Posted February 18, 2025 by UTS Think Global Global Exchange

Chuo University, Japan

Study life

I am currently an exchange student at Chuo University in Tokyo, Japan where I am studying law. I am doing 6 law subjects, which is the equivalent of 18 UTS credit points, as well as 2 Japanese language classes. All these law subjects are taught in English, and I have done around five weeks of uni so far, and I can confidently say that the workload for each law subject is less than a UTS law subject. Another difference between UTS and Chuo University is that a lot of the subjects prioritise attendance as a big part of your final grade, but it is still ok to miss around 2-3 classes if you want to travel around Japan. The law campus is in Myogadani (which is more central Tokyo) and it is about an hour’s commute from my dorm in Seiseki-Sakuragoaka – but I don’t mind it.

The Japanese language class were an extra option, but I think it is important to try and learn the language of the country you will be living in. It is also really fun to learn Japanese in class and then be surrounded by opportunities to practice it! I arrived in Japan with a beginner level in Japanese, and I can already feel so much improvement even with the short time I have been. The Japanese classes are on the main campus, which is in Tama (west of Tokyo), which is so great because I have an excuse to go to the cafeteria which has four levels of super cheap and delicious food! The law campus reminds me a lot of UTS as it is a singular building in the city, but it is newly built so all of the facilities are really nice.

Community

I have become close with the other exchange students who live in my dorm, and we have a great group of Japanese students who arrange lots of fun activities and hangouts with everyone, so I never feel lonely or isolated. I really recommend the Seiseki-Sakuragoaka dorm if you are looking to study law here at Chuo as it cuts down 20 minutes of travel time to the campus, and it is also just a lovely place to stay as you get your own space but also has lots of opportunities to join in with everyone else in the building. Recently, I went to a Kyogen at the National Noh Theatre. A kyogen is a traditional type of Japanese theatre and it was really fascinating. I have also explored a lot around Tokyo and done plenty of day trips on my free days to awesome natural places like Lake Okutama. There are also plenty of exchange students in all of my law classes, so we often make plans for the weekend to go shopping or to go out in Shibuya (which is a really fun place to party). In November, I will be doing a trip to Kyushuu with 7 other people from my dorm! It will be so much fun and I am so grateful that everyone I have met are so lovely and super down to explore Japan.

So far, I have really enjoyed my time on exchange. When I do get homesick or miss my friends, all I have to do is go outside and enjoy the beautiful nature of my area, and then get a delicious and cheap meal. It really is so easy to have a good day here in Japan. I wish I could be here for longer than one semester – so I highly recommend anyone who is considering exchange to look at any options in Japan. It can be a challenge, but it is so rewarding and exciting.

Below are some pictures from my exchange so far: