FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for residency? (Students and working professionals)
"Living together, growing together." Anyone who resonates with this philosophy is welcome to apply to U Share, regardless of whether they are a student or a working professional.
Is there a specific move-in period?
As a general rule, resident selection is conducted twice a year, in the spring and autumn. In addition, if vacancies are available, selection may also be conducted on an inquiry basis.
Is it possible to visit the property before applying?
We would be happy to welcome you to experience the atmosphere of the property in person. Viewings are available by appointment only. Please feel free to contact us via the inquiry form on our website to let us know your preferred date and time.
Can I choose the room or is it chosen for me automatically?
Room assignments are based on availability, but please let us know in advance if you have any preferences.
Who do I contact if I have questions regarding my application?
Please feel free to contact us via the inquiry form on our website.
How long is the contract period?
The standard contract period is two years, but adjustments can be made depending on your circumstances.
What if I am unable to obtain a joint guarantor?
You may still sign a contract by using our designated guarantor company. Please note that the guarantor company may require a joint guarantor depending on the results of its screening.
Is there a possibility to renew my contract?
Contract renewal or extension is possible with the mutual agreement of both the landlord and the tenant.
Can I end my contract period early and is there a penalty for this?
【WC1 (Nishi-Waseda) & WC2 (Omokagebashi) Common Policy】 As a general rule, early termination during the contract period is not permitted. However, termination may be allowed if all of the following conditions are met: - Notice of termination is provided in writing or by email at least three months prior to the desired termination date. - A penalty equivalent to two months’ rent and related fees is paid.
Is there a cancellation penalty if you stay less than the minimum required 6 months?
In addition to the penalty fee, payment of rent and related charges for the remaining portion of the 6-month minimum period is also required.
Is there a provision in case I am not allowed to enter the country or am required to return to my home country (e.g. due to an infectious disease outbreak)?
As a general rule, contract termination requires a penalty fee as stated in the lease agreement. However, in cases of force majeure where such circumstances are unavoidable, we will review the necessary guidelines and respond appropriately and flexibly through mutual discussion, so please rest assured.
How much is the initial cost?
The total varies by room type. Estimated move-in payments (first month plus initial fees) for standard contracts of 7 months or longer are: 【WC1 (Nishi-Waseda)】 JPY 385,500 – 398,500 【WC2 (Omokagebashi)】 JPY 412,000 – 416,000 * For 5–6 month contracts the initial fees are JPY 40,000 lower. A monthly plan with no initial fees is available for stays of 1–4 months. * A move-out cleaning fee of JPY 33,000 may be collected at the time of contract. * A detailed quotation will be provided upon inquiry. All amounts include tax.
What does the initial admission fee include?
The admission fee covers contract procedures, key/ID issuance, cleaned furniture and bedding, and orientation costs. This fee is generally non-refundable.
What is the guarantee fee and will it be returned?
The guarantee fee is an initial registration fee paid by residents who use a guarantor company (for those who wish to pay rent on a monthly basis). This fee is non-refundable. 【WC1 (Nishi-Waseda)】 JPY 50,000 (tax included) 【WC2 (Omokagebashi)】 JPY 60,000 (tax included)
What is the membership fee?
This annual fee supports U Share’s own educational programs, career support events, and community activities (such as purchasing supplies). We hope you will see it not simply as a housing cost but as an investment in growth. It is generally non-refundable.
What is the common service fee?
The common service fee covers utilities for shared areas (including elevators), cleaning, replacement of consumables, and regular maintenance of the building.
What does the regular cleaning fee cover?
This fee covers weekly cleaning of shared areas on each floor, excluding private rooms. Cleaning of the entrance, elevators, and garbage areas is covered by the common service fee.
What are casualty insurance costs?
This insurance applies to damage to both private rooms and shared areas such as the LDK, baths, and toilets. Please note that certain cases may not be covered.
Do I need to enroll in comprehensive housing insurance?
Enrollment is not mandatory.
Is there a leaving fee when the contract period has ended?
To ensure that the next resident can move in comfortably, the following fee is charged upon move-out (this fee may be collected as part of the initial costs at the time of contract). 【WC1 (Nishi-Waseda) & WC2 (Omokagebashi) Common Policy】 Move-out cleaning fee: JPY 33,000 (tax included) If there is any damage or excessive soiling, additional charges may apply based on actual costs.
Is there a fee for renewing the contract?
Please note that renewal policies vary by property. 【WC1 (Nishi-Waseda)】 A flat renewal fee of JPY 16,500 (tax included) applies. 【WC2 (Omokagebashi)】 The renewal fee varies depending on the extension period: - More than 1 month up to 3 months: JPY 33,000 (tax included) - More than 3 months: JPY 55,000 (tax excluded) Additional prorated rent will be charged according to the length of the extension period. If the contract enters the second year, an additional annual fee (such as the membership fee) will apply.
Do all the listed costs include consumption tax?
All listed prices include consumption tax.
What furniture comes with each room?
Rooms come fully furnished and equipped so you can start your new life with just a suitcase. 【WC1 (Nishi-Waseda)】 Each room includes a bed (with mattress and full bedding set), wardrobe, desk, chair, table lamp, shelving, and air conditioning. 【WC2 (Omokagebashi)】 Each room includes a bed (with mattress and full bedding set), desk, chair, air conditioning, a private refrigerator-freezer, a private shower (no bathtub), toilet, and washbasin.
Is there any furniture I cannot bring?
Please refrain from bringing large furniture such as pianos, large bookshelves, or sofas that do not fit within the room.
Are the showers shared?
【WC1 (Nishi-Waseda)】 Showers with bathtubs are shared by residents on each floor. 【WC2 (Omokagebashi)】 Each room is equipped with a private shower.
What amenities are included in the kitchen?
【WC1 (Nishi-Waseda)】 The shared kitchen is equipped with 2 gas burners, a sink, a large refrigerator with freezer, a microwave oven, and shared storage space. 【WC2 (Omokagebashi)】 Each room is equipped with a single-burner IH cooktop and a refrigerator-freezer. In addition, the shared kitchen on the first floor features 5 gas burners, a sink, a large refrigerator with freezer, a microwave oven, and shared storage space.
Is there Wi-Fi provided?
【WC1 (Nishi-Waseda) & WC2 (Omokagebashi) Common Policy】 Wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) is available in both private rooms and shared areas, making online classes and video streaming comfortable.
Are there laundry machines and dryers provided?
【WC1 (Nishi-Waseda) & WC2 (Omokagebashi) Common Policy】 Washing machines and dryers are available on each floor.
How does the security system operate?
We prioritize the safety of our residents and have implemented multiple layers of security. 【WC1 (Nishi-Waseda) & WC2 (Omokagebashi) Common Policy】 Each private room is equipped with an individual lock, and access to shared spaces is controlled by security systems. 【WC1 (Nishi-Waseda)】 The elevators are equipped with security systems that restrict access to residential floors to authorized individuals only. 【WC2 (Omokagebashi)】 In addition to a security system at the ground-floor entrance, shared spaces are also secured, ensuring that only residents can access them.
Is there a key for each individual room?
【WC1 (Nishi-Waseda) & WC2 (Omokagebashi) Common Policy】 All private rooms are equipped with individual locks.
What communal areas are there?
【WC1 (Nishi-Waseda)】 The basement level features a library lounge and a tea room. A rooftop terrace with BBQ facilities is also available. The café on the first floor is open to both residents and non-residents. 【WC2 (Omokagebashi)】 A lounge is located on the first floor, and a Study & Library Lounge is available on the second floor. A rooftop terrace is also available.
Are the communal areas open 24/7?
【WC1 (Nishi-Waseda) & WC2 (Omokagebashi) Common Policy】 Resident-only shared spaces—including the basement level, library lounges, and the rooftop—are available 24 hours a day. During quiet hours, please be mindful of noise and vibration.
Is there bicycle parking?
Please note that bicycle parking availability varies by property. 【WC1 (Nishi-Waseda)】 Bicycle parking is not permitted on the premises. 【WC2 (Omokagebashi)】 On-site bicycle parking is available (67 spaces).
How often is cleaning conducted?
【WC1 (Nishi-Waseda) & WC2 (Omokagebashi) Common Policy】 Shared areas excluding private rooms—such as hallways, lounges, and garbage disposal areas—are professionally cleaned once a week.
Who do I contact if I encounter problems (i.e. room, roommates, concerns)?
For any concerns related to daily life, please feel free to consult a Resident Assistant (RA) or the Community Manager. For facility or equipment issues, the property operator will be your point of contact.
Can friends, family members, and partners visit U Share?
【WC1 (Nishi-Waseda) & WC2 (Omokagebashi) Common Policy】 Visits are permitted with prior guest registration. When inviting non-residents into the building, advance registration via the Guest Visit Form is required. This rule is in place to ensure security and maintain the safety of the community, and we appreciate your cooperation.
Is there a curfew?
There is no curfew. We respect each resident’s lifestyle, including research, extracurricular activities, and work schedules. However, we kindly ask that you be considerate of others when returning late at night by keeping noise to a minimum.
Is drinking allowed?
Alcohol consumption is permitted for residents aged 20 and over, provided it is done responsibly.
Is smoking allowed?
【WC1 (Nishi-Waseda) & WC2 (Omokagebashi) Common Policy】 Only electronic cigarettes are permitted, and only on the rooftop. Smoking combustible cigarettes is strictly prohibited anywhere on the premises, including indoors and outdoors. Smoking of any kind is strictly prohibited inside private rooms, and this rule must be strictly observed.
Are pets allowed?
Unfortunately, pets are generally not allowed in consideration of residents with allergies and for hygiene management.
Can you play instruments in your room?
【WC1 (Nishi-Waseda)】 As a general rule, playing musical instruments is not permitted, except in the underground shared space. Please be considerate of noise and vibrations. 【WC2 (Omokagebashi)】 As a general rule, playing musical instruments is not permitted. Please be considerate of noise and vibrations.
What is "Residential Education"?
Residential Education is the idea at the heart of U Share Student: the home itself is designed to be a place to grow. Instead of confining learning to the classroom, everyday life in the residence becomes how you develop — conversations with peers from different countries, resident-led events and projects, and 1-on-1 support from your Community Manager and RAs. Monthly talks and career events, a bilingual community, and mentorship all work together so that simply living here helps you find your own way of living and your future path.
Is support available in both Japanese and English?
Support is available in both Japanese and English. Our team includes a professional Community Manager and resident leaders known as RAs (Residential Assistants). They provide daily life support as well as guidance on course registration and future career concerns. Please feel free to reach out with any questions, no matter how small.
What are the education/career seminars, and how often are they held?
We host a variety of education and career events throughout the year. By inviting guests with diverse backgrounds to share their experiences and perspectives, we provide residents with opportunities to reflect on their future and career paths. These events are held about once a month.
Are the education/career seminars or events mandatory?
These seminars and events are valuable opportunities that may offer insights into your future, so participation is generally expected. We believe the connections made here will become lasting assets for our residents.
Next Step
Start wherever feels right
Whatever stage you're at, here's the best place to begin.
