R.N.
Originally from Okayama Prefecture. Currently studying at the School of Creative Science and Engineering at Waseda University, with a focus on mechanical engineering and architecture.
Hello, this is the U Share communications team.
Today, we bring you an interview with a current resident of U Share Nishi-Waseda.
They share their honest thoughts on what it’s really like to live at U Share, so we hope you enjoy reading their story.
Table of Contents
What kind of community is U Share?
What makes U Share special?
A message for those considering living at U Share
R.N.
Born and raised in Okayama Prefecture. Inspired by living in a dormitory during a high school summer school program, R.N. began considering dorm life for university. While pursuing the goal of studying abroad during their university years, they discovered U Share—an international student residence where English is the common language—and decided to move in.
Through close-knit communal living with students from across Japan and around the world, R.N. developed the language skills, intercultural understanding, and self-awareness needed for studying abroad, eventually earning the opportunity to participate in an exchange program in the Netherlands. Even after securing their study abroad placement, they continued living at U Share while preparing for life overseas.
We spoke with R.N. about the appeal of the U Share community and how it supported them in achieving their goals.
1. What kind of community is U Share?
In short, it’s a community where you can build relationships you’ll want to cherish for the rest of your life.
The residents of U Share come from diverse and unique backgrounds. Beyond those differences, what unites everyone is that each person has their own goals. This creates an environment where residents naturally inspire one another and form relationships that go beyond surface-level connections—relationships where people can continue supporting each other well into the future.
Most residents genuinely make an effort to get to know one another. Simply visiting shared spaces like the Agito Lounge in the basement or the rooftop often leads to spontaneous conversations. Getting to know people naturally through everyday interactions is one of the true joys of living at U Share.
Because the community consists of both Japanese and international students and English is the shared language, living here often feels like studying abroad—without leaving Japan. You’re exposed to real, practical English that can’t be learned from textbooks alone. This experience lowers the psychological barrier to studying or traveling abroad and builds confidence in forming meaningful relationships overseas. Thanks to this environment, I was able to prepare steadily for my goal of studying abroad.
2.What makes U Share special?
Living at U Share broadens your perspective.
Through daily life here, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of myself and others, as well as different cultures, values, business, and society. Communication among residents is constant, but opportunities extend beyond that—there are exchanges with other dorms, interactions with residents’ friends, and chances to hear directly from working professionals.
What’s especially unique is the close, approachable relationship with U Share’s management team. You can speak with them casually at any time. Being exposed to diverse perspectives on a daily basis—in a positive, almost unavoidable way—creates continuous learning as part of everyday life.
Although my academic background is in mechanical engineering and architecture, my family runs a long-established soy sauce business, which sparked my interest in management and entrepreneurship. U Share gave me access to knowledge and conversations in fields not covered at university, along with people I could consult and learn from. This environment has been incredibly valuable to me.
3. A message for those considering U Share
Because the community is intentionally kept at a manageable size, close and meaningful communication naturally occurs among residents. The value gained from these interactions often exceeds expectations.
U Share is a community that truly values human connection. Everyone here has their own goals, and the environment is designed to support those ambitions. Residents are surrounded by peers who encourage them, working professionals who offer insights, and people actively succeeding in their respective fields who are willing to help.
If you have a goal you want to achieve, I highly recommend visiting U Share in person. Having a community like this outside of university is something that stays with you for life. For anyone who wants to make their university experience truly unique—and to live with friends from across borders and backgrounds—U Share is an opportunity I wholeheartedly recommend.