This essay was written by a current U Share resident.
I grew up in a family home surrounded by the people I love, then I moved out and spent the next four years living independently. What I had never experienced, however, was life in a student dormitory.
To be honest, I wasn’t sure how I would adapt. I was used to having my own space and independence, and the idea of sharing common areas with people I had never met before was a significant change. While I knew there would be an adjustment period, I didn’t expect it to be so easy and happen so quickly. U Share began to feel like my new home in no time.
I currently live in WC2, where I have my own private room equipped with everything I need: a bed, desk, bathroom, fridge, mirror, and sink. While the room is compact, it didn’t take long for me to realise that it offers exactly what I need for my life in Tokyo.
Beyond the rooms themselves, U Share has been thoughtfully designed to make everyday living comfortable and convenient. Each floor has its own shared facilities such as a washer, dryer, and vacuum, while the ground floor kitchens are equipped for residents’ use.
What has surprised me most is how this experience has changed my perspective on what makes a place comfortable for living. I always assumed that having more space and independence would make me happier, but living at U Share has shown me that community matters just as much, if not more. I am genuinely enjoying living here, and I credit much of that to the environment U Share has created.
However, the greatest lesson has come from the people. U Share brings together residents from a vast range of cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences. Without realising it, you develop valuable skills in communicating, connecting, and living alongside people whose perspectives may differ from your own.
While I have previously met people from all around the world, U Share creates a unique opportunity for those interactions to become genuine friendships. Some of the people I have met here have become close friends, and through them I have learned everything from their cultural traditions and communication styles to what their work, study, and everyday life looks like in their home countries. These friendships have broadened my international knowledge and perspectives in many ways.
Additionally, knowing that I now have friends scattered across the world, giving me a great excuse to go travelling, is a massive plus too!
U Share has given me much more than accommodation; it has taught me that when choosing a place to live, comfort is about far more than having your own space. It is about feeling supported, connected, and part of a community.
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