Your Waseda University experience?

[Borfa]

I just got accepted at Waseda University for a 1 year intensive japanese language program. I'll probably apply for a single-room in one of their dorm. I was wondering if anyone here had some personal experience with this university and their dorms, and also have pictures of the areas

 

[Glenski]

I just attended a conference there a week ago. Very nice-looking campus, although the location leaves a little to be desired. Stuck in the middle of a residential area with a 5- or 15-minute walk to public transportation, depending on which one you want. I was surprised at the classrooms (in one building, anyway). The meeting was for using computers to teach English, and every classroom was still using chalkboards! Each room had a nice control panel for teachers to use a computer, but the screen was only a fairly large TV, not a projection screen, so if your teachers use it, don't expect to see much from the middle to the back of the room. Another building, though, was much better equipped, so I guess it will depend on where you have classes.

 

[Borfa]

Thank you for the reply. =]
Since its a language program, Im not that much concern with the technological state of the classes. In my opinion, its alwais better when you actually write on paper to learn. Im curious about the quality of the dorms they are offering tho (size of room, do some of them have a window or a personal bathroom, ect). I couldnt find some good pictures so far. Im currently waiting for my COE certificate to apply for a Visa, hope everything will go right

 

[MeAndroo]

I spent 6 months at Waseda, albeit in a homestay. My experience regarding the dorms is somewhat mixed, as they pretty much prohibit visitors. The rooms are small, but no smaller than dorm rooms in any American college campus (probably somewhere around 12 x 14, ifrc). Some of the dorms my friends stayed in were up to an hour away from the actual campus, so it can be somewhat of a crapshoot when applying. If they give you an option, I'd certainly opt for something within walking distance, if only to save on travel costs. The rooms I snuck into, whether to hang out or pass out after a night of drinking, all had windows, were clean, but used communal bathrooms.

Waseda was a fun time. The international building is always full of energy, located near plenty of good food, and packed with people looking to make friends, both foreign and local. The rooms Glenski mentioned, with the chalkboards, are much older than the international building, but we still had class in there once or twice a week. The Japanese classes were especially intense in the beginning, but as the program wears on it seems like interest wanes a bit, both on the part of the students and the teaching staff. The other classes are kind of a toss up. I had extremely interesting, involved classes regarding law, government and culture, but the business stuff was as dull as can be.

My advice for ANY prospective study abroad student is to push yourself out of your comfort zone: join a club, talk to someone you might not talk to, invite people to go on random adventures. Some of the best friends I made were people I thought I'd want to avoid in the first couple of weeks. And have fun!