Tokyo University of Science Student Guide: Campus Life & Practical Tips
Tokyo University of Science Student Guide: What You Need to Know
I live in Kanamachi, about a 10-minute walk from the Tokyo University of Science Katsushika Campus. Over the years, I've hosted visiting researchers, parents helping their kids move in, and students preparing for entrance exams.
If you're a Tokyo University of Science student—or planning to become one—this guide covers the practical stuff: where to live, where to study, and what daily life actually looks like in this part of Tokyo.
About the Katsushika Campus
Tokyo University of Science (TUS) opened the Katsushika Campus in 2013. It houses the Faculty of Science and Technology, the Faculty of Advanced Engineering, and several graduate programs.
The campus sits in a quiet residential area of northeastern Tokyo. Unlike the cramped urban campuses you might expect, Katsushika spreads across open grounds with modern facilities, green spaces, and surprisingly good architecture.
What's on Campus
Academic buildings: State-of-the-art laboratories, lecture halls, and research facilities. The engineering and science departments have solid equipment.
Library: Open to students with extended hours during exam periods. Quiet study areas and group study rooms available.
Cafeteria: Standard university cafeteria with affordable meals (500-700 yen for a full lunch). Gets crowded around noon.
Convenience store: On-campus Lawson for quick snacks, supplies, and ATM access.
Sports facilities: Gym, sports fields, and tennis courts. Less crowded than central Tokyo gyms.
The campus feels modern and well-maintained. It's not as prestigious-looking as some older universities, but the facilities are practical and functional. For any Tokyo University of Science student, having this kind of modern infrastructure makes daily campus life much smoother.
Living as a Tokyo University of Science Student
Accommodation Options
Most Tokyo University of Science students live in one of three arrangements:
University dormitories: TUS operates several dormitories. Rent is cheaper (around 30,000-50,000 yen monthly), but spaces are limited and rules are strict. Apply early if this interests you.
Shared apartments: Popular among students wanting more independence. Monthly rent runs 50,000-70,000 yen for a room in a shared apartment near campus.
Solo apartments: Small studio apartments (1K or 1R) in the Kanamachi area cost 60,000-80,000 yen monthly. Older buildings go cheaper. Newer places with better facilities cost more.
International student housing: TUS offers dedicated international student dormitories with English support staff. Spaces fill quickly—apply as soon as you receive your acceptance. As a Tokyo University of Science student from abroad, this option provides the smoothest transition.
Cost of Living
Here's a realistic monthly budget for a Tokyo University of Science student living near campus:
| Expense | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent | 50,000-80,000 yen |
| Utilities | 8,000-12,000 yen |
| Food | 30,000-40,000 yen |
| Transportation | 5,000-10,000 yen |
| Phone/Internet | 5,000-8,000 yen |
| Miscellaneous | 10,000-20,000 yen |
| Total | 108,000-170,000 yen |
You can live more cheaply by cooking at home, using the campus cafeteria, and minimizing entertainment expenses. Some students manage on 90,000 yen monthly by being careful.
Part-Time Work
Many Tokyo University of Science students work part-time. Common options:
Convenience stores: Always hiring, flexible hours, around 1,100-1,200 yen per hour.
Tutoring: Higher pay (1,500-3,000 yen per hour) if your Japanese is good. English tutoring pays well for international students.
Campus jobs: Library assistants, lab helpers, and administrative support. Limited positions but convenient.
Restaurant/cafe work: Evening and weekend shifts available throughout the area.
International students can work up to 28 hours per week on a student visa. Summers allow more hours.
Getting Around
From Kanamachi Station
The campus is about a 10-minute walk from Kanamachi Station (JR Joban Line and Keisei Line). Most students walk or bike.
To central Tokyo: The JR Joban Line connects you to: - Ueno: 25 minutes - Tokyo Station: 30-35 minutes - Akihabara: 25 minutes
To other campuses: TUS has multiple campuses. Kagurazaka (the main campus) is about 40 minutes away via train.
Bicycle Life
Many Tokyo University of Science students use bicycles for daily commuting. A decent used bike costs 10,000-20,000 yen. New bikes start around 15,000 yen at local shops.
The area is flat, making cycling easy. Bike parking is available at the station and on campus.
Register your bicycle at the local police box (koban)—it's required and helps if your bike gets stolen.
Study Spots Near Campus
The campus library works for most studying needs, but sometimes you want alternatives.
Cafes with Study-Friendly Atmosphere
Doutor Coffee near Kanamachi Station: Quiet during off-peak hours, cheap coffee, outlets available at some seats.
McDonald's: Not glamorous, but open late, has free Wi-Fi, and nobody bothers you for staying long.
Local kissaten (traditional coffee shops): Several old-school coffee shops in the area. Quieter than chains, though some don't love students camping for hours.
Libraries
Katsushika Ward Library: Free, open to everyone, about 15 minutes from campus by bike. Less crowded than campus library during exam periods.
Kanamachi Community Center: Has study rooms available for reservation. Useful for group study sessions.
Late-Night Options
The campus library closes in the evening. For late-night studying:
- 24-hour cafes in the area (limited options)
- Your apartment (invest in a good desk and chair)
- Some family restaurants stay open late and tolerate studying
Preparing for Entrance Exams
If you're not yet a Tokyo University of Science student but preparing for entrance exams, here's what to know.
Exam Preparation
TUS entrance exams test mathematics, science, and English. The difficulty level is competitive—you'll need solid fundamentals and practice with past papers.
Prep schools (juku): Several cram schools operate in the Kanamachi and nearby Kita-Senju areas. Kawai Juku and Sundai have locations within commuting distance.
Self-study: Past exam papers are available through the university website and bookstores. Focus on fundamentals before attempting past papers.
Mock exams: Major prep schools offer TUS-specific mock exams. Take them to gauge your readiness.
Visiting Before Exams
If you're coming to Tokyo for entrance exams, consider staying in the area the night before. The exam morning is stressful enough without a long commute.
The Kanamachi area has limited hotels, but vacation rentals offer an alternative. You'll sleep better in a quiet residential neighborhood than in a busy central Tokyo hotel.
International Student Tips
International students at Tokyo University of Science face some specific challenges.
Japanese Language
Science courses are taught primarily in Japanese. Some graduate programs offer English instruction, but undergraduate courses generally require Japanese proficiency.
Before arriving: Reach at least N2 level on the JLPT. N3 is survivable but difficult. N1 makes life much easier.
After arriving: TUS offers Japanese language courses for international students. Use them. Practice speaking with Japanese classmates—textbook Japanese only takes you so far.
Making Friends
Campus clubs (bukatsu and circles) are the traditional way Japanese students socialize. Join one related to your interests. Sports clubs, cultural clubs, and hobby groups all welcome members.
The international student association organizes events and can connect you with other foreign students facing similar challenges.
Banking and Bureaucracy
Open a Japanese bank account early. Yucho (Japan Post Bank) is easiest for students—many ATMs, simple application process.
Get a residence card, register your address at the ward office, and sign up for National Health Insurance. These bureaucratic tasks are tedious but required.
The Neighborhood Reality
Kanamachi and the surrounding area aren't glamorous. You won't find trendy cafes, boutique shopping, or Instagram-worthy streetscapes.
What you will find:
- Affordable rent compared to central Tokyo
- Quiet nights for studying
- Local restaurants with good, cheap food
- Supermarkets, convenience stores, and daily necessities within walking distance
- A genuine Japanese neighborhood rather than a tourist zone
For a Tokyo University of Science student focused on academics, this is actually ideal. The distractions are minimal. The cost savings are real. And you're living like most Japanese students actually live—not in the tourist fantasy version of Tokyo.
From Our Place
We're a 10-minute walk from the Katsushika Campus. Some guests have been visiting researchers, parents helping students settle in, or exam-takers staying the night before tests.
The quiet residential setting works well for studying and early nights. If you're looking for a quiet, practical base near campus, Bon House is designed for exactly this kind of stay.
If you need advice about the area or have questions about student life here, I'm happy to help.
For more about the neighborhood, see our Kanamachi guide. If you're still deciding whether eastern Tokyo suits your situation, check is Kanamachi good for tourists for an honest breakdown of pros and cons.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Tokyo University of Science Katsushika Campus?
The campus is a 10-minute walk from Kanamachi Station. Take the JR Joban Line or Keisei Line to Kanamachi, exit the station, and follow signs toward the campus. The walk is straightforward through a quiet residential area.
What is the cost of living for a Tokyo University of Science student?
Budget 100,000-170,000 yen monthly depending on your lifestyle. Rent near campus runs 50,000-80,000 yen for a small apartment. Campus cafeteria meals cost 500-700 yen. Frugal students can manage on 90,000 yen monthly by cooking at home and minimizing entertainment.
Can international students work part-time while studying at TUS?
Yes. As a Tokyo University of Science student on a student visa, you can work up to 28 hours per week during the semester and longer hours during breaks. Common jobs include convenience stores (1,100-1,200 yen/hour), tutoring (1,500-3,000 yen/hour), and restaurant work. English tutoring pays well for native speakers.