

 

■Costs

・ The costs vary depending on the apartment, but in general the following price ranges are offered.

  Ikarashi area Asahimachi area
Initial cost

23,500 yen

Monthly rent
(Common service fee included)

25,000 yen - 45,000 yen

35,000 yen - 55,000 yen

  • The initial cost includes: 8,500 yen per year for personal liability insurance, 10,000 yen per year for rent guarantee commission fee, and 5,000 yen for Co-op membership fee (to be returned upon completion of the study in Niigata University). The university will pay the deposit and brokerage fee.
  • In the case of moving in at the middle of the month, for example, if you move in at the end of March in preparation for starting university on April 1st, no rent will be charged for the month if you stay in the apartment for 7 days or less that month; if you stay for 8 days or more, the rent will be charged on a pro-rated basis. In the case of moving out in the middle of a month, the rent for that month will be charged on a pro-rated basis.
  • In principle, you pay the rent for the following month by the last day of the month.

 

■Period of residence

You can live in an apartment throughout your enrollment period.
If you remain in Japan legally with a valid status of residence after your enrollment period due to employment, etc., you may continue to live in the same apartment. However, you will be required to switch to a private contract between you and the landlord and will not be able to receive the services provided by the Co-op Leased Apartments Supported by Niigata University. In addition, the rent may be subject to change.

<Services in Co-op Leased Apartments Supported by Niigata University that will no longer be available>

  •  Co-op personal liability insurance ends at the end of your enrollment period. You will be required to purchase the insurance designated by the management company.
  • If you have any problems regarding your apartment, the Co-op will no longer be able to offer advice or help. You will have to talk directly with the real estate management company or landlord to solve the problem.
  • You will not receive instructions or explanations when you move out. You are required to give a notice of departure by yourself in accordance with the contract you sign upon switching to a private contract.
  • You will be responsible for the termination of your lifelines. You will need to be present when the gas supply is shut off. Also, some apartments require you to terminate your Internet service.

 

■Notice

  • There are some rooms for couples and families, but in general, the Co-op Leased Apartments Supported by Niigata University are for singles only. It is not allowed to live with friends. 
  • It is prohibited to have anyone other than the resident live in the same room.
  • The rooms are furnished with furniture and appliances, but you will need to prepare your own daily necessities (e.g. toilet paper, dishes, etc.) and meals by yourself. However, to help you on the day you move in, only one roll of toilet paper is provided in every room.
  • If you move out, you will not be able to move into the Co-op Leased Apartment again and will not be eligible for this program (however, you may consult with the Co-op about finding an apartment). Please consider carefully which accommodation option you will use when you enter the university, and whether or not you will move to a private apartment after moving into a Co-op Leased Apartment.

Click HERE for Questions and Answers to help you better understand Co-op Leased Apartments Supported by Niigata University.

 

Niigata University International House

International House is an accommodation for international exchange students and researchers located on Ikarashi Campus, Niigata University. It is offered to the following international students:
 ・Japanese Studies Students or Teacher Training Students under the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship Program
    ・JICA trainees based on the consignment contract between Niigata University and JICA
 ・Others deemed necessary by the Director of International House
Application guidelines will be provided through the Student Affairs Office of Faculty/ Graduate School only to the eligible.

International House: Accommodation for International Students (Facility Outline)
Single (38)/Double (2)/Family (1)/Other Multi-purpose room, Japanese-style room, library/study room

*Monthly accommodation fee (utilities charged at actual cost):
 Single: 22,000 yen /Double: 29,200 yen/ Family: 35,700 yen

(Note)Accommodation fee is subject to change.

 

Niigata University Residence Halls

Name Capacity Eligibility Capacity for International Students Monthly Fee Notes
Rikka Hall Male Residents, 100 Male students of undergraduate or postgraduate programs 20 Accommodation fee: 13,000 yen
Utility expenses: 7,000 yen (variable)
Single room 12.46m2
Restrooms, washbasins, bathrooms, kitchen, laundry facilities are shared between 10 students (*)
Meals are not supplied
Air-conditioned rooms
Internet access is available on an individual contract with designated provider.
Female Residents, 100 Female students of undergraduate or postgraduate programs 20
Ikarashi Hall Building A
200
Male students of undergraduate programs 5 Accommodation fee: 4,300 yen
Utility expenses: 7,000 yen (variable)
Annual membership fee for dormitory council: 2,000 yen
Single room 9.45㎡
Restrooms, washbasins, bathrooms, kitchen, laundry facilities are shared
Meals are not supplied
No air-conditioner but heater in each room
Internet access is available on an individual contract with designated provider.
Building B
200
Female students of undergraduate programs 5


Rikka Hall


Ikarashi Hall

*At Rikka Hall, 10 units are available each for male and female students. A unit accommodates 10 residents. In general, residents will include 8 Japanese and 2 international students.

Application for October 2024
Application Period: Monday, July 1 – Wednesday, July 17,
2024

The application period is now closed.

Application Guidelines

The necessary documents for application can be downloaded by clicking here.

Guidelines    
Residence Hall Application     
Family Structure and Household Income
Financial Circumstances Report     
Information Sheet

Inquiries:

International Office, Niigata University
TEL: +81-25-262-7026 FAX: +81-25-262-7519
E-mail: intl-house@ge.niigata-u.ac.jp

!! NOTE !!
Residence Hall application will not guarantee acceptance.

The move-in date for October 2024 is Tuesday, October 1, 2024. Please note that you may not move into the dormitory before this date.

As explained at the top of this page, each student may apply for only one accommodation option.  International students who plan to live in the dormitory are not allowed to apply for the Co-op Leased Apartments supported by Niigata University as a place to stay until you move into the dormitory on Tuesday, October 1, 2024. Please make your own arrangements with hotels near Niigata Station.

However, if you are a new student (excluding those who are going on to higher education) and not admitted as a resident at Niigata University’s Residence Hall, you may apply for Co-op Leased Apartments Supported by Niigata University.

Private Apartments(Not Co-op Leased Apartments Supported by Niigata University)

You can also look for a private apartment room and sign a contract with the apartment owner directly. However, please note that in this case you will NOT be able to receive any of the support provided by Co-op Leased Apartments Supported by Niigata University. Niigata University will NOT pay the part of the initial cost.

There are many private apartments for students close to Niigata University campuses.
Rental rates vary depending on factors such as the size, facilities and convenience.
Apartment rents in Niigata are lower compared to large cities such as Tokyo and Osaka.
Average Rent:

  1. Boarding house (with breakfast/dinner): 40,000 to 55,000 yen
  2. Apartment (6 to 8 tatami mats (approx. 9.7-13.0m2), shared bath and toilet): 15,000 to 20,000 yen
  3. Apartment (6 to 8 tatami mats (approx. 9.7-13.0m2), private bath and toilet): 25,000 to 55,000 yen

For foreigners considering renting an apartment, National Federation of Real Estate Transaction Associations provides “Guidebook for Tenants” online. This guidebook gives you useful information such as what to do when visiting the real estate agency, signing/ terminating a lease, and preparing for emergencies and disasters. The book is available in Japanese, Chinese, Hangul, Vietnamese, Spanish, Portuguese, and Nepali as PDF data.

Copies are also available at the International Office (Japanese, English, Chinese, Hangul, and Vietnamese only).
National Federation of Real Estate Transaction Associations: Guidebook for Tenants

Purchasing insurance such as Comprehensive Renters Insurance for Foreign Students Studying in Japan is recommended to insure against significant payment for damages to the property caused by accidents (fire, explosion, flooding, etc.). Be prepared to look after yourself when living abroad.
It is Japanese custom to require joint guarantor for a private apartment rental contract. Considering that finding such guarantor may be difficult for international students and the burden on the guarantor may be significant, Niigata University may act as a joint-guarantor. The international student must have purchased Comprehensive Renters Insurance for Foreign Students Studying in Japan to use the program.

Please note that you may buy the insurance and ask Niigata University to act as a joint-guarantor only when fulfilling the following two conditions:

1) Your status of residence is “Student.”
*If you applied for changing the status of residence to “Student” and have been waiting for permission, please consult us in advance.

2) You are a Niigata University student.
*In case you need to have Niigata University be your joint-guarantor before you enroll in Niigata University (e.g. You enroll in Niigata University on October 1, but wish to move in to an apartment on September 29 in order to get settled), you need to prove that you are going to be a Niigata University students by showing one of the following document(s) (If you cannot submit the following document(s) for an unavoidable reason such as applying for an admission fee exemption, please consult us in advance).

(a) Letter of admission (“入学許可書”)
(b) Letter of acceptance (“合格通知書”) AND examination admission ticket (“受験票”) stamped“Admission Process Completed” (“入学手続き完了済”).
(c) Letter of acceptance (“合格通知書”) AND a transfer payment acceptance certificate (“振替払込請求 書兼受領証” which is proof of payment of the admission fee.
(d) Notice of admission (“入学通知書”) AND a transfer payment acceptance certificate (“振替払込請求書兼受領証”).
(e) Letter of acceptance (“受入許可書”) AND a transfer payment acceptance certificate (“振替払込請求書兼受領証”).

If you are coming from afar, we suggest you contact us a few days in advance, and make sure our staff will be available on the day you come to International Office.

Inquiries on Joint-Guarantors:

International Office, Niigata University
Telephone: +81-25-262-7632
E-mail: kokusai@adm.niigata-u.ac.jp
※Procedures regarding joint-guarantors cannot be done by mail or email. Nor can it be done by a proxy.

Brokerage of Private Apartments

As a public organization, the International Office does not accommodate specific businesses or lessors, and do not engage in direct brokerage.
Information on private apartments are provided by Niigata University Co-op.

Click here for private apartment search on Niigata University Co-op site.
Click here for Niigata Takken Association housing search page.

You should have someone familiar with the Japanese customs accompany you when looking for an apartment. Apartments are not furnished. Click here for information on apartment search (source: 2008 Apartment Data (Niigata University Co-op))

Prefectural Housing

You can apply for apartments provided by Niigata Housing Supply Public Corporation, but application requires prior registration and results are determined by lottery. It may be an option if you intend to remain in Niigata for a long period after entering Japan, but not realistic if you are new to Japan.
Contact: Niigata Housing Supply Public Corporation