Waseda University has many services and systems that can make student life more fun and convenient. Many people probably have questions like, "What kinds of systems are there?" or "I know the names, but I don't know how to use them." This time, we will focus on library services and facilities that you might be missing out on if you didn't know about, as well as the great services and events promoted by the Waseda University Student Health Promotion Mutual Aid Association (hereinafter referred to as the Waseda Student Health Association). Make use of them to make your student life even more fulfilling!
INDEX
▼Libraries are a great way to learn and fill your free time
▼The Waseda University Student Health Promotion Mutual Aid Association supports healthy student life
▼Three services chosen by our readers that you should know about
Libraries are a great way to learn and fill your free time
Waseda University has over 20 libraries, including Central Library, Toyama Library, Science and Engineering Library, Tokorozawa Library, and the Students' Reading Rooms of each faculty. This time, Yasunobe, who works part-time at Central Library while serving as a Waseda Weekly Reporter (SJC student staff member) and often visits the library in her free time, will introduce some library services that are useful to know about, as well as recommended spots in Central Library, which boasts a collection of approximately 2.9 million books.
Waseda Weekly Reporter (SJC student staff)
Honoka Yasunobe, 3rd year student, School of Culture, Media and Society
In front of Waseda Campus Central Library
The first step to learning about libraries! Take a Self-tour of Central Library
The board marks the start
For new students and those who don't usually use libraries, I would first recommend the stamp rally-style self-tour at Central Library. Simply scan the QR code next to the large staircase on the second floor to participate! (※1) I was worried that university libraries would be larger and less familiar to me than the public and school libraries I had been to, so I decided to try the self-tour as soon as I enrolled.
By walking around the library for about 30 minutes answering the 10 questions displayed, you will be able to get a sense of the basic services offered,You might find yourself thinking "I didn't know this place," and "If I need help, I can go to this counter." When you reach the end, you will receive some original library merchandise at the reference counter!
(※1)Reception at the end point is open from 9:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday, and 9:00am to 7:00pm when school is in sessiond.
A powerful resource for writing reports: the Reference Counter
The reference counter, located on the right hand side after entering the entrance gate on the second floor of Central Library, is a place where you can casually ask about how to find materials and library services. In my case, I asked a staff member about a question I had, "How can I cite a painting in a report?" and he carefully looked into it and answered my question! They also answer specific questions, such as, "I want to see statistical data in paper form, not online, but where is it published?" Consultations are available not only in person, but also via email and Zoom, so please make use of them when you are having trouble finding materials.
Get materials from libraries in Japan and abroad! Interlibrary Loan (ILL)
The book you are looking for is not available at Waseda University! In times like these, you should know about Interlibrary Loan (ILL), a service that allows you to order materials from domestic and international libraries. In addition to the actual book, you can also order copies of parts of the material. Since I am the type of person who likes to write, copying materials is very helpful. The university will also cover up to 3,000 yen in usage fees (copy and shipping combined), so it is worth knowing about! It is easy to apply on MyWaseda, and it is also convenient that you can pick up the materials at a library on campus that is convenient for you.
Recently, cooperation with Keio University Library has been strengthened, and you can enter Keio University Library with your Waseda University student ID. When I was in the area, I visited Mita Media Center. It's fun to see the library of another university, so please go and check it out.
Many e-books are available online. Try using the WINE resource search system.
Screen showing "View Online"
Search on the Waseda University Integrated Search System WINE, and if the book is in a database that the university has a contract with, the "View online" button will appear and you can read it immediately. I often use this when I want to use a book for the English exam preparation provided by the Waseda-Keio Japanese Book Digitization Promotion Consortium. It's very helpful because I can read it over and over again. It's also convenient because you can find books that are not available in the library using WINE's "All Search" mode!
Make the most of your free time at Central Library! 3 recommended places
Group Study Rooms on the second floor
Yasunobe
Group Study Rooms, located immediately to the left after entering the entrance gate on the second floor of Central Library, are places where you can talk and do group work! No reservation is required, so you can use them anytime. There is also a Learning Commons, which has plenty of areas where you can talk.
Whiteboards are also available. Eating is prohibited.
4th floor AV room
Yasunobe
It's a hidden gem where you can enjoy music and movies, and it's so popular that I think it would be better if it wasn't so well known. There are over 10,000 movies, including some that aren't currently available on video streaming services, and you can check if they're available to watch on WINE. You can take your time and enjoy, so please come and visit us when you have some free time.
Left: Individual viewing booths for quiet viewing
Right: In front of the entrance to the AV room. Works are displayed according to a monthly theme, providing a reference point when you don't know what to watch.
4th floor lounge
Yasunobe
You can also do group work in the lounge on the 4th floor. It's a spacious space, so it's a great place to take a breather!
An open space surrounded by windows on three sides. Eating is prohibited.
The Waseda University Student Health Promotion Mutual Aid Association supports healthy student life
University life is a busy and irregular lifestyle that involves studying, part-time work, and socializing with friends, and it is not uncommon for students to fall ill. At Waseda University, the Waseda University Student Health Promotion Mutual Aid Association holds various health-related events and works to support the health of Waseda students. This time, we asked Aika Sato, a committee member of the Waseda University Student Health Promotion Mutual Aid Association, about the systems and events she recommends.
Waseda Student Health Association Committee
Aika Sato, 3rd year student, School of Political Science and Economics
In front of Student Affairs Section counter, Waseda University Student Center, Toyama Campus
What is the Waseda University Student Health Promotion Mutual Aid Association?
This is a university-certified student committee that works to promote the health of Waseda students, and is currently run by 10 students. Its main activities include publicizing the medical expense benefit system, and planning and running events in cooperation with companies and government ministries. In addition, it provides information on social media that is useful for managing one's health and improving lifestyle habits, supporting the healthy lifestyles of Waseda students.
Don't hesitate to go to the hospital! Medical Expense Benefit System
There is a medical expense benefit system where medical expenses are refunded under certain conditions when you visit a medical institution. Regular undergraduate students and regular graduate students/research students (※2) can use this system because they pay a semester fee of 1,500 yen along with their tuition fees. If you apply using the medical expense benefit system, you can keep your out-of-pocket expenses at one medical institution to 1,000 yen per month, as long as it is within the annual benefit limit of 60,000 yen, so it's reassuring! If you go to a contracted medical institution (※3) near the university, you can automatically receive medical expense benefits without having to apply at the counter by simply presenting your student ID card at the reception desk, so it's very easy.
You can fill out and submit the application form at the Student Affairs Section counter on the first floor of the Waseda University Student Center
If you visit a medical institution that is not under contract with us, you will need to complete the following two procedures to apply.
① Register an account in your name on MyWaseda
② Fill out the medical expenses benefit application form for each month of treatment, and take the necessary documents such as your student ID and receipts to the counter on the first floor of Toyama Campus Waseda University Student Center. Application window Submit to the application window (※4)
The deadline for applying for the Medical Expense Benefits System is 10th up to the third month following the month of the medical examination (※5). Please note that applications will not be accepted after the deadline. Applications can also be made by mail, so there's no reason not to use it!
(※2) This does not include students in the School of Human Sciences correspondence course, sponsored non-degree students, non-degree/research students, students affiliated with Center for Japanese Language, exchange students, and special foreign trainees.
(※3) We have signed agreements with medical clinics (11 clinics), dental clinics (13 clinics), and pharmacies (4 stations). Click here for the list.
(※4) Please check here for information on the application desks and opening hours for each campus.
(※5) For example, if you receive medical treatment in April 2025, the deadline for submission is July 10, 2025.
100 yen breakfast for healthy eating and a regular lifestyle
This is a very popular event that is attended by hundreds of Waseda University students every year, and in 2024 it was held at the Okuma Garden House and the Science and Engineering Cafeteria. By showing your student ID, you can choose either a set meal or curry and eat it for 100 yen (※6). The set meal comes with miso soup, rice, and one side dish, so it is perfectly balanced in nutrition. If you can't eat much in the morning, you don't have to worry because you can adjust the amount of rice. It is held from 7:50 to 8:45 in the morning before the first period starts, so it would be nice if you thought, "If I can eat breakfast for 100 yen, I might get up earlier than usual and go to university."
The next event is scheduled for the end of June in 2025, and in December 2025 a service will be implemented where you can eat one small dish for free at the school cafeteria. Details of the event will be posted on X and Instagram, so be sure to check it out so you don't miss it!
(※6) Cash only.
Photo on the left: The 100 yen breakfast that was implemented in May 2023. There was a line, and the popular set meals were sold out early.
Photo on the right: Curry (medium size) and beef croquette set
We hold many events that can help you alleviate your health concerns!
The Waseda Student Health Association holds events that are useful to Waseda students. One of the most memorable events we have held so far is "The first step to cancer prevention: Learn about cervical cancer and prevention methods!", held in July 2024. In Japan, many people avoid getting vaccinated due to concerns about the cervical cancer vaccine and its side effects. Therefore, we planned this event with the aim of resolving concerns by listening to detailed explanations from doctors and acquiring correct knowledge. Some people brought their partners to this event, which created an atmosphere where people on campus could easily participate.
In addition, in October 2024, we held a seminar on responsible drinking in collaboration with a private company, and we were able to raise awareness among more than 200 students, many of whom were first- and second-year students under the age of 20. We believe this contributed to promoting the health of the entire university. We will continue to actively work to reduce drinking-related problems on campus.
We plan to hold an experiential seminar on posture and health at the end of May 2025. We look forward to your participation!
Scene from the events
Photo on the left: "The first step to cancer prevention: Learn about cervical cancer and prevention methods!" (July 2024)
Photo on the right: "Let's learn about alcohol correctly and enjoyably! Kirin Beer Appropriate Drinking Seminar with Comedy Workshop LUDO Comedy Live!" (October 2024). The event was held in a hybrid format of face-to-face and Zoom.
[Waseda University Student Health Promotion Mutual Aid Association]
On the Waseda Student Health Association's SNS, you can check event information and health knowledge. The Waseda Student Health Association is also recruiting student committee members throughout the year! If you are interested, please contact us via SNS.
X: @soukenkai_wsd
Instagram: @soukenkai_waseda
Reader monitors choose these three services you should know about!
Waseda Weekly conducted a survey of Waseda student readers asking them "What are the three services you use on campus, and would have liked to know about sooner?" Here are the three most popular answers.
Copy machines
Copy machines are installed in computer rooms, which are convenient for times when you want to print out your resume. You can check here for computer rooms with copy machines. However, please note that you will need to bring your own printing paper! You can also print at convenience stores on campus for a fee.
Additionally, there are free printing booths available in the basement Building No. 8 on Waseda Campus and on Toyama Campus in front of the Scholarships and Financial Assistance Section on the first floor of Waseda University Student Center Building, the Toyama Cafeteria, and in front of the Student Lounge on the second floor Building of No. 51 on Nishi-Waseda Campus. Advertisements are printed on the back of the copy and print paper, so please use them according to your printing needs (※7).
Located next to the stairs on the first basement floor of Building No. 8 on Waseda Campus
(※7) When applying for the Medical Expense Benefit System, copies of receipts submitted via tada-copy service will not be accepted.
Training Center/Refresh Studio
Did you know that Toyama Campus has a Training Center (Waseda University Student Center, 2nd basement floor) and a Refresh Studio (Waseda Arena, 1st basement floor multipurpose athletic field) that you can use cheaply? The Training Center has an annual registration fee of 4,500 yen, and the Refresh Studio can be used as much as you like from the date of registration until the end of the fiscal year for 1,500 yen. It's perfect for working up a sweat during your free time or after class!
National Museum of Nature and Science Partnership
Many people said, "I wish I had known sooner what I could do with my student ID!" One thing we want you to know about is the "National Museum of Nature and Science - University Partnership." By presenting your student ID at the National Museum of Nature and Science counter, you can enjoy a variety of benefits, including free admission to the permanent exhibition and discounted admission to special exhibitions, as well as special admission to various courses offered by the National Museum of Nature and Science at a special price through priority acceptance. Please visit as many times as you like while you are a student and make the most of it.
National Museum of Nature and Science - University Partnership
Photography: Shiori Banjo
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