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https://labo.dormy-ac.com/rental-vs-dormitory/

 

 

What Parents Need to Know

: A Preparation Support Guide for College Students Living Alone

"Rental Apartment" vs. "Student Dormitory" Choosing Your First Home

Points for Parents and Students to Consider

When leaving home to attend university,

while the student is often excited about starting a new life,

many students and their families are likely to be wondering whether to choose a 

"renting an apartment for living alone" or a "student dormitory."

A first-time move to live on your own is a major milestone in life.

In this article, we will thoroughly compare and introduce the characteristics, 

as well as the pros and cons of each option, 

to help you find the accommodation that suits you best and start a fulfilling new life.

 

 

 

 

Basic Differences Between Rental Apartments and Student Dormitories

To start your new life,

it's important to first understand the basic characteristics of both 

"rented apartments" and "student dormitories."

While each has its own distinct appeal, they suit different lifestyles.

 

Features of Living Alone in a Rental Apartment

This is a style of living where you rent an apartment or a condo 

and enjoy a space that is entirely your own.

You have the freedom to choose a property that aligns with your personal taste and budget, 

offering the satisfaction of creating a lifestyle that is truly reflective of who you are.

On the other hand, it also presents an opportunity for significant personal growth, 

as you are responsible for managing everything necessary for daily life, 

from preparing meals and cleaning to handling utility payments.

Rental housing is an excellent fit for those who want to enjoy life 

at their own pace and highly value their private time and space.

This is often the first accommodation option many students consider.

 

 

Features of Student Dormitories

Student dormitories are generally classified into 

“university-managed housing” and “private-sector dormitories”.

Providing warm meals and well-equipped shared facilities,

along with support from a dependable resident manager,

are all features of our extensive life support

designed to ease the worries of living alone.

You could say it is an environment where you can gain

a sense of security, much like a second family.

Student residences, particularly those operated by private companies

offer a comprehensive range of services aiming to balance

an educational perspective with a comfortable living environment.

The student dormitory is ideal for those who feel anxious 

about moving out for the first time,

or those who would feel more secure with lifestyle support.

It is also the perfect environment for those who wish to establish regular daily routines,

value new encounters and networking,

and for whom safety is a priority for their family's peace of mind.

 

 

[Rental Properties vs. Student Dormitories]

A Cost Comparison

When starting a new life, cost is always a major concern.

This is an important point to discuss with your family.

 

 

Costs Associated with Rental Properties

In urban rental properties,

rent typically costs ¥50,000 to ¥90,000,

utilities cost ¥12,000 to ¥18,000,

food costs ¥35,000 to ¥45,000,

and internet fees are around ¥4,000 

to making the total monthly cost generally around ¥101,000 to ¥159,000.

Furthermore, initial costs such as a security deposit (shikikin), key money (reikin),

agency fees, and costs for purchasing furniture and appliances,

can amount to a total of approximately ¥400,000 to ¥700,000.

Since unexpected expenses may also arise,

it is essential to plan your finances with a comfortable reserve.

 

 

Costs Associated with Student Dormitories

The typical monthly costs for student dormitories in urban areas are:

Dormitory fees (rent) of ¥50,000 to ¥90,000,

Food expenses (including breakfast and dinner) of ¥25,000 to ¥35,000,

and common service fees of around ¥8,000 to ¥12,000,

making the total monthly cost approximately ¥83,000 to ¥137,000.

An entry fee of approximately ¥150,000 to ¥250,000 may be required separately,

however, a security deposit (shikikin), key money (reikin), and agency fees are not required,

and there is no need to purchase furniture or appliances,

meaning initial costs can often be kept low.

Since the breakdown of costs is clear,

another benefit is the peace of mind regarding household budget management.

 

 

Student Dormitories Tend to Have Lower Overall Costs

In the long term, student dormitories, especially in urban areas,

tend to keep the overall cost lower.

Nutritionally balanced meals are provided,

ensuring peace of mind regarding health,

and utilities are often fixed or included,

meaning fewer unexpected expenses.

It makes managing monthly living expenses easier for the students,

and provides parents with the reassurance that they can easily foresee the costs.

 

 

 

[Rental Properties vs. Student Dormitories] 

A Comparison of Living Environments

Because it is where you spend time every day,

the difference in living environments is a crucial consideration.

 

 

Living Environment in Rental Properties

In a rental property, you can decorate your room to your liking,

and enjoy the freedom to choose your lifestyle and location.

On the other hand, you must handle all housework yourself, including cooking and cleaning,

and you need to purchase all daily necessities on your own.

The lack of someone nearby to rely on when you fall ill

is also a point that needs to be considered.

 

 

Living Environment in Student Dormitories

A key attraction of student dormitories is that the living environment is well-organized,

making it easy to quickly settle into a new life.

Meals are provided, and shared facilities are fully equipped.

With life support provided by the dormitory managers,

the ability to consult someone immediately when you are in trouble

is especially reassuring for those living alone for the first time.

The fact that many dormitories are conveniently located 

for commuting is another welcome point.

 

However, although the number of high-flexibility dormitories is increasing recently,

some may still have curfews or rules for using common areas.

While an orderly living environment is maintained,

there may be restrictions on things like customizing your room.

 

 

 

【Rental Apartments vs. Student Dormitories】

Security comparison

 

For your first time living on your own, 

the issue of safety and peace of mind is naturally a top priority.

For parents as well,

it is likely the point you worry about the most.

 

Security in Rental Apartments

In rental apartments, security varies greatly depending on the property and the area.

There are many places without auto-locks or security cameras, and in addition to that,

handling emergencies is basically

something you will need to do on your own.

When choosing a property,

I recommend that you carefully check the security facilities.

 

 

Security in Student Dormitories

Student dormitories are often staffed 24 hours a day

with a dorm manager or dorm mother who are always on-site,

and they are well-equipped with security features like auto-locks and cameras.

There is a reliable system in place for emergencies,

and since the buildings are exclusively for students, the risk of intruders is low,

which brings a great sense of peace of mind.

Especially for parents of female students,

this high level of security is, more than anything else,

a deeply reassuring point.

 

 

 

【Rental Apartments vs. Student Dormitories】

A Comparison of Freedom and Privacy

In order to lead a life that feels like your own,

how much freedom you have in your daily life

and how much private space you can secure are also very important.

 

Freedom and Privacy in Rental Apartments

In rental apartments, you have the freedom to decide your own daily rhythm entirely.

There are no restrictions on guests or staying out overnight,

so you can create a lifestyle that suits your own hobbies and activities as you please.

While complete privacy is guaranteed,

it also comes with the responsibility of self-management.  

 

 

Freedom and Privacy in Student Dormitories

In a student dormitory, you live within a certain set of rules,

so there may be times when it feels a bit restrictive.

However, having rules for communal living

also has the benefit of naturally building social and cooperative skills.

While there may be curfews or limits on visitors,

in many cases, privacy within your own room is firmly maintained.

 

 

 

 

【Rental Apartments vs. Student Dormitories】 

Differences in Relationships and Socializing

 

In university life, making new encounters

and building relationships are also very important experiences.

 

 

Relationships in Rental Apartments

In rental apartments, since there is not much social interaction within the complex,

building relationships on campus is

something you will need to do proactively on your own.

While you have the freedom to choose your own circle of friends,

it requires an effort to actively expand 

your relationships through clubs, classes, and other activities.

Relationships in Student Dormitories

In student dormitories, 

interactions with peers who live in the same environment occur naturally,

and it is easy to form connections with seniors and juniors from the same university.

There are many opportunities to socialize through dorm events and other activities,

giving you a reassuring sense that "you are not alone."

The friendships built through dorm life 

can become bonds that last long after graduation.

However, it is important to keep in mind that there may be times 

when you need to interact with people you don't get along with, 

or when it might be difficult to secure enough private time.

 

 

 

[Rental Apartments vs. Student Dormitories] 

Points for Parents and Children to Consider Together 

Before the Final Decision

Before making your final decision,

here are some points we recommend discussing together as a family.

First, regarding the budget,

it is important to consider the total of initial costs and monthly living expenses 

to ensure it can be maintained comfortably.

Commute time and transportation costs are also vital;

keep in mind that a long commute can become a physical burden over time.

Regarding lifestyle,

it is a good idea to have a deep conversation 

about whether your child seeks a structured environment 

or desires a more free-spirited one.

Also, the ideal environment will differ depending on 

whether they are social and enjoy interacting with others, 

or if they prefer spending time quietly.

As a challenge for self-management,

it is also an important perspective to see 

if they have the motivation to take on chores and managing their own daily life.

Finally, 

please consider the perspective of personal growth— 

what kind of experiences they want to gain and what skills they hope 

to develop in this new life.

 

 

We have compared the features of rental apartments and student dormitories.

While rental apartments offer a free lifestyle, a unique space,

and the development of an independent spirit,

student dormitories are attractive for their lifestyle support, sense of security,

warm human relationships, and efficient learning environment.

Ultimately, while valuing your own personality and wishes

as well as the feelings of your family,

we hope you make a choice that will make your new life truly fulfilling.

Whichever you choose,

there is no doubt that it will be a precious time for growth in your life.

At Gakusei Kaikan Dormy,

we provide spaces across the country

to warmly support the lives of all students.

 

If you have even a little interest in dormitory life,

please come for a visit or request our brochures!

By experiencing the actual environment,

your vision of your new life should become even clearer.

To ensure you can lead a fulfilling student life with peace of mind,

we are dedicated to helping you create an environment that feels like your 

"second home."

 

 

 

 How did you find this guide?

We hope it serves as a helpful reference for your housing search.

 

 

Dormy Labo