Checklist for International Students to Live Comfortably in Japan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Introduction

“Can I really live in Japan?” “What should I prepare?”

If you’re feeling anxious about life in Japan, don’t worry.

Go through this checklist and get ready step by step.

 

 

 

 

Before Leaving Your Home Country

 

 

• Prepare your passport and visa
  • Check that they’re valid and there are no errors. Make a copy of your passport in case you lose it.
    
• Purchase your flight ticket
  • Even if you have an e-ticket, print your flight information just in case.
    
• Decide and sign a contract for your dormitory or apartment (such as Dormy)
  • Also, check how to get from your dorm to your school.

• Save important documents as PDFs or photos
  • Keep essential information handy so you can access it anytime.
    
• Exchange money into Japanese yen (cash)
  • Sometimes cashless payments aren’t available, so it’s best to have some cash ready.
    
• Download LINE and Google Translate apps
  • They’ll help you communicate and translate when needed.
    
• Check your health and packing list
  • Come to Japan in good condition! Since your body might take time to adjust to a new environment, bring any regular medicines you use.

 

 

 

 

Things to Do Right After Arrival (Within 1 Week)

 

 

• ✅ Register your address at the city hall (Jumin Touroku)
  
• ✅ Enroll in National Health Insurance
  
• ✅ Open a bank accoun (for handling money in Japan)
  
• ✅ Set up your mobile phone or SIM card
  
• ✅ Attend your school orientation
  
• ✅ Learn the dormitory rules (garbage disposal, curfew, etc.)
  

 

 

Tip：

Many schools and dormitories provide support for these procedures, 

including how to fill out necessary forms!

 

 

 

Things to Keep in Mind While Living in Japan

 

 

• ✅ Garbage separation rules differ by area

  → Check your city or ward’s official website carefully.

• ✅ Learn about disaster prevention (earthquakes, fires, etc.)

  →Check your local hazard map.

• ✅ Keep quiet during night hours

  →Be considerate to your neighbors and roommates to avoid trouble.

• ✅ Ask for help when you need it (dorm staff, teachers, etc.)

  →Don’t keep worries to yourself—talk to someone you trust.

  
  

 

 

 

Why Living in a Dormy (Student Dormitory) Is Comfortable

 

 

 

“You can easily ask staff whenever you have questions.”

” Many international students have stayed before, so you might find senior students from your country.”

“Dorms are conveniently located near schools, so commuting is easy even when you’re new.”

 “Breakfast and dinner are provided—you don’t need to worry about cooking.”

 “Rooms are furnished, so you can start your new life right away.”

“Many events are held to help international students build a community.”

 

 

Dormy is a reliable place for international students who feel uncertain about living in Japan.

 

Check out Dormy Dormitories（https://internationaldormy.com/）

 

 

 

 

 Useful Apps

 

 

• Google Translate – Look up unfamiliar words
  
• Norikae Annai (Transit Guide) – Check train routes and times
  
• LINE（The most popular app for communication in Japan ）
  
• PayPay（A popular smartphone payment app）
  
• NHK News（Get news updates from Japan）

 

You can also link transportation IC cards like Suica or Pasmo to your smartphone.

They’re convenient for both public transport and cashless payments!

 

 

 

 

In Summary: Don’t Rush, Take It Step by Step

 

 

Life in Japan may seem challenging at first, but if you prepare using this checklist, everything will be fine.  

If you face any difficulties, talk to your dorm staff, friends, or teachers.