Other Useful Information

1. Obtaining Student Visa

a. There are 2 ways to obtain Student Visa.  The fastest way takes two steps: first, obtain a Certificate of Eligibility(COE) from a proxy in Japan, and then, submit this COE with your visa application to the Japanese Embassy/Consulate in your home country.

ｂ．The application for COE is done by a proxy in Japan.  It usually takes at least 2 months for the certificate to be issued.  The visa process at the embassy may take a few days to a few weeks; thus, the preparation needs to be done in a timely manner.

Upon receiving the Student visa, you are advised to follow your future supervisor in setting an appropriate date of entry in Japan. Copies of your medical practioner's license, school transcripts, birth certificate, extra copies of your photos and such, including notarial certificates, may be necessary in the future for various purposes such as scholarship applications.  Therefore, it is wise to bring extra copies of these documents with you.

2. Education of Japanese Language and Culture
No matter how good your English is, learning Japanese is one of the biggest concerns for most of you. Extra-curricular non-credit Japanese Language lessons are arranged and taught by the International Center of the University throughout the academic year. It is fortunate that there are several other courses offered by community centers or volunteer groups in Matsumoto.

3. Housing Arrangements
Housing arrangements, if you wish, could be made for you by your supervisor while you are still in your homeland. Therefore, you are advised to keep in touch with your supervisor until you finally arrive the school. Most apartments have a kitchen and a bath (either communal or private), but rooms are usually unfurnished.  The average cost of a one bedroom apartment is more than ￥40,000. One with a communal kitchen and bath can be found within the ￥30,000 range.

4. Opening a Bank Account
Allowances, scholarship payments, tuition payments, and utility bills are usually automatically deposited/ withdrawn through your bank account; thus, opening a bank account is one of the first things you should do when you arrive here.

5. Computer & E-Mail
Computers, Internet access, and E-mail are made available in each department in our Faculty. Basic computer knowledge and skills are necessary for academic as well as communication purposes. Following guidance in the proper use of internet by a network manager at your department is strongly advised on campus.

6. Commuting
Commuting by car is not allowed due to parking limitation at Shinshu University's Matsumoto campus. Therefore, almost all foreign students live very close to the campus and commute on foot or by bicycle.

7. Driving and Driver's License
A student life without a car is a standard here as ShinshuUniversity Matsumoto campus is conveniently located near the city center, and the public transportation system is quite good.If you wish to drive, you must be aware of the following:

a) There is only one kind of valid international driver's license in Japan. That is the one issued from a member country of the Geneva Treaty and is valid only one year after entry to Japan. Any other international licenses or the one from your country must be changed to a Japanese license.

b) You must keep in mind that compensation and medical claims in the event of an accident can be extremely and unbelievably high. Therefore, please be aware that driving without insurances is unheard of in Japan.

8. Climate
Situated above 600m sea level at the foot of the Northern Alps in the Central Japan, Matsumoto offers refreshingly cool summer and crisp air in winter with lots of sunshine. Spring and autumn are invigorating. It certainly provides a perfect location for physical and cultural activities all year around.