Life in Japan
Ms. Pan Wenshu
Profile
I am Pan Wenshu, a sophomore at Undergraduate School of Global Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kyoto University. Aside from studying, I'm also involved with group activities. I belong to the Student Committee and Foreign Student Committee of the university co-op, and AIESEC, a global youth organization. Along with other members of these groups, I draw up projects for foreign students. I'm currently working hard to learn English in order to participate in an exchange program in the United States in the next term.
Japan and Its Uniqueness
I was surprised at the politeness of Japanese people. For example, Japanese people would wait to cross the street even without the presence of stoplight, there are no people talking loudly in public places and people would line up in the same queue on the escalator. I also feel the kindness of Japanese people because they are very nice to other people.
When I was a child, I love Japanese animation and since around that time, I began to feel a strong affinity with Japan. Since I started studying Japanese in junior high school, I have learned a lot about Japanese literature, history and other aspects of Japan, so I came to love this country more and more. I decided to study in Japan after graduating from high school, and was accepted at Kyoto University.
A year and a half has passed since I started college life. It's a mere a year and a half period, but what I experienced, felt and learned during this time are the most important thing in my life, and I think they will have a significant impact in the future.
Kyoto University is a beautiful old university with an open academic culture. As I know the charm of Kyoto University, I became more and more proud to be its student and enjoy my every day life in Kyoto University.
In my college life, I feel that I always accept new challenges. It's the first time for me to live alone and I can learn how hard it is to live in the situation where I have to do things on my own. In the beginning I felt very anxious because I knew no one, but I was able to make friends by meeting new people every day. In addition I was able to gain new knowledge on the most-advanced science and technology, which in turn expanded my views.
Aside from providing the environment for studying, Kyoto University is also a home to a lot of group activities and international exchanges. I joined the International Student Committee of Kyoto University Co-op and participated in a variety of student activities. I was able to experience different things, e.g. organizing a welcome party for new students, serving as an English tutor and providing English language interpretation for freshmen. I'm now the Vice Chairperson of the National International Student Committee on the recommendation of Kyoto University Co-op. I want to assume more active role in organizing activities for foreign students.
Weekly Activities
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| Morning | Lunchtime | Afternoon | Early Evening | Night | Midnight | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon | Others | Eating | Class | Eating | Others | |||
| Tue | Class | Eating | Class | Eating | Others | |||
| Wed | Others | Class | Eating | Others | Eating | Others | ||
| Thu | Class | Eating | Others | Class | Eating | Others | ||
| Fri | Class | Others | Eating | Part-time work | Eating | Others | ||
| Sat | Others | Eating | Others | Eating | Others | |||
| Sun | Others | Eating | Others | Eating | Others | |||
- I use a lot of my time for studying and group activities, but sometimes I also do part-time job.
- I receive a scholarship, so basically I don't have to do part-time job, but I do it once a week for my social experience.
- The term "Others" means studying, group activities and shopping. On holidays I often go to group activities, but sometimes I also go out with friends or study.
- Japanese universities have a long break in August-September and February-March, so I return home or spend my time for traveling.
Monthly Living Costs
| Income | Scholarship | ¥180,000 |
|---|---|---|
| Part-time Job | ¥16,000 | |
| Total Income | ¥196,000 | |
| Outcome | House Rent | ¥40,000 |
| Electricity, Gas and Water Supply | ¥10,000 | |
| Meal Costs | ¥30,000 | |
| Entertainment Costs | ¥30,000 | |
| Stationery & Miscellaneous Expenses | ¥10,000 | |
| Savings | ¥76,000 | |
| Total Outcom | ¥196,000 | |
- I receive a scholarship, so usually my parents don't send allowance.
- Tuition is paid from monthly savings.
- The largest percentage of my living costs is house rent and meal costs. Of course eating out is expensive, but vegetables and fruits are also more expensive than China.
- Since I join three groups, the entertainment costs usually go to drinking parties.
I never cooked by myself before I came to Japan, so I learned how to cook. I'm not a good cook, but I managed to master some basic cooking for myself. I cooked for half a year when I went to a Japanese language school before I entered the university. However, I became busy with studying and group activities since I entered the university and don't have time to cook for myself, so I often use the co-op cafeteria. Nowadays I use the cafeteria about 70% and the rest is cooking by myself. Sometimes I also go to restaurants or food stalls with my friends after group activities.
I live alone in an apartment close to the university. Since I live alone, I can manage my time freely. When I was still in China in my parents' house, I have to wake up early in the morning every day, but now I can decide my own schedule. However, on the other side, I must do the washing and room cleaning by myself. Sometimes when I feel lonely I call my friend and ask her to come to my apartment or spend a night at my friend's house.
- Layout: 1 room apartment
- Rent: 40,000/month
- Location: 5-minute walk from the university