Accommodation
- Q: I applied for housing. When will I receive my housing assignment?
A: You will be assigned housing by the middle of September.
- Q: I plan to come to Japan by myself initially. My family will join me later. Can I apply for a Single Room now and then switch to a Family or Couple Room when my family arrives?
A: No. Leasing agreements are drawn up for a one year period, and room changes (e.g. from Single to Couple Room) are not permitted during the academic year. If you plan to bring your family, you have to choose a family room from the beginning. - Q: If my family visits me for a short period of time, can they stay with me in a Single Room?
A: No. The rule that only one person may stay in a Single Room in both GRIPS IH and TIEC is strictly adhered to. In the event of a family visit, you and your family are responsible for finding your accommodation. You may apply for the guest rooms in IH and TIEC. - Q: I was assigned a Single Room in IH and I will invite my parents for a short period of time. Can they stay in a Guest Room in the same residence hall?
A: Yes. IH residents and TIEC residents can apply for guest rooms, with the result depending on availability. As a rule, only family members of residents are eligible.
Accompanying Family
- Q: Why can’t I bring my family with me when I first come to Japan?
A: We require you to come to Japan by yourself at first, and then apply for visas for your family after you arrive in Japan. It takes a while to obtain a dependent visa, and during the waiting period, your family cannot apply for National Health Insurance. - Q: Can GRIPS assist me in getting visas for my family?
A: No. When you arrive in Japan you can apply for a Certificate of Eligibility at the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau on behalf of your family members. You should do your own document preparation and applications submission.
National Health Insurance (NHI)
- Q: Should I sign up for health insurance before arriving in Japan?
A: That is not necessary. You and your family members are required to sign up for Japanese National Health Insurance after arriving in Japan, for the duration of your studies, in accordance with Japan’s Health Insurance Law. - Q: How do I sign up for National Health Insurance (NHI)?
A: You must apply at the city office where you reside. The GRIPS Student Office will assist you with your application for NHI after you arrive in Japan. - Q: How does NHI work?
A: Your city office regularly sends you bills for your NHI fees; you can pay them at convenience stores. Under the NHI system, if you present your NHI card at any hospital or clinic, 70% of your medical costs will be covered.
Living Expenses
- Q: How much money should I bring to Japan, and in what currency?
A: You are advised to bring cash that can cover at least 1–2 months’ living expenses. Students who will receive scholarships through GRIPS should note carefully that even if they arrive in Japan at the beginning of October, they will not receive their first stipend until the end of October or the middle of November, depending on when their bank account in Japan is opened. - Q: How much are the approximate monthly living expenses for international students in Tokyo?
A: Cost of living depends on your lifestyle. The following is an example of monthly expenses for a single person in Tokyo.Item Cost (yen/per month) Accommodation/ rent 35,000 – 86,500 Utilities 8,000 – 15,000 Food 20,000 – 40,000 Transportation 8,000 – 15,000 Insurance (health, accident, property) 3,000 Books and study materials 5,000 Telephone & internet 5,000 – 10,000 Leisure & hobbies 20,000 Miscellaneous 20,000
Curriculum, Academic Resources, Graduation Requirements
- Q: Do I need to bring a PC to Japan?
A: During your time at GRIPS, you will need to use either your own PC or the shared PCs installed at GRIPS for your studies, including the writing of theses, and for administrative and educational procedures such as course registration. GRIPS recommends that you bring your own PC, either one purchased in your home country or one purchased in Japan right after your arrival. In either case, your PC must meet GRIPS' recommended specifications. If you purchase a new PC, we recommend one that offers global support.Note: Students are not allowed to use the shared PCs installed at GRIPS for long periods of time.
- Q: I would like to start preparing for courses before my arrival in Japan. Where can I find out more about the curriculum, individual courses, and textbooks being used?
A: Information about the curriculum and graduation requirements for each program can be found on the Master's/Doctoral Programs pages of the GRIPS website and in the GRIPS Bulletin. For more detailed information about individual courses, reading materials and such, please check the relevant GRIPS syllabus on the GRIPS website.
