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Exchange Students Report
Report by PANG HEE WEE, DESMOND

Report by PANG HEE WEE, DESMOND

An Exchange Students Point of View: Some Final Words

I am no longer in Hachioji, Tokyo.
My current location – Hakodate, the first stop of my next great journey in Japan.
Yesterday as I bided farewell to my friends and boarded the train towards Haneda Airport, I started to feel a sense of sadness and loss. It had been a great 4 months here in Hachioji and Soka University. I am truly grateful for all the friends and acquaintances I have met and thankful for all the help I had received. Being here in Japan and living on my own had been an amazing learning experience, and while I will not say ‘goodbye’ I will just say ‘till we meet again’ as I am very certain I will be back here again. This parting is only temporary. So thank you and see you soon.

SURVIVAL 101 FOR EXCHANGE STUDENTS: Travelling

Travelling around Hachioji, let alone Tokyo, on the public transport can be expensive. In this second and final part of the Survival 101 guide, we will look into what are the most economical ways of getting around and out of Tokyo. This only serves as a guide for those who are new to the transport system in Japan. More information can be research via the internet. Have a look and you may be able to get some information that is not available on the internet!

Bicycle: For travelling within Hachioji, the best method is by bicycle. Buying a bicycle is the most economical way to travel around Hachioji, be it to school, to the grocery stores or to the train station. One can purchase a brand new bicycle from Soka University’s Student Hall, or from some bicycle stores around town. Try asking the 残寮生 ‘zanryouseis’ for more information about where to get used bicycles. HIGHLY recommended to save that extra (thousands of) yen.

Bicycle:

For travelling within Hachioji, the best method is by bicycle. Buying a bicycle is the most economical way to travel around Hachioji, be it to school, to the grocery stores or to the train station. One can purchase a brand new bicycle from Soka University’s Student Hall, or from some bicycle stores around town. Try asking the 残寮生 ‘zanryouseis’ for more information about where to get used bicycles.
HIGHLY recommended to save that extra (thousands of) yen.

Buses: The bus system in Hachioji, or in Japan for that matter, works slightly differently from those in other countries. 　1) First of all, buses arrive at the bus stops at specified timings, thus checking the bus timings beforehand will be wise. 　2) Next, when the bus does arrive, aboard the bus from the back door and either tap your SUICA card on the card reader, or collect the ticket from the ticketing machine. Keep the ticket as you will need it later to pay for the bus fare. Printed on the ticket is the bus station number that you have boarded from. 　3) Before alighting check the display board at the front of the bus, where the bus driver is. The display board will show the different bus station numbers and the corresponding bus fare for the stations from which one has boarded the bus. 　4) For those who use the SUICA card, just tapping at the front door will suffice as the bus fare will be automatically be deducted. For those who took the ticket, prepare your bus fare as you have to pay the EXACT bus fare. Should you lack coins, you can change your 1000 yen bill into coins from a machine at the front of the bus. Do note that as the bus aisle is rather narrow and there is only one exit, a queue of commuters may line up right behind you as they wait (impatiently) for you to pay the correct bus fare. 　5) A one way trip from the train station to school or to one’s dormitory can easily cost 190-240yen (US$2 – $2.7). Note: SUICA card is a JR East prepaid IC card that allows one to ride trains without the need to purchase a ticket each time one rides the train. The card can be recharged and be used for an unlimited number of times. It can also be used on other railways, subways and buses in Greater Tokyo. It can also be used for shopping. HIGHLY recommended for easy and convenient travel. One can purchase the card from the JR East railway stations.

Buses:

The bus system in Hachioji, or in Japan for that matter, works slightly differently from those in other countries.

　1) First of all, buses arrive at the bus stops at specified timings, thus checking the bus timings beforehand will be wise.
　2) Next, when the bus does arrive, aboard the bus from the back door and either tap your SUICA card on the card reader, or collect the ticket from the ticketing machine. Keep the ticket as you will need it later to pay for the bus fare. Printed on the ticket is the bus station number that you have boarded from.
　3) Before alighting check the display board at the front of the bus, where the bus driver is. The display board will show the different bus station numbers and the corresponding bus fare for the stations from which one has boarded the bus.
　4) For those who use the SUICA card, just tapping at the front door will suffice as the bus fare will be automatically be deducted. For those who took the ticket, prepare your bus fare as you have to pay the EXACT bus fare. Should you lack coins, you can change your 1000 yen bill into coins from a machine at the front of the bus. Do note that as the bus aisle is rather narrow and there is only one exit, a queue of commuters may line up right behind you as they wait (impatiently) for you to pay the correct bus fare.
　5) A one way trip from the train station to school or to one’s dormitory can easily cost 190-240yen (US$2 – $2.7).

Note: SUICA card is a JR East prepaid IC card that allows one to ride trains without the need to purchase a ticket each time one rides the train. The card can be recharged and be used for an unlimited number of times. It can also be used on other railways, subways and buses in Greater Tokyo. It can also be used for shopping.
HIGHLY recommended for easy and convenient travel. One can purchase the card from the JR East railway stations.

Trains: For those who like to do some exploring and travelling within Tokyo, and cannot seem to figure out the train system, here is some information that may be of some help! In Tokyo the trains are divided into mainly the JR (Japan Railways) trains, the Tokyo subways and a few private lines. What you need to know: 　• The train system is like a game, the objective to get to your destination in the shortest time and cheapest way. The system interlinked with JR lines, subways and private lines is actually a very efficient one, once you figure out how to use it. 　• As mentioned above, getting to your destination is pretty straight forward; in fact, there are probably a number of options to get to there, the problem lies in the time spent and ticket fare. 　• There are many useful signs and directions in English, so keep a look out for those. 　• Beware of commuters who always seem to be hustling to board the train or toward the exits. Just take your time to find your way and you should be fine. Following the crowd does not usually lead you to the exit you want to be. 　• The JR lines are different from subway lines, which means sometimes you have to exit JR lines and then enter the gate of the subway stations. 　• At each railway track there will be a sign to show where the train is heading towards. Read carefully so as to avoid boarding the wrong train! 　• When buying train tickets: 　　i) At the ticket machine counter, there will be a display board of the different stations and the ticket fares. 　　ii) Find your destination and look out for the ticket fare price. 　　iii) At the ticket machine, select the correct ticket fare price. 　　iv) Keep the ticket with you after you have entered through the gateway as you will need it to exit. However, upon exiting, the ticket will not be returned as the gateway machine will recollect the used train ticket. 　　v) SUICA card is recommended if you want to avoid the hassle of buying train tickets 　• Here is a good site to refer to when planning your trip: http://www.jorudan.co.jp/english/norikae/ 　• If you would like to do some serious travelling, there are a number of 1 day passes and rail passes available from the ticketing machine at the train stations. 　　a) Beware that 1 day passes for subway lines can only be used for subways and not interchangeably for the JR lines. 　　b) Be sure to check the fares from the given website above to check if you really need the 1 day passes. 1 day passes do not necessarily mean you are spending lesser for transport. 　　c) For more information about the passes, check out the site: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2017.html (scroll down to the part on “Special Tickets”.) 　　d) A special ticket that allows for unlimited nationwide travel is the Seishun Juhachi Kippu. For more information, check out the site: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2362.html 　• If you do not know by now, the “新幹線” (shin-kan-sen) is very different from the regular commuter trains in Tokyo. Tickets have to be bought separately from the green JR Shinkansen ticketing counter. Do not expect regular commuter trains to look as slick as those images of ‘shin-kan-sen’. For those who are interested in buying the shinkansen tickets, do note that it can be quite costly. However, student discounts, also known as “学割” (gaku-wari) are available. They can be obtained from the school’s Student Affairs Center in A 棟.

Trains:

For those who like to do some exploring and travelling within Tokyo, and cannot seem to figure out the train system, here is some information that may be of some help! In Tokyo the trains are divided into mainly the JR (Japan Railways) trains, the Tokyo subways and a few private lines.

What you need to know:
　• The train system is like a game, the objective to get to your destination in the shortest time and cheapest way. The system interlinked with JR lines, subways and private lines is actually a very efficient one, once you figure out how to use it.
　• As mentioned above, getting to your destination is pretty straight forward; in fact, there are probably a number of options to get to there, the problem lies in the time spent and ticket fare.
　• There are many useful signs and directions in English, so keep a look out for those.
　• Beware of commuters who always seem to be hustling to board the train or toward the exits. Just take your time to find your way and you should be fine. Following the crowd does not usually lead you to the exit you want to be.
　• The JR lines are different from subway lines, which means sometimes you have to exit JR lines and then enter the gate of the subway stations.
　• At each railway track there will be a sign to show where the train is heading towards. Read carefully so as to avoid boarding the wrong train!
　• When buying train tickets:
　　i) At the ticket machine counter, there will be a display board of the different stations and the ticket fares.
　　ii) Find your destination and look out for the ticket fare price.
　　iii) At the ticket machine, select the correct ticket fare price.
　　iv) Keep the ticket with you after you have entered through the gateway as you will need it to exit. However, upon exiting, the ticket will not be returned as the gateway machine will recollect the used train ticket.
　　v) SUICA card is recommended if you want to avoid the hassle of buying train tickets
　• Here is a good site to refer to when planning your trip: http://www.jorudan.co.jp/english/norikae/
　• If you would like to do some serious travelling, there are a number of 1 day passes and rail passes available from the ticketing machine at the train stations.
　　a) Beware that 1 day passes for subway lines can only be used for subways and not interchangeably for the JR lines.
　　b) Be sure to check the fares from the given website above to check if you really need the 1 day passes. 1 day passes do not necessarily mean you are spending lesser for transport.
　　c) For more information about the passes, check out the site: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2017.html
(scroll down to the part on “Special Tickets”.)
　　d) A special ticket that allows for unlimited nationwide travel is the Seishun Juhachi Kippu. For more information, check out the site: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2362.html
　• If you do not know by now, the “新幹線” (shin-kan-sen) is very different from the regular commuter trains in Tokyo. Tickets have to be bought separately from the green JR Shinkansen ticketing counter. Do not expect regular commuter trains to look as slick as those images of ‘shin-kan-sen’.
For those who are interested in buying the shinkansen tickets, do note that it can be quite costly. However, student discounts, also known as “学割” (gaku-wari) are available. They can be obtained from the school’s Student Affairs Center in A 棟.

Flights: Flying might be the most economical way of travelling for those who would like to travel out of Tokyo during school breaks. Though slightly expensive, but not so compared to that of shinkansen, one can obtain relatively cheap airfares if the reservation is made 2 months before. Below are 2 websites of the airlines offering relatively affordable domestic flights. Note that domestic flights depart Tokyo from Haneda airport. 　1) Skymark Airlines: http://www.skymark.jp/ja/ 　2) ANA (All Nippon Airways): http://www.ana.co.jp/asw/index.jsp?type=e And there you have it – the essential travelling guide. Proper planning is essential especially for those who would like to travel out of Tokyo. Doing so will save you huge amount of money and hassles! I wish you all the best wherever you plan to head to. Bon voyage!

Flights:

Flying might be the most economical way of travelling for those who would like to travel out of Tokyo during school breaks. Though slightly expensive, but not so compared to that of shinkansen, one can obtain relatively cheap airfares if the reservation is made 2 months before. Below are 2 websites of the airlines offering relatively affordable domestic flights. Note that domestic flights depart Tokyo from Haneda airport.

　1) Skymark Airlines: http://www.skymark.jp/ja/
　2) ANA (All Nippon Airways): http://www.ana.co.jp/asw/index.jsp?type=e

And there you have it – the essential travelling guide. Proper planning is essential especially for those who would like to travel out of Tokyo. Doing so will save you huge amount of money and hassles! I wish you all the best wherever you plan to head to. Bon voyage!

SURVIVAL 101 FOR EXCHANGE STUDENTS: Grocery Shopping

For anyone looking for alternative ways to save some money on meals, preparing and cooking your own meals is the way to go. Quite a number of foreign exchange students cook their own meals and pack them in small bento boxes. And do not worry about not being able to cook. Almost everyone here learns to cook sooner or later as it an essential survival skill! While it is impossible for us to impart our cooking skills through the internet (or rather via this short write up), we can however, share some tips and information on where to get your groceries.

Below is a list of recommended places most students go to get their weekly grocery supplies. Be sure to check them out to get the best bargains! (Note: Having a bicycle as a means of transport is recommended.)

1. Daiei Located near Hachioji JR station, and easily accessible by bus, this supermarket, spanning a total of 6 stories, is probably the largest one located in Hachioji. It has everything that you possibly need, from toiletries to clothes to groceries, all at a reasonable price too. Groceries are sold at the B1 level. Opened 24hrs daily. Cheapest item: Sliced bread (4, 6 and 8 slices) selling at 98 yen per packet. There is also a shelf selling snacks at 98 yen. Recommended item: Look out for the “おいしくたべたい” (oishiku tabetai) brand that is only specific to Daiei. Cereals are sold at 198 yen for 200g, probably one of the cheapest prices you can get for cereals here. At 148 yen per carton, this brand’s milk ranks number 2 in terms of the cheapest price. Note: On Thursdays, prices of vegetables are discounted. Also on certain days, a large variety of sweet breads (from melon bread to chocolate bread to Danish bread) are sold at 98 yen each. The Japanese love their sweet breads, so be sure to try them out!

1. Daiei

Located near Hachioji JR station, and easily accessible by bus, this supermarket, spanning a total of 6 stories, is probably the largest one located in Hachioji. It has everything that you possibly need, from toiletries to clothes to groceries, all at a reasonable price too. Groceries are sold at the B1 level. Opened 24hrs daily.

Cheapest item:
Sliced bread (4, 6 and 8 slices) selling at 98 yen per packet.
There is also a shelf selling snacks at 98 yen.

Recommended item:
Look out for the “おいしくたべたい” (oishiku tabetai) brand that is only specific to Daiei. Cereals are sold at 198 yen for 200g, probably one of the cheapest prices you can get for cereals here. At 148 yen per carton, this brand’s milk ranks number 2 in terms of the cheapest price.

Note:
On Thursdays, prices of vegetables are discounted. Also on certain days, a large variety of sweet breads (from melon bread to chocolate bread to Danish bread) are sold at 98 yen each. The Japanese love their sweet breads, so be sure to try them out!

2. Gyoumu supermarket (業務スーパー) For anyone who loves meat (frozen chicken to pork to beef), this is the place to get them. The only catch is that it is relatively far compared to the other places on this list and one may have difficulty locating it on the first try. However getting there is possible by bus or bike. Be sure to ask around for some directions before heading off. Besides meat, spaghetti, sauces and condiments, vegetables (slightly cheaper than Inageya and Alps), frozen fish, frozen hamburgers, meat balls, nuggets, drinks etc. are also sold. Cheapest item: A packet of spaghetti (500g) for 78 yen. Sliced bread (6 and 8 slices) for 78 yen per packet. Recommended item: Cheap and delicious jams as well as sliced cheese (cheapest you can find in Hachioji). Milk carton at 158 yen each, ranks number 3 in terms of the cheapest price. Note: Selection of fruits is limited. Check out Daiei, Inageya and Alps for fruits.

2. Gyoumu supermarket (業務スーパー)

For anyone who loves meat (frozen chicken to pork to beef), this is the place to get them. The only catch is that it is relatively far compared to the other places on this list and one may have difficulty locating it on the first try. However getting there is possible by bus or bike. Be sure to ask around for some directions before heading off.
Besides meat, spaghetti, sauces and condiments, vegetables (slightly cheaper than Inageya and Alps), frozen fish, frozen hamburgers, meat balls, nuggets, drinks etc. are also sold.

Cheapest item:
A packet of spaghetti (500g) for 78 yen.
Sliced bread (6 and 8 slices) for 78 yen per packet.

Recommended item:
Cheap and delicious jams as well as sliced cheese (cheapest you can find in Hachioji).
Milk carton at 158 yen each, ranks number 3 in terms of the cheapest price.

Note:
Selection of fruits is limited. Check out Daiei, Inageya and Alps for fruits.

3. Inageya and Alps There are two different Alps supermarket located around the vicinity of Soka University. The first is near Soka University while the second is located somewhere closer to the female-only Cosmos Dormitory. The latter is also just a short walk from Inageya, another supermarket. So do check both of them out while you are there. Both supermarkets essentially carry the same items as Daiei, although prices may vary (more often than not, they are slightly more expensive than Daiei). Both Inageya and Alps are within walking distance from Cosmos dormitory and Hoyu dormitory. Note: On Monday nights, prices at Inageya get discounted. Rice sold here is the cheapest amongst the supermarkets mentioned.

3. Inageya and Alps

There are two different Alps supermarket located around the vicinity of Soka University. The first is near Soka University while the second is located somewhere closer to the female-only Cosmos Dormitory. The latter is also just a short walk from Inageya, another supermarket. So do check both of them out while you are there. Both supermarkets essentially carry the same items as Daiei, although prices may vary (more often than not, they are slightly more expensive than Daiei). Both Inageya and Alps are within walking distance from Cosmos dormitory and Hoyu dormitory.

Note:
On Monday nights, prices at Inageya get discounted. Rice sold here is the cheapest amongst the supermarkets mentioned.

4. Lawson 100 yen store The name says it all. Located near Hachioji train station, this store is a branch of the ubiquitous Lawson convenience store franchise chain. All items, with the exception of a few that are marked at special prices, are sold at 100 yen (105 yen when tax is included). Opened 24hrs daily. Cheapest item: Milk carton here is the cheapest at 105 yen, and ranks number 1 in terms of the cheapest price. Do take note that they are out of stock sometimes!

4. Lawson 100 yen store

The name says it all. Located near Hachioji train station, this store is a branch of the ubiquitous Lawson convenience store franchise chain. All items, with the exception of a few that are marked at special prices, are sold at 100 yen (105 yen when tax is included). Opened 24hrs daily.

Cheapest item:
Milk carton here is the cheapest at 105 yen, and ranks number 1 in terms of the cheapest price.
Do take note that they are out of stock sometimes!

The mentioned groceries places are just a few of the many stores located in Hachioji. Having a bicycle will be advantageous as one can explore the area for hidden cheap grocery shopping spots. Be sure to ask around from seniors or some of the exchange students who have been here a semester earlier. They should have a few places to recommend. Have a great time grocery shopping!

welcome to the dormitory!!!

That will be the first thing you will hear as you take your first step into the dormitory. Students, Japanese seniors and freshmen, together with the other foreign exchange students who have came and settled in just before your arrival, will be there to give you a very warm welcome. And I do mean a very very warm welcome. Being the first male exchange undergraduate from my university, I have absolutely no idea what to expect as I took my first step into Hoyu Dormitory (the only Soka University dormitory that houses the male foreign exchange students.) I was greeted by a rousing group of students who after having welcomed me through the front doors of the dormitory, proceed to bring my very heavy luggage up to my room. I was truly overwhelmed by their hospitality. And that is not all the dormitory has to offer.

That will be the first thing you will hear as you take your first step into the dormitory. Students, Japanese seniors and freshmen, together with the other foreign exchange students who have came and settled in just before your arrival, will be there to give you a very warm welcome. And I do mean a very very warm welcome.
Being the first male exchange undergraduate from my university, I have absolutely no idea what to expect as I took my first step into Hoyu Dormitory (the only Soka University dormitory that houses the male foreign exchange students.) I was greeted by a rousing group of students who after having welcomed me through the front doors of the dormitory, proceed to bring my very heavy luggage up to my room. I was truly overwhelmed by their hospitality. And that is not all the dormitory has to offer.

Having so many Japanese students around you, the dormitory is an exceptionally conducive environment for one to practise and improve one’s Japanese language. Even the foreign students who are here try their best to speak the language while in the dormitory. Should you have any problems, feel free to ask for help from the senior Japanese students, known as “残寮生” (zan-ryou-sei) literally ‘a student who remains living in the dormitory’, a term that is perhaps only specific to the Soka University dormitory. It is the responsibility of the ‘zanryouseis’ to ensure that the foreign exchange students as well as the freshmen are well-adjusted to the dormitory.

	Twice a week, there will be mass cleaning in the dormitory known as “掃除” (sou-ji). Besides vacuuming the floors and washing the dishes, students also have to dispose garbage that has been collected over the past few days. Probably the one thing most foreign students have a hard time getting used to, the fact that one has to separate their garbage according to these categories: plastics, pet bottles, combustible and incombustible waste. Each specific garbage category has a disposal bin. Before one throws away the rubbish, do make sure the waste goes into the right disposal bin. When in doubt, feel free to ask the ‘zanryouseis’. Cleaning itself is not a lot of work and as long as everyone helps out, it will be over in no time. Also it is a great time for everyone to gather and help keep the place clean!

Twice a week, there will be mass cleaning in the dormitory known as “掃除” (sou-ji). Besides vacuuming the floors and washing the dishes, students also have to dispose garbage that has been collected over the past few days. Probably the one thing most foreign students have a hard time getting used to, the fact that one has to separate their garbage according to these categories: plastics, pet bottles, combustible and incombustible waste. Each specific garbage category has a disposal bin. Before one throws away the rubbish, do make sure the waste goes into the right disposal bin. When in doubt, feel free to ask the ‘zanryouseis’. Cleaning itself is not a lot of work and as long as everyone helps out, it will be over in no time. Also it is a great time for everyone to gather and help keep the place clean!

Some other information one should note about dormitory life: 1) Males share a room with one roommate, whereas the girls (housed in either Cosmos or Sunflower dormitory) have their own separate rooms. 2) Hoyu dormitory has a small cafeteria catered to the students, serving breakfast and dinner for a reasonably priced sum. 3) Strange but true: there are specific times for showering, and entering the “お風呂” (ofuro), the traditional Japanese bathing area. Times for male and female dormitories differ, but usually they are in the morning from 7am-10am and night 7pm-1am. 4) Females’ dormitory life is vastly different from males’. Besides curfew, rules are slightly stricter for the safety of the female students. 5) Also interesting to note: Almost all Japanese living in the dormitory has a nickname, one that has no relation to their personal names or personalities.

Some other information one should note about dormitory life:
1) Males share a room with one roommate, whereas the girls (housed in either Cosmos or Sunflower dormitory) have their own separate rooms.
2) Hoyu dormitory has a small cafeteria catered to the students, serving breakfast and dinner for a reasonably priced sum.
3) Strange but true: there are specific times for showering, and entering the “お風呂” (ofuro), the traditional Japanese bathing area. Times for male and female dormitories differ, but usually they are in the morning from 7am-10am and night 7pm-1am.
4) Females’ dormitory life is vastly different from males’. Besides curfew, rules are slightly stricter for the safety of the female students.
5) Also interesting to note: Almost all Japanese living in the dormitory has a nickname, one that has no relation to their personal names or personalities.

INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE

Exchange Students Report

Report by PANG HEE WEE, DESMOND

Report by PANG HEE WEE, DESMOND

An Exchange Students Point of View: Some Final Words

SURVIVAL 101 FOR EXCHANGE STUDENTS: Travelling

Bicycle:

Buses:

Trains:

Flights:

SURVIVAL 101 FOR EXCHANGE STUDENTS: Grocery Shopping

1. Daiei

2. Gyoumu supermarket (業務スーパー)

3. Inageya and Alps

4. Lawson 100 yen store

welcome to the dormitory!!!