Stage 2 Explore Further
Lesson 14/21
Coming to Rikkyo: Things to do, things to know
Becoming an international student takes planning, and life in a new environment is a daunting prospect. Here are a few key aspects that you need to do and need to know.
How to Get a Student Visa
To study in Japan, international students are required to hold a valid passport and a Student Visa. To apply for a Student Visa, a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is required. Rikkyo University will apply for a COE for you upon the completion of your enrollment registration.
What is a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)?
The Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is a document that is issued by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan. It is not always easy for international students to obtain a COE by themselves. Therefore, Rikkyo University will apply for and obtain a COE on your behalf and then send it to you. With a COE, you can easily apply for a Student Visa in your country.
The Student Visa process:
Steps 1 to 3 take approximately 6 to 8 weeks.
Steps 4 to 5 take approximately 2 to 3 weeks.
Health Insurance
Upon entry into Japan on a Student Visa, you will have to enroll in the National Health Insurance. The National Health Insurance is for international students who stay in Japan for more than 3 months and is required by law (for all residents of Japan). This national health plan covers 70% of medical and dental expenses. You need to enroll in this insurance at the local Ward office after coming to Japan. We will remind you about this upon your arrival. It is essential that you do so as soon as possible.
The Rikkyo University Student Mutual-Aid Health Insurance is required for all the degree-seeking students and is included in your annual academic fees. It allows you to apply for a refund of the remaining 30% of medical fees not covered by the National Health Insurance. Note, however, this depends upon the type of medical treatment you receive and does not cover dental expenses. In sum, you will be covered for most of the medical expenses you may face while in Japan with these two insurances.
These two insurances do not cover you, however, outside of Japan. Thus, for any overseas travel, including when coming to Rikkyo to study, we suggest that you purchase travel insurance.
*For more details regarding insurance arranged by Rikkyo University, please click here.
Arrival in Tokyo
We recommend that you arrive two weeks before the start of orientation, so you have enough time to settle down in your new environment. The closest station to Rikkyo University is Ikebukuro Station (JR Yamanote Line), and it is about a 7-minute walk to the Ikebukuro Campus. Transportation from the Airport to Ikebukuro Station is as follows:
-
From Narita International Airport:Take an Airport Limousine Bus to Ikebukuro Nishiguchi (West) or Hotel Metropolitan.
Travel time: about 90 minutes
Fare: 3,200 yen (approx. 30 USD) -
From Haneda International Airport:Take an Airport Limousine Bus to Ikebukuro Nishiguchi (West) or Hotel Metropolitan.
Travel time: about 60 minutes
Fare: 1,250 yen (approx. 12 USD)
International Student Dormitory
First-year international students who are admitted to the PEACE Program are required to live in a dormitory. This allows for a smooth entry into life in Japan by providing an accommodating and supportive atmosphere. You will be with peers and some English-speaking Japanese student Resident Supporters will live on site.
