Hey Guys!
A long, long time since my last post. Here's some updates for you! I've been in Japan for about 2-3 weeks now! IT'S TRULY AMAZING!!!! Here are some important tips for all of you studying abroad: 1. Resident Card/Registering Residence Right when you enter Japan, you'll have to get a resident card. This is really, really easy. As long as you have your certificate of eligibility, you'll be fine. They'll give you a card with your face on it and important information when you go through immigration. This is important! You have to keep this with you at all times. Once you move into the dorms, you'll have to register your residence at your local ward office. This was super complicated, but luckily my RA took us! I was so thankful. If you don't speak or read or write any Japanese, you'll truly have trouble. Everything is written in katakana/hiragana, and there are few English speakers. I would HIGHLY suggest you take a friend or go with someone for this. Also, get a copy of it. You'll have to fill out ANOTHER form for this, it will cost 600 yen, but you'll need it for orientation. While doing this, you'll also have to register for National Health Insurance. If you don't have your student ID card with you, you'll have to come back so you can get the student discount (6000 yen vs 2000 yen). 2. Pocket Wifi Everyone I have met so far has a SIM card for their phone. However, I have a pocket wifi that I love! It was SO easy to pick it up at the airport. I went to a postal office at the airport, where it was ready for me to pick up. I went through this company: http://en.wifi-rental-store.jp/. It wasn't too expensive, and they give envelopes so you can mail it back when you're finished. I found this extremely useful for my family to use as well. If you do this, make sure you have an external battery charger! 3. Opening up a bank account This was pretty hard to do, but LUCKILY, the RA took us as well! Most of the dorms are by Hiyoshi Station, and that's where we made our bank account. You'll need to open one in order to pay rent. I would suggest opening one up near the Mita Campus (where your classes will be), because there are more English speaking workers, and they have experience with Mita students! I would go here as soon as you can, so that you can schedule an appointment. The banks get very crowded! Before you open one, get an ikan (at a 100 yen store)! You'll also need to know how to write your name in katakana or hiragana! side note: they do not take traveler's checks! 4. Moving into the Dorm My dorm is Plume IS! Moving in was super easy. However, it was very, very dirty. Typically, no one is allowed into your room; however, the dorm manager let my family come in! The dorm people are so friendly, and the RAs are SO helpful! I bought a whole bunch of stuff on the day I moved in: Pots and pans, water, CLEANING SUPPLIES, and more! 5. Orientations There are a whole bunch of orientations you'll get to go to. PAY ATTENTION, they have such useful information. In addition, make sure you look up what to bring (ID PHOTOS). It was so, so cool getting to meet all the other exchange students from around the world! You'll get to meet people from France, Austria, Taiwan, Montreal, Chicago, California, and more!
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