慶應義塾大学塾生サイト Keio University Student Website
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Information for International Students

This website provides useful information for international students studying at Keio University Shonan Fujisawa Campus. Information on living in Japan and basic information about studying at Keio University can also be found on the Keio University International Center website linked below. Please use the site in conjunction with the information found here.


Shonan Fujisawa Campus (SFC)

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Access to Shonan Fujisawa Campus (SFC)

Please refer to the document below. Click to see the PDF version.


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How to ride a bus between Shonandai Station and SFC

Bus stops

Buses for Keio University depart from Bus Stop #1, at the West B Exit of Shonandai Station. The following bus routes are bound for Keio University:


  • Sho23 [湘23] bound for Keio University [慶応大学]
  • Sho24 [湘24] bound for Keio University [慶応大学] via Sasakubo [笹久保]
  • Sho25 [湘25] express (Twin Liner) bound for Keio University [慶応大学]

It takes approximately 15-20 minutes to reach the campus. Bus fare is 210 yen.


Within the campus, buses will stop at:


  • Daigaku [慶応大学] (Bus Stop A on the campus map; closest to the Faculty of Nursing and Medical Care Building)
  • Keio Daigaku Honkan-mae [慶応大学本館前] (Bus Stop B on the campus map)
  • Keio Chukotobu-mae [慶応中高等部前] (Bus Stop D on the campus map; closest to Keio Shonan Fujisawa Junior and Senior High School)

Note: Buses do not stop at Keio Daigaku Honkan-mae [慶応大学本館前] and Keio Chukotobu-mae [慶応中高等部前] on Sundays and holidays.


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Instructions and notes

  1. Most of the bus drivers do not speak or understand English.
  2. Check the destination of the bus written on the front and the side of the bus. Since all instructions are written in Japanese, please check with the driver or other co-passengers about your destination.
  3. If you are heading toward Keio University, you should pay the fare when getting off.
  4. If you are heading toward Shonandai Station, you should pay the fare when getting on. When you get off a bus at any stop other than the last you have to give the driver the name of the stop you want to get off at before paying the fare. (Note: Shonandai-eki Nishi-guchi [湘南台駅西口] is the last stop.)
  5. Announcements on the bus are in Japanese only. The announcement sometimes includes commercials besides announcements of destinations and the next bus stop, so please listen carefully.
  6. The next bus stop and fare will be shown on the electric bulletin board inside the bus. However the name of the bus stop will be displayed only in Japanese.
  7. When you wish to get off the bus, let the bus driver know by pressing a button found on the sides or poles. When you press it, it will light up and make a buzzing sound. Only press the button after your intended bus stop has been announced. The button will light up in red. If no one presses the button, the bus will not stop.
  8. <If paying in cash>
    It is highly recommended that you have the exact fare ready before boarding the bus. You will not get any change back if you drop more than your fare into the fare box. You can also change 1,000 yen bill, 500 yen coin and 100 yen coin into smaller denominations by putting them in the change machine next to the fare box. Please change the money before you drop it in the fare box.

    <If paying with Suica/PASMO>
    It is highly recommended that you always have enough money charged on your Suica/PASMO* card.
    *Please refer to the link below for further information on Suica and PASMO.

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Housing Information

Since there is currently no on-campus housing available at SFC, many of the SFC international students live in apartments or privately-owned student dormitories/halls located near the campus. It is possible to apply to live in Keio University dormitories, but they are all located more than an hour away from SFC.



How to find housing near SFC

If you want to live near SFC, you will need to find an apartment or a privately-owned student dormitory/hall on your own.

It is highly recommended to start searching housing information and contacting realtors or companies that own student dormitories/halls before coming to Japan.



Finding an apartment

There are several English-speaking realtors near Shonandai Station as listed below. Some of their websites are available only in Japanese, but they have staff members who will be able to assist you in English.


If you want to obtain apartment information from the realtors listed below, please fill in the "Request Form for Housing Referral" below, and send it to the SFC Student Life Section via email. SFC Student Life Section will forward the request form to all of the realtors below, and you will be contacted by a realtors if there are apartments that satisfy your specifications. Alternatively, you may also contact a realtor directly.



SFC Student Life Section: sfc-housing(*)adst.keio.ac.jp
please replace (*) with @ to send an email


List of realtors located near Shonandai Station


email: s-syonandai@housemate.co.jp


email: shonandai@minimini.jp
Leopalace 21: For International Students
*English website available


email:ryugakusei@able.co.jp
*English, Chinese and Korean available


Note

Please note that when students seek private housing in Japan, they will usually be required to have a "guarantor." It becomes the guarantor's responsibility to pay the rent on behalf of the tenant if they become unable to do so. Usually students are also required to pay a rental deposit, key money and a real estate commission. This means, essentially, that students need to prepare at least 6 months rent in advance to be able to move in.


If you do not have any acquaintances (relateves, friends) to ask for your housing guarantor, Keio University can be your guarantor instead.


Please refer to the following website for more information.




Finding student dormitories/halls

If you want to live in a student dormitory/hall near SFC (Shonandai, Chogo, Totsuka, Kozashibuya, Sagamiono, etc.), please contact Kyoritsu Maintenance below for housing information.


Below is also information on student domitory/hall open to international students.



Living in Keio University dormitories

Please refer to the International Center website below for information on applying to the Keio University dormitories. Since the number of available rooms in the University dormitories is limited, all applicants may not be accomodated. Also, please note that all the University dormitories are more than an hour away from SFC.



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Scholarship Information

The application procedure for the scholarships available at Keio University differs for Japanese and international students.


International students whose status of residence is "Student" （留学）

International students with a status of residence of "Student" who wish to apply for scholarships through Keio University must complete Scholarship Initial Registration at the beginning of each semester. The process for Scholarship Initial Registration will be completed when students submit the "Initial Registration Form" and other required documents. Please note that there is a registration period at the beginning of each semester and the deadline must be observed.

Please refer to the International Center website below for further information.



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Please refer to the webpage of International Center below to find the list of scholarships. Most information on the webpage is in Japanese but please look for the "＊" mark for a scholarship open to students without Japanese language competency. (To apply to other scholarships on the list, students need to conduct all application procedures in Japanese, which include reading and understanding of the materials, filling in application forms and being interviewed.)


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Students whose nationality is Japanese/ whose status of residence is NOT "Student" （留学）

Scholarship information for students whose nationality is Japanese (including students who have dual nationality), or whose status of residence is "Permanent Resident" （永住者） or "Spouse or Child of Japanese National" （日本人の配偶者等） etc is on the webpage below.


When students who have the status listed above wish to apply for any of the scholarships provided by Keio University, they are required to conduct all application procedures in Japanese, which include reading and understanding of the materials, filling in application forms and being interviewed.


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Living Guide for International Students at SFC

State of Residence, Resident Card, and Residency Management System

All foreign nationals entering and staying in Japan are given a status of residence at their port of entry, and are allowed to engage in activities permitted under that status of residence. Your period of stay in Japan is determined by your status of residence.


Please read through the "International Student Handbook" issued by the International Center and Immigration Bureau website below to understand your status of residence and the resident card you receive as well as necessary notification procedures.



Important Notice

If you fail to carry out necessary notification procedures, you may be sentenced to a fine of up to 200,000 yen. If you submit a false notification you may be sentenced for up to one year of imprisonment or a fine of up to 200,000 yen. If you fail to give notification of your address or submit a false notification, your status of residence may be revoked. If you are sentenced to imprisonment for false notification you may be deported.


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Activities Not Permitted Under "Student" Status of Residence (Part-time Work)

Students who hold "Student" status of residence are allowed to stay in Japan only for study and research purposes. Therefore, you are not allowed to work under "Student" status. If you wish to engage in secondary activities aside from your studies, such as a part-time job, you must obtain a permit from the Immigration Bureau beforehand.


Please refer to the "International Student Handbook" (P. 6) issued by the International Center for further information.



Opening a Bank Account or Japan Post Bank Account

Opening a bank account as early as possible after arriving in Japan is recommended since most scholarship payments will be made via direct deposit. Keio University will also make a transfer to your bank account when necessary.
It is also possible to open a Japan Post Bank account (savings account at a post office), but please beware that Keio University cannot make transfers to students' Japan Post Bank accounts.


Generally, you will need your resident card (or certificate of alien registration if applicable), your student ID card and a personal name seal (inkan, if you have one) to open an account. Confirm in advance as requirements differ according to financial institutions and the post office.


Please see the link below to find the nearst bank and post office from SFC.




Other Necessary Information for Life in Japan


Student Commuter Passes, Post Office, Electricity, etc.



Garbage Disposal in Your Neighborhood

In Japan, there are many precise rules regarding garbage disposal, including dividing types of garbage, collection days, and location. Rules differ by municipal area, so please check your local municipal website for details.


If you live in a student dormitory or hall, follow the rules outlined there.


Garbage disposal rules for areas near SFC can be found below.


Other useful links for information on living in Japan


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Health Care Information

National Health Insurance (NHI or Kokuho)

International students who plan to stay in Japan for over three months are required to join the National Health Insurance (NHI or Kokuho) system. Registration at the NHI section of your local municipal office must be completed within fourteen days of moving into your place of residence.

NHI is one of the health insurance systems in Japan that allows the person insured to receive medical care with less financial concern when ill or injured by sharing the medical care expenses between national or local government and the person insured. With NHI, approximately 70% of your medical expenses will be covered when you receive treatment at hospitals or clinics that are NHI medical service providers (most hospitals in Japan accept NHI). You pay the other 30%. NHI does not cover expenses for cosmetic surgery, orthodontics, and normal childbirth, etc.


Please note that it is not necessary to join NHI if you already belong to Employee's Health Insurance as a dependent of a Japanese national civil servant or municipal civil servant, an employee of a Japanese company, etc. (Overseas medical insurance is not accepted.)


For more information, see the website of your local municipal office and the Keio International website.


See page 15 for the National Health Insurance information



Wellness Center (Health Center and Student Counseling)

Students at SFC may receive medical treatment and counseling at the Wellness Center located in the A building on campus.


The Wellness Center was established to improve the physical and mental health of students, faculty members, and the administrative staff at Keio University SFC. It is equipped to handle temporary conditions like colds and coughs as well as chronic conditions like hypertension. Physicians, nurses, and public health nurses are available for examination, medication, and treatment (including first aid). Counseling on academic, career, personal, and social issues is also available.


Medical consultation and counseling are available in English. See the SFC Guide (distributed at time of enrollment) for details.


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Student Counseling

Counselors are available to listen to and give advice about any problems you may have on campus or in your personal life. Your privacy will be protected and all consultation will be kept strictly confidential.


For further information, please refer to the PDF file below.




In Case of Sickness or Injury on Campus

Wellness Center (weekdays, 9:00 - 17:30)

Contact the Wellness Center (extension 52201 or 52207, or 0466‐49‐3411). Wellness Center staff will handle the following procedures; make calls to the hospital, make calls for the ambulance or taxi, replace the patient to the Center, provide first-aid until the ambulance or taxi arrives, follow-up after the treatment has been done, and keep a record of the incident. Wellness Center is located on the second floor of the Alpha Building.


Shonan Fujisawa Clinic (weekdays)

Medical checkup is available during Mondays and Fridays. For details, please refer to the Keio University Health Center Shonan Fujisawa Branchwebsite (available in Japanese). Shonan Fujisawa Clinic is located inside the Wellness Center.



During night time, Holidays, and outside of Wellness Center Office Hours

Call the Security (extension 52190 or 52191, or 0466-45-5114). Security staff will handle the following procedures; make calls for the ambulance, lead the ambulance to where the patient is located, check and keep a record of the patient's ID, call the police if necessary, and provide basic first-aid.


Hospitals located near the Keio SFC


Medical clinics offering treatment in languages other than Japanese near SFC
There are several medical clinics near SFC offering treatment in languages other than Japanese. Some of them require appointments and others have consulting schedules according to language. Please check the websites of medical clinics for details. All the clinics below do not have English websites, so it is recommended you make inquiries by phone.


Fujisawa Honmachi Family Clinic

Medical treatment in English available
TEL 0466-80-5815
Fujisawa Honmachi Family Clinic


Kobayashi International Clinic

Medical treatment in English, Korean, Filipino, Thai, Spanish, and Vietnamese available. Schedule differs by language, so please check the website
TEL 046-263-1380


Fujisawa City Hospital

Possible to request a volunteer interpreter for Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, English, French, and Italian. Appointment necessary. This hospital accepts new patients by referral. New patients without a referral will be charged 2,940 yen.Please note that referrals can be obtained at the Health Center on campus. (Medical examination fee will be charged). TEL 0466-25-3111



Telephone consultation regarding medical matters in languages other than Japanese

AMDA International Medical Information Center

AMDA International Medical Information Center, a private, nonprofit organization, offers free telephone consultation in English, Chinese, Spanish, Korean, Thai, Portuguese, Filipino, and Vietnamese. They can provide information on clinics and physicians that offer services in the patient's language as well as information on the medical system in Japan. They also provide free telephone interpretation during medical examinations. Hours for services differ according to language, so check the website for details.
TEL 03-5258-8088


Campus Vicinity Information

Accommodation near SFC

Below are two hotels located near Keio University Shonan Fujisawa Campus.


Sotetsu Fresa Inn Fujisawa Shonandai




TEL 0466-41-2031


Shonandai Daiichi Hotel




TEL 0466-45-7200



Bank / Post Office

The closest bank to SFC is the Keio University Branch of Suruga Bank. There is also a Suruga Bank ATM on campus. There is a post office (Fujisawa Keio-mae branch) just outside of the campus.


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Japanese webpage only


Japanese webpage only


Banks near SFC that handle foreign currency exchange
The two banks below located near Shonandai station handle foreign currency exchange.


Japanese webpage only


Japanese webpage only



International Student Support

For further information, please contact the Student Life Section below.


Student Life Section
Keio University Shonan Fujisawa Campus
Address: 5322 Endo, Fujisawa-shi, Kanagawa 252-0882 Japan
Telephone: +81-466-49-3408
E-mail: sl(*)sfc.keio.ac.jp
please replace (*) with @ to send an email


Office Hour:
Weekdays 9:15 a.m. - 4:50 p.m.
Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays and holidays set by Keio


Supports for International Students

  1. Response measures to COVID-19
  2. Visa and Residence Card
  3. Before coming to Japan
  4. After arriving in Japan
  5. Student support at SFC