What started as just a place to live quickly became something much more. In this journal, Jiye, an RA at WC1, shares what life at U Share has really been like — from why she chose to live here, to the friendships she's built, and how everyday life in an international community helped her grow.
Q. Why did you decide to join U Share?
I first learned about U Share through a recommendation from my friend Park, who had lived there for a long time. As an international student at Waseda University, I wanted to live in a place where I could share similar life experiences and stories about living overseas. Having lived in the U.S., Canada, and Japan, I hoped to stay in an international environment where I could continue using English while living in Japan and broaden my horizons through cultural exchange. This desire ultimately led me to decide to join U Share.
Q. Was there any interaction with other residents that left a strong impression on you?
Participating in the monthly U Share parties gave me meaningful opportunities to interact with and get to know residents from different floors. Through these gatherings, I met people who were passionate about a wide range of interests, and many of them eventually became close tomodachi. In addition to studying together on the B1 floor of U Share, we also spent time outside the dorm — going out to eat abura soba and sharing our favorite Japanese foods. These experiences made dorm life more memorable and helped me build genuine friendships that I truly value. I believe my dorm life will remain a very special memory, even after I start working in the future.
Q. What lessons or personal growth did you gain from dorm life?
Living in a dorm naturally made me more friendly and outgoing. Since I enjoy communicating with others, I feel especially happy when I greet my roommates and start the day with small talk in the morning. The most important lesson I gained was learning to understand other people's perspectives. Living with people from different backgrounds taught me that everyone has their own habits, values, and ways of thinking. Through daily interactions and occasional conflicts, I learned to listen more carefully, be more patient, and respect differences. As a result, dorm life helped me grow not only socially but also emotionally, making me a more considerate and open-minded person.
Q. Finally, do you have a message for new students considering U Share?
If you enjoy communication and making international friends, U Share is the perfect place for you. It offers not only a comfortable living environment but also valuable opportunities to connect with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. Through everyday interactions, you can grow personally, broaden your perspective, and create meaningful memories that will last beyond your time at university.