I came to Kyoto from Da Nang in 2023, first for one year at a Japanese language school and then for a master's degree in civil engineering. I love this city. But there are things I wish someone had told me before I got on the plane.
1. Language school costs more than the brochure says
The school fees were clear: around 780,000 yen for the first year including enrolment. What surprised me were the extra costs. Textbooks, a mandatory trip, exam fees, health insurance, a deposit for the student dormitory and bedding. In my first three months I spent almost 250,000 yen on things that were not in my plan.
2. Part-time work is allowed, but the limit is strict
You need permission to work, which I received at the airport. The limit is 28 hours a week during term, and it is checked. I know two people from my language school whose visa renewals were refused because they worked more than 28 hours at two jobs. I work 20 hours at a convenience store for 1,100 yen an hour, plus some tutoring. It covers my rent and food, but not tuition.
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My room in a student apartment near Demachiyanagi costs 38,000 yen a month plus utilities of about 7,000 yen. Food is around 30,000 yen a month if I cook. The bicycle is essential. I bought a second-hand one for 8,000 yen and registered it with the police, which is required.
4. Scholarships exist, but you must look for them
In my master's programme, I applied to six scholarships and received one from a private foundation: 50,000 yen a month for two years. Some are only advertised through your university, so read every email from the international office, even the boring ones. Also ask about tuition fee reductions. Many national universities offer a half or full reduction for students with good grades and low income.
5. Academic Japanese is a different language
I passed JLPT N2 before entering my master's programme, but lectures were still hard. Technical vocabulary, fast speaking and handwritten slides were difficult for the first semester. My lab mates helped a lot. I recorded lectures (with permission) and studied them again at night.
6. Lab culture is intense
In Japanese graduate schools, your lab is your life. There are weekly seminars, lab cleaning days, drinking parties and a strong seniority system. My professor is kind, but I was expected in the lab every weekday. Balance is possible, but you have to create it yourself.
7. Registration and paperwork are fast but strict
Registering my address at the ward office, joining National Health Insurance and applying for the student pension exemption took one afternoon. Everything was efficient, but every form must be perfect. Carry your residence card everywhere.
8. Loneliness is real, even in a beautiful city
The first winter was difficult. Kyoto is cold and damp in January, and many Japanese students go home for holidays. I found a Vietnamese students' association and a Sunday football group, and things got much better.
What I would do again
Choose Kyoto over Tokyo: calmer, cheaper, and close to Osaka for job fairs
Live in a student apartment for the first year
Take JLPT seriously from the very beginning
What I would change
Bring 300,000 yen more than I planned
Start applying for scholarships one year earlier
Join clubs in my first month, not my sixth
I am now looking for a job in the Kansai area for after graduation. Wish me luck.
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Lovely post, Minh. The point about reading every boring email from the international office is underrated. That is how I heard about my first job in Tokyo too.
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