Day in the Life of a Japanese University Student in Tokyo

From morning bento prep to late-night konbini runs—experience the fast-paced, culturally rich routine of student life in Japan’s capital.

Author

Ark
June 19, 2025

Meet Auka, a 21-year-old university student in Tokyo. Her day begins early as she wakes up in her dorm in Ario, a cost-effective choice for students. Private university dorms in Japan typically cost 20,000 to 30,000 yen ($130–$200) per month, while national university dorms are even more affordable at under 10,000 yen (about $65). Originally from Shizuoka Prefecture, Auka moved to Tokyo three years ago to attend university. Living alone was a new experience, and while she initially found eating by herself challenging, she has since adapted.

Morning Routine

Auka starts her day with a quick five-minute workout, followed by her morning routine. She prepares a healthy breakfast, a habit she adopted after a significant lifestyle change. Early in her university life, Auka worked at a maid café, where the pressure of performing in a fitted costume led to stress. After quitting, she gained 20 kilos (44 lbs.), but through dedication to a healthy diet and exercise, she lost the weight and now maintains that lifestyle—a life lesson she carries forward.

Commute and Campus Life

Living near her school, Auka conveniently commutes by foot. She attends Tokyo University of Science (commonly known as “Rikadai”), a prestigious private institution specializing in science and engineering. Auka, a third-year mathematics major, aspires to become a math teacher, inspired by her ability to teach her younger cousins and an encouraging junior high math teacher. Her campus, located in Kagurazaka—a gourmet town once known as a geisha district—is compact, with buildings interspersed among local houses and shops.

Auka’s school bag reveals her preparedness: a high school textbook for a mock class, a laptop, class files, a charger, dried sweet potatoes for snacking, cough drops, a wallet, and more. In Japan, university entrance exams are notoriously tough, often requiring years of cram school preparation. Students who fail, known as “ronin,” must wait and study for the next year’s exams. However, once admitted, graduation is relatively achievable, with 82% of Japanese students graduating within four years, compared to 46% in the U.S.

Classes and Club Activities

Auka’s day includes a mix of classes and social time. Her first class involves a test, followed by lunch at the school cafeteria (gaku shoku), where balanced meals cost under 500 yen (about $3.25). Auka spends around 26,000 yen ($168) monthly on food, aligning with the average for Japanese students. She eats with friends she met through classes, highlighting the ease of forming connections at university.

Japanese universities emphasize club activities, known as “saku,” which range from sports to cultural groups. These clubs foster lifelong friendships, and Auka is actively involved, balancing her academic and social life. Her second class is a small seminar (zemi) with just two students, typical of upper-year courses where students engage in presentations, debates, and collaborative research. Today, Auka delivers a presentation, a serious component of her class evaluation. Since 2000, most Japanese universities have adopted the GPA system, though a student’s major and university prestige often outweigh GPA in job hunting.

Afternoon Break and Part-Time Job

With a few hours before her next class, Auka visits Akihabara, three stops from her campus. A fan of maid cafés despite no longer working at one, she enjoys the themed experience where waitresses dress as maids and playfully “cast spells” on food. Akihabara, known as the otaku holy land, hosts over 200 maid cafés, a staple of Japanese pop culture.

Back on campus for her final class, Auka then heads to her part-time job at Guoza Akari, a casual izakaya restaurant. She works five days a week, primarily during lunchtime, earning free staff meals featuring the restaurant’s signature guoza with unique toppings. In Japan, 68% of university students hold part-time jobs, with restaurants, tutoring, and convenience stores being the most common.

Evening and Reflection

Auka’s shift ends at 11:00 PM. She returns home, exercises, and goes to bed around 1:30 AM, concluding a busy day. As a third-year student, she’s preparing for job hunting, a process that includes research, applications, and job fairs. To become a math teacher, Auka must complete a teaching practicum to earn her license. Her professors’ passion inspires her to excel, and she values both her time with friends and moments alone to unwind.

This glimpse into Auka’s life showcases the balance of academics, work, and personal growth that defines the experience of a Japanese university student.

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