There are some regulations for bringing medicines to Japan.
For the details, please click here.
Japan has an abundant supply of consumer goods, and almost anything can be bought after arrival. However, it usually takes some time for you to settle in and figure out where you can purchase what you need. It is advised to bring immediate essentials with you.
Do not send your luggage before your arrival. Keio Housing will not store your luggage until you move in.
Keio University will not take any responsibility for the loss or damage of personal luggage sent to Keio housing or the Office of Student Services before your arrival.
Before leaving your home country
It is required that you register for private insurance (travel, accidental, and/or medical) covering the period of your study at Keio University.
It may be worth considering adding a policy that is specifically designed for International students and covers your insurance needs comprehensively including repatriation costs in the event of an illness.
After arriving in Japan
All International students are also required to join the National Health Insurance (NHI).
The details will be explained during the Orientation.
Drugs
Possession of street drugs including, but not limited to, marijuana and cocaine is strictly illegal in Japan.Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs in Japan are very strict, and convicted offenders face long jail sentences and fines.
Alcohol
The legal drinking age in Japan is 20. Keio University urges students to be aware that reckless alcohol consumption, such as downing alcoholic drinks in one go, is highly dangerous and is to be avoided under any circumstances.
If an exchange student commits a crime or is found to have overstayed in Japan, they will be deported by immigration security officers and promptly sent back to their home country.
How much you should bring
It is recommended to bring about JPY 200,000 (at least JPY 50,000 in cash) to start your stay in Japan. The settling-in period can be very costly, and some items may be more expensive compared to those in your country.
Currency exchange services are available at the International Airport. Large banks and post offices (JP Bank) also provide currency exchange services, but the types of currency available will be limited.
Notes
・In order to open a bank account in Japan, a Student ID issued by Keio University will be required.
( Student ID will be provided during the Student Orientation. )
Banks and post offices (JP Bank) are closed on weekends and national holidays, and they usually close earlier than currency exchange booths available at the airport.
Bank cards issued outside of Japan may be used at a limited number of dispensers. Citibank accounts can be used internationally.
What is KOSMIC?
KOSMIC is run by Keio University students and facilitates opportunities for international students to receive support from fellow students. It promotes exchange with international students through welcome parties, arranging conversation partners and Japanese speech contests, as well as various other activities and events.
If you wish to connect with Keio students, we encourage you to participate in their events!
You can find information about upcoming events on KOSMIC's Instagram.
"The Keio Mentor-Mentee Program", organized by KOSMIC is designed to help incoming exchange students feel welcome and smoothly transition to life in Japan and at Keio.
KOSMIC will be your mentor to provide support during your studies at Keio!
Keio Mentor-Mentee Program:
While there have been no outbreaks in Japan, ASF virus has been spreading in wild boar in neighboring countries such as China and South Korea. To avoid bringing in ASF, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) asks everyone to cooperate in the following efforts.
Do not discard foods containing meat in nature!
Ensure your shoes are free of soil before exploring in nature.
Avoid proximity to livestock facilities.
Steer clear of wild boars, traps, and fenced areas.
Follow instructions at disinfection points
https://www.maff.go.jp/e/policies/ap_health/animal/csf_asf.html