!!IMPORTANT!!

1. If you come to Japan and are going to attend a university, get a nice business suit!! Preferably in black. [Link]

2. The pictures you send to the school for Certificate of Eligibility is also the picture that is used for your student ID!! Make sure it’s a good picture!! [Link]

About the dorms:

1. You are provided with a desk, a wardrobe, and a couple of storage places [1] [2]. You also have a bed with two large drawers underneath, and bedding. (pictures will be provided later)

2. Before you go out to buy miscellaneous stuff you need (e.g. trashcan, extra storage, etc.), ask senpai (older students) and student support leaders if there are any freebies. Most likely, most of what you need you can get for free.

3. Whatever else you need, go to the Hyaku en (dollar store) first! There are several dollar stores in the area, all within walking distance.

4. You will need slippers that have not been outside at all. These slippers are your indoor slippers that you will walk around in. You can pick some up at the dollar store (Hyakyu en store).

Here is a list of things I needed when I came here:

• Trashcan**
• Ethernet cord
• Plug for laptop (three prong outlet)
• Clock x2 (one for Japan time, one for US time. *PLEASE NOTE* Back-lit digital clocks (i.e. clocks that you can see in the dark) are AT LEAST $20 here in Japan. If you want one, bring one from the U.S.!)
• Laundry Soap
• Laundry Basket**
• Cups/Glasses**
• Hangers**
• Slippers
• Tape
• Soft Pillow (you are provided with a VERY firm pillow)
• Scissors
• Shelves
• Tissues
• Magnets (or pushpins – Note: You have a corkboard in the room. The dorm prefers that you do not put holes in the walls).
• Extension Cord
• Hand towel (for use when washing hands both in dorm and also in public places. Also note that when you go to public bathrooms, there are not any paper towels for you to use!)

**Denotes that you can possibly get for free if you ask a dorm leader.

More to come as the year goes along…