Ask the Waseda University Admissions Center! The ever-evolving Waseda today.

Ask the Waseda University Admissions Center! The ever-evolving Waseda today.

Useful column
2024.12.17

For those who want to know about "Waseda University now" -- What are the learning environments and support systems offered by the ever-evolving Waseda University? This time, we interviewed Mr. Watanabe of the Admissions Center, who has worked with applicants from all over the country, about the latest systems that applicants and their parents want to know about and the significance of "studying at Waseda." We will introduce WASEDA, which evolves with the times.

The person who spoke

Waseda University Academic Affairs Department Admissions Center
Misa Watanabe

We can take on challenges because we have a place where we accept each other

-- Could you please tell us again in more detail about the human resource development that Waseda University aims to achieve?

Waseda University (hereafter referred to as Waseda) has a mission of "nurturing and sending out global leaders." The "global leaders" that Waseda wants to nurture do not necessarily refer only to those who work in international organizations or international companies. We believe that a global leader is someone who always keeps the people of the world in mind, strives to contribute in some way, supports those around them, and has a positive influence, regardless of the place or organization they are in.

Waseda believes that the three skills that are essential to becoming such a leader are "flexible sensibility," "robust intellect," and "resonant reason." We aim for all students to acquire these skills while at the university. We believe that these skills are also suited to the current era, which values ​​SDGs and diversity.

--Are there any features unique to Waseda, such as the curriculum?

Waseda has 13 faculties, and over 2,400 "university-wide open courses" are available for students of any faculty or year. In addition, we are preparing a curriculum for "data science," which has been attracting attention recently, so that students of any faculty can study it. Waseda offers many options to students, and I think that one of its features is that it is full of environments and opportunities that make it easy to take on challenges when you are interested in learning.

(C) NISHI YASUHIRO

The changing student image

-- What are the characteristics of today's Waseda students?

I get the impression that there are a lot of students at Waseda who are thinking about what they can gain from university. Of course, there are those who work hard in clubs and extracurricular activities, and those who do multiple part-time jobs and internships, but everyone is really good at using their time, which I think is amazing.

From my perspective, I feel that at Waseda, students can pursue their own individuality and accelerate the realization of their dreams. I also feel that today's students are thinking about more than just a vague desire to "go to a university in Tokyo."

--I've heard that there are also changes in the way students spend their time.

For example, it was previously said that it was difficult for science and engineering students to find time to study abroad, but now that "1-minute classes" have been implemented, spring and summer holidays have been extended, making it easier for them to study abroad for short periods of time. The number of experiential short-term study abroad programs has also increased, so more students are using university services to go abroad.

Waseda also has many programs for studying abroad, and some students even participate in local workshops organized by the university when they return home. Most recently, one student volunteered to help with the recovery efforts in Ishikawa Prefecture after the disaster.

Regional workshop 3 (Photo provided by Waseda University)
A scene from the regional collaboration workshop (Photo: Waseda University)

More and more students are starting their own businesses after graduating.Entrepreneurship CenterThis may have significantly enhanced support for entrepreneurship during school hours, giving students even more of a push to start their own businesses. 

The city embraces and watches over Waseda students

--Please tell us about the characteristics of the Waseda area.

I think the town of Waseda itself is an attractive place for students. In particular, there are many old-fashioned apartments and dormitories around the Waseda and Toyama campuses. The university also holds lunch stamp rallies and organizes events for local and alumni organizations (Alumni Association) and holds festivals together with the university, making it a place where the whole town is connected to the university.Wasemeshi" was also introduced.

Since students at Waseda study on the same campus for four years after enrollment, many people cherish the campus as the place where they spent their student days even after they graduate. If you live near the university, it becomes an even more special place.

(C) NISHI YASUHIRO

--It seems like you have deep ties with your alumni.

Waseda invites alumni (graduates) to an event called Homecoming Day on milestone years such as the 10th and 20th anniversary of graduation. Some of them are even 70- and 80-year-olds who come to visit. It makes me teary-eyed when I see graduates reminiscing about their memories of the current campus and cityscape, and singing the school song together for the first time in a long time. I think it's a very happy thing to have a community of people who studied at the same university and be able to return whenever you want.

A scene from an experiential short-term study abroad program (Photo: Waseda University)
The Tomonsai Festival is held on the same day as Homecoming Day.(Photo courtesy of Waseda University)

Changing the world is not a dream.

-- What are the current trends among test takers?

Nowadays, high school students are good at getting information from the internet, such as social media, and I get the impression that many of them use it to choose a university. Of course, when choosing a career path, it is still the same as in the past that students make decisions in consultation with their parents and career guidance teachers.

Whatever choice you make, I think it's important to at least look outside of your hometown when considering your future. We also provide various information and advice at information sessions to help such students make the best choice. If the high rent or tuition fees are a hurdle when considering attending Waseda University, it is our role to clearly communicate that there are systems in place that can help overcome these.

Is there any support available to encourage students to continue their education?

For example, Waseda has a very good scholarship system. All the scholarships that Waseda offers are grant-type, so there is no need to repay them, and they are prepared to be delivered to people who work hard with a positive attitude. I think it would be a great shame if people gave up on their dreams because they didn't know that such a system exists.

In addition, there is a student dormitory called "WID Waseda" I hope that those who are worried about renting a place to live can rest assured. Waseda's dormitories are home to students with a wide variety of personalities. Living in such an environment allows you to come into contact with a variety of values, and while receiving a lot of stimulation, I think it helps to develop a flexible sensibility.

(C) NISHI YASUHIRO

Expectations for Waseda's continued evolution

--Finally, please give a message to the students taking the exam and their parents. 

Waseda is a university where students and faculty with diverse personalities and backgrounds from Japan and abroad come together, and where we value a culture of mutual recognition. We continue to evolve and improve our systems and services to keep up with the times, so if your teachers or parents who graduated from Waseda tell you that "Waseda was a good university," you can expect that the environment is even better now than it was back then.

We actively take into account the opinions of students.Student JobsThere are also more opportunities for students to be proactively involved in university management. I want prospective students and their parents to know more about Waseda, which continues to evolve. Waseda not only has a well-established research environment and education system, but you can also make many wonderful friends that you have never met before. "Changing the world" is not just a dream. Please take the first step toward your beautiful dream at Waseda, which is full of possibilities.

- Thank you very much.

(C) NISHI YASUHIRO

Waseda University Glossary

We will introduce you to the terms related to Waseda University introduced in this article in more detail.

Entrepreneurship Center

This is an organization that supports the entrepreneurial activities of Waseda University students and faculty. Established in 2001, it currently provides entrepreneurial education, business support, and expert consulting. It also provides business locations where corporations can be registered and networking opportunities, and fosters talent that will create innovation.
▶ ︎
Waseda University Entrepreneurship Center 

Alumni organization (Waseda University Alumni Association)

This organization is composed mainly of Waseda University graduates, and its purpose is to deepen ties between alumni and their alma mater. It has numerous branches both in Japan and overseas, and provides a variety of exchange events and networking opportunities. It is popular among many alumni as a place where they can build lifelong relationships with Waseda University.
▶ ︎
Waseda University Alumni Association 

Wasemeshi

This refers to the food you can enjoy around Waseda University and the food culture that has taken root at the university. There are many restaurants around the university, including those that offer student menus and discounts, as well as famous restaurants that have been loved by Waseda students for many years.
▶ ︎My Waseda Meal – Waseda Weekly

Student Jobs

 This is a system that supports students in their career development by engaging in paid work within the university. It includes teaching assistants (TAs) and administrative staff, and aims for students to contribute by utilizing their expertise and unique perspectives to enrich education and research activities. Another advantage is that since it is work within the university, there is no travel time or transportation costs, and you can work efficiently between classes.
▶ ︎
Waseda University Student Involvement and Job Center

University-wide open courses

This special group of courses is open to all Waseda University students and offers over 2,400 diverse lectures. It is used as a learning opportunity to broaden the interests of students regardless of their faculty or year.
▶ ︎Course Registration Guide (for Undergraduate Students) – Waseda University Global Education Center

Data Science Education Program

Designed for students across all faculties, the program will develop skills to address modern challenges, including data analytics and AI.
▶ ︎Curriculum – Waseda University Data Science Center

Short-term study abroad program

This program utilizes spring and summer holidays to allow students to experience a variety of learning experiences both domestically and overseas in a short period of time, providing an opportunity to broaden their international perspective.
▶ ︎Short-term Study Abroad Program (Language Training: Organized by the Center for International Education) – Center for International Education, Waseda University

Homecoming day

This event is held on milestones such as the 10th and 20th anniversaries after graduation, providing an opportunity for graduates to return to their alma mater and deepen ties with their classmates and the university.
▶ ︎Waseda University Homecoming Day

WID [WASEDA INTERNATIONAL DORMITORY]

WID (WASEDA INTERNATIONAL DORMITORY) is a Waseda University exclusive student dormitory series where students from many different countries and backgrounds live. It is the perfect place for those living alone for the first time, with meals provided, resident management, furnished rooms, and a full range of shared facilities, all with a WASEDA RA.
▶ ︎For those new to WID  

Interview and photography: Yasuhiro Nishi Text: Rie Shirane Illustration: aya

  • Home
  • News & Topics
  • Ask the Waseda University Admissions Center! The ever-evolving Waseda today.

Why choose WID?
Reason for being chosen for the first time

  • POINT.01
    Homemade breakfast & dinner
    & High security
  • POINT.02
    Furnished Private Room
    Furnished Private Room
  • POINT.03
    A community that transcends age, country and department
    community beyond

various support systems
also available

  • No need to come to the store until move-in day
    No need to come to the store until move-in day

    From application to contract, everything can be completed at home.
    All completed at home.

  • Fixed payment is available.
    Fixed payment is available.

    Installment fee is XNUMX yen &Deposit Waiver

  • Support for your application
    Support for your application

    The person in charge of Waseda University will answer your questions.
    I will answer.

  • Relocation Support
    Relocation Support

    Moving to an apartment
    Smooth

Different from general rental properties

The appeal of WID+DORMY

  • Procedures can be completed at home until the move-in date
    Stay at home until move-in day
    can handle
  • Charges start from April of the move-in month
    Charges occur
    From April of move-in month
  • Reliable management and operation
    Peace of mind
    Management and operation
  • Overall satisfaction 98.3%
    Overall satisfaction
    98.3%
Download the latest brochure
Download the latest brochure
Get the latest updates faster than anywhere else
Get the latest information faster than anywhere else
We will deliver