Student Accommodation Tokyo

Studying in Tokyo is the perfect blend of cultural values and modern lifestyle. As a college student, living in accommodation in Tokyo can bring lot of academic and life opportunities. As Japan’s educational hub, Tokyo is home to prestigious universities like the University of Tokyo, Waseda University, and Keio University, attracting thousands of international students each year.  

If you are looking for the ideal student accommodation in Tokyo, then you’ve arrived at the right place. University Living is your one-stop solution for finding trusted student accommodation in Tokyo, Japan.

Tokyo is a modern city with a multicultural environment. It is the perfect city for students to learn and thrive with top universities and beautiful destinations. Our student housing options in Tokyo offer an affordable and comfy living experience. You can choose to live in on-campus student dorms or off-campus student housing.

Tokyo is home to over 200,000 university students. Most international students in Tokyo choose to live in private student housing or apartments. These properties are specially built to offer modern housing facilities to university students and support them with their academic life in Japan.

Top Demanded Student Accommodation in Tokyo

Domestic and international students in Tokyo are offered unique housing options. These include university dorms, private rooms, student housing, and homestays. All of these are student-friendly housing options near top universities and popular destinations in Tokyo. Here’s a detailed overview of the top demanded student accommodation in Tokyo.

University Dorms

University dorms in Tokyo are administered by the universities for students who’ve successfully enrolled in a full-time program. The University of Tokyo has four dormitories for undergraduate students: Toshima, Mitaka, Oiwake, and Mejirodai. The Housing Office of the University of Tokyo provides high-quality housing options at affordable prices. These four dormitories offer both short and long-term accommodation for international students and researchers attending the University of Tokyo.

Private Rooms

Tokyo also has multiple private rooms in addition to university dormitories. These properties are ideal for students looking for privacy with additional housing features. However, private rooms can have higher rent compared to other student housing options in Tokyo. Therefore, students able to afford private student room in Tokyo can consider this option.

Student Housing

Student housing in Tokyo is the most popular student living option. This is off-campus student accommodation located near popular and friendly neighborhoods in Tokyo. These properties are like student dorms but provide many housing facilities and independent living options. Most student housing options in Tokyo are equipped with furnished bedrooms, private kitchens and cooking appliances, bathrooms, and social spaces.

Homestays

Students in Tokyo looking for cultural immersion and Japanese language practice can choose to live in homestays. Areas like Minato, Taito, Katsushika, and Shinjuku-ku offer some of the best homestays in Tokyo. Living in a homestay in Tokyo allows students to engage in daily routines and traditions of a Japanese household. Students can gain firsthand insights into cultural nuances and learn adaptability.

About Tokyo

Tokyo is the capital of Japan and has a population of 37.1 million. The city was originally known as “Edo.” Tokyo has survived many challenges throughout its history, including war, natural calamities, internal disturbances, and economic challenges. However, the city has overcome each of these challenges, and today, it is one of the most developed cities in the world. Tokyo has also been listed among the most livable cities globally.

Student life in Tokyo is full of exciting opportunities. The neon lights of Shibuya City, cherry blossoms at Chidori-ga-fuchi, and the tech hub in Akihabara have contributed to Tokyo’s popularity.

History of Tokyo

Tokyo has a history of over 400 years. The city was originally a village called Edo. It flourished after Tokugawa Ieyasu, who established the Tokugawa Shogunate in 1603. By the mid-eighteenth century, Edo had become the center of politics and culture in Japan and grew into a big city. Until this time, the Japanese Emperor resided in Kyoto, which was the formal capital of the regime. The Edo Period lasted for almost 260 years until the Meiji Restoration in 1868. It was during this time when the Tokugawa Shogunate ended and imperial rule was restored. The Japanese Emperor, Mutsuhito, also known as Meiji, moved to Edo, and renamed it as Tokyo.

Facts About Tokyo, Japan (A highly diverse city)

• Japan is a nation composed of four main islands: Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. Tokyo is located on central Honshu Island.
• Tokyo is the world’s most populous metropolis, with a population of 37.1 million and growing.
• Tokyo is the primary transportation hub of Japan and is famous for its high-speed Shinkansen bullet trains.
• Tokyo is home to the world’s largest fish market, the Tsukiji Market, also known as the “Kitchen of Tokyo.”
• The Tokyo Tower, built in 1958, symbolizes Japan’s post-war rebirth.
• Tokyo’s love for anime and manga is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture.

Top 3 Student Friendly Areas in Tokyo

Tokyo is an international city known for its fast and modern lifestyle that provides unique opportunities. The tech hubs, anime and manga centers, and student-friendly areas create a welcoming environment for international students. Here are the top 3 student-friendly areas in Tokyo.

Shibuya

Shibuya is one of the most popular areas in the Tokyo Metropolis. It is Tokyo’s major commercial center and is home to two of the busiest railway stations in the world: Shinjuku Station and Shibuya Station. The University of Tokyo – Komaba Campus, the Open University Japan, SANNO University, and other popular institutions are in Shibuya.

Shinjuku City

Shinjuku City is a special ward within Tokyo and is the administrative center of the city. This area houses the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's administrative center and has become a major secondary center of Tokyo, rivaling Marunouchi. It is home to popular institutions like Waseda University, the University of Tokyo, Sophia University Yotsuya Campus, and Chuo University Ichigaya Campus.

Ikebukuro

Ikebukuro, Tokyo, is famous for its commercial and entertainment activities. This area includes popular destinations like Ikebukuro Station, Toshima-ku Agariyashiki Park, and Minami-Ikebukuro Park. It is well-known for its friendly restaurants and department stores such as MUJI Itabashi Minami-chō, 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, etc. 

Cost of Living in Tokyo

The cost of living in Tokyo for students is YEN 140,000 to YEN 210,000/ month, excluding tuition fees. This cost can vary based on a student’s lifestyle and required resources. Areas like Adachi, Arakawa, Itabashi, Edogawa, Nerima, and Suginami are some of the cheapest areas in Tokyo.

The cost of living in Tokyo is the sum of all essential expenses. These include expenses like tuition fees, rent, food and groceries, electricity and utilities, internet and mobile phone, clothing and entertainment, and travel.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the estimated cost of living in Tokyo.

• Tuition fee: YEN 28,900 to YEN 346,800/ year
• Accommodation rent: YEN 20,000 to YEN 180,000/ month
• Groceries and meals: YEN 30,000 to YEN 60,000. month
• Electricity and Utility costs: YEN 10,000 to YEN 20,000/ month
• Internet and mobile phone costs: YEN 1,000 to YEN 1,500/ month
• Laundry cost: YEN 1,000 to YEN 2,000/ month
• Clothing and entertainment: YEN 5,000 to YEN 8,000/ month
• Stationary and academic expenses: YEN 10,000 to YEN 12,000/ month
• Travel cost (bus, metro, cab): YEN 10,000 to YEN 15,000/ month

Public Transportation Service in Tokyo

• Tokyo has an ultramodern and convenient public transport system. The Japanese technology in metro, rail, and automobiles is on par with global competitors. The city's rail network is primarily operated by JR East, Tokyo Metro, and Toei Subway. 
• The Yamanote Line, a circular route managed by JR East, connects major hubs like Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Tokyo Station. 
• Trains and subways typically run from 5:00 AM to around midnight, with peak hours during 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM and 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM on weekdays. 
• Complementing the rail system, Tokyo's buses reach areas less accessible by train. The Toei Bus network is extensive, and buses generally operate from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, though schedules can vary by route. 
• The Tokyo BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) system enhances connectivity between central Tokyo and the waterfront area, offering efficient transit options.  

Travelers can use IC cards like Suica and PASMO for convenient, cashless payments across trains, subways, and buses.  

Top 5 Tourist Attractions in Tokyo

Here are the top five tourist attractions in Tokyo for college students. 

1. Senso-ji Temple

Located in Asakusa, Senso-ji is Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple, founded in the 7th century. Visitors enter through the iconic Kaminarimon Gate, stroll along Nakamise Shopping Street, and reach the main hall, immersing themselves in Japan's rich spiritual heritage.  

2. Meiji Jingu Shrine

Nestled within a lush forested area near Harajuku Station, Meiji Jingu is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. The serene environment offers a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle and bustle, allowing visitors to experience traditional rituals and architecture.  

3. Tokyo Skytree 

Standing at 634 meters, Tokyo Skytree is the world's tallest tower. It features observation decks that provide panoramic views of the cityscape, a shopping complex, and an aquarium, making it a hub for entertainment and sightseeing.  

4. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

This expansive garden blends traditional Japanese, English, and French landscaping styles. It's a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing in spring and offers tranquil scenery year-round, providing a natural escape in the heart of Tokyo.  

5. The Imperial Palace

Situated on the former site of Edo Castle, the Imperial Palace is the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan. While the inner grounds are generally closed to the public, guided tours are available, and the surrounding East Gardens are open, showcasing historical structures and beautifully maintained landscapes. 

Universities in Tokyo

Tokyo is home to over 145 universities. These are institutes of academic excellence known for quality education and unique teaching style. Universities in Tokyo offer multiple dual-language programs in Japanese and English. Here are the top 3 universities in Tokyo.

Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech)

Tokyo Institue of Technology, or Tokyo Tech, is a public university in Meguro Metropolitan Area. Tokyo Tech has three campuses – Ookayama, Suzukakedai, and Tamachi. This globally recognized university offers full degree programs in science and engineering programs. It is ranked #84 in the QS World University List 2025. Students with 6.5 and above on their IELTS and 78+ on TOEFL can apply for undergraduate admission at Tokyo Tech.

University of Tokyo

The University of Tokyo is one of the most prestigious higher education institutions in Japan. The University is ranked #32 in the QS World University List 2025. What’s special about this university is that 15 out of 62 Japanese prime ministers were graduated from the University of Tokyo. The main campus is named Hongo campus. It occupies the former estate of the Maeda family. The other campuses of the university are Komada and Kashiwa Campus.

Waseda University

Waseda University is one of the top private institutes of higher education in Tokyo. The University has a total enrollment of 50,000 students in 13 undergraduate and 21 postgraduate departments. Waseda University is ranked #181 in the QS World University List 2024. This university has a total of eight campuses, with the main one in Shinjuku, Tokyo. It has an acceptance rate of only 17 per cent, making the admission process a little challenging. Admissions are offered in two intakes: September and April.