Contributed by Chellin Concetta (Year 2 GIGA Student)
In the third installment of our SFC Insider Stories, we spoke with Chellin, a 2nd-year GIGA student (heading into her 3rd year!) living in Shonandai. Starting with basic N5 Japanese, Chellin shares her experience transitioning from the dorms to off-campus housing, navigating mobile carriers, international money transfers, and the reality of commuting with Hello Cycling!
Housing: Why Shonandai Over Minami-Oyama?
- Vibe & Convenience: While areas like Minami-Oyama might be geographically closer to SFC, Shonandai offers a much more lively environment with direct station access, restaurants, and shops. (Living near campus dorms can feel isolated with only a 7-Eleven nearby!).
- Monthly Rent: Around ¥90,000/month.
SIM Card Strategy: Don’t Stay on International Carriers!
- The GTN Mobile Trap: Upon first arriving without a local Japanese phone number or bank account, Chellin initially signed up for GTN Mobile (an international student provider). However, she soon realized it was significantly more expensive than local Japanese options.
- The Switch to Rakuten: Once her local bank account and residence registration were settled, she immediately switched to Rakuten Mobile.
- Essential Documents Needed: Always bring your Passport and, most importantly, your Residence Card (Zairyu Card / 在留カード) when applying!
Banking & International Money Transfers
- Opening JP Post Bank: Opened a account with the help of her Japanese-speaking brother. Bank staff are often cautious about legal misunderstandings, so having a Japanese speaker present helps tremendously.
- International Transfer via Wise: For living expenses sent from abroad, her parents use Wise to transfer funds directly into her JP Post Bank account.
- Daily Payments: Uses PayPay as her primary payment method for everyday shopping and dining out.
Commuting Reality: The Hello Cycling Dilemma
- Bus vs. Hello Cycling: Chellin commutes using local buses and Hello Cycling (shared electric bikes).
- The Rush Hour Pitfall: While shared bikes sound convenient, during peak class hours you will often face two major issues:
- No bikes available at the station when you need one.
- No empty parking spots at SFC when you arrive to return the bike!
- Advice: Don’t rely 100% on Hello Cycling for daily classes—apply for a Bus Commuter Pass (通学定期券) for consistent travel.
Grocery Shopping Rankings in Shonandai
For budget-conscious students, Chellin ranks the local supermarkets:
- 🥇 Gyomu Super (業務スーパー): Hands down the cheapest option for large quantities. (Pro-tip: The Shonandai branch is conveniently located right next to Daiso and 7-Eleven!).
- 🥈 OK Super (オーケー): Great runner-up for daily essentials and high-quality discounts.
- 🥉 Daiei (ダイエー): Convenient if you live on the east side of Shonandai Station.
💡 Top Advice for Freshmen & Dorm Living
- Learn Basic Conversational Japanese: Clinics and offices try their best, but translation apps often lead to repetitive, inefficient communication. Having basic Japanese (or a Japanese-speaking friend) makes healthcare visits much smoother.
- Take Care of Dorm Property (SID Users!): If you are staying in student dormitories (especially SID), take extra care of provided beddings and room keys. Losing keys or damaging furniture can result in tedious administrative hassle.