Waseda University is home to approximately 48,000 undergraduate and graduate students from Japan and overseas, and is overflowing with excitement every day. While you may be excited about your new life, some of you may also be feeling anxious about the life you will be starting at university. We will introduce some university-sponsored events for new students that you can easily participate in, categorized by purpose.
INDEX
1. I want to think about how to spend my university life
2. I want to have intercultural exchange
3. I want to join a student club
4. I want to study abroad or volunteer
5. I would like to ask about classes, course registration, etc.
6. I want to use the library
7. I want to learn basic knowledge for working both on and off campus, such as using IT.
8. Learn more about Waseda through events, Waseda sports, and Wasemeshi
*Event information is also posted on the "Mori no Bulletin Board", which can be seen from the top page of "Waseda Weekly".
1. I want to think about how to spend my university life
At the Career Center, we hold many support events to help you take action and tell you what you should do in your student life in your first and second years so that you can move forward on a career path that satisfies you. Please check theCareer Center website for details. The Career Center is not just a place for job hunting!
Only Waseda can do this! Career Start Guidance ~Design your future~
Part 1: Talk session by working professionals (Japanese)
Part 2: Discussion with senior members of Waseda University-recognized student organizations (Japanese)
Date and time: Friday, April 11, 2025, 16:00-19:00
Venue: International Conference Center Waseda Campus
How to apply: MyWaseda > "Student Life" tab > "Career Compass" company and job information search > Participate in guidance sessions
*Applications will close as soon as capacity is reached.
E-mail: [email protected]
For more details Here from
You can get tips on how to spend your student life from graduates who are active in society, and hear about the activities of senior students from Waseda University-recognized student organizations!
Photo on the right: Guidance session for 2024
2. I want to have intercultural exchange
Waseda University is home to many international students from all over the world. Taking advantage of this diverse environment, Intercultural Communication Center encourages students to have intercultural exchange. Student staff members organize a variety of events throughout the year. ICC welcomes people of all backgrounds and nationalities, and offers many opportunities to have interesting experiences and make new friends. Check out the information below and ICC website, and get involved!
The welcome cafe (left) and the popular annual event, bamboo shoot digging (right)
"I hear that students from all over the world come to Waseda, but how can I meet them?" If you have such a question, be sure to come to ICC Welcome Festa! We have a Welcome Cafe to welcome new students, language lunches, campus photo adventures, bamboo shoot digging at Tokorozawa Campus, and more. We have prepared a wide variety of events that you can easily participate in, so please come and join us!
*Click to enlarge.
Welcome Cafe
Dates and times: April 1st (Tue) to 17th (Thu), 2025, a total of 8 sessions
*Please check the website for detailed dates and times.
Location: ICC Lounge, 1st floor Building No. 3, Waseda Campus
*No advance registration required.
For more details Here
The Welcome Cafe is a popular event every year with new students who are interested in intercultural exchange and studying abroad. It's a great chance to make friends who share the same interests! You can also ask about student life and ask for advice on any questions you may have from student staff with a variety of backgrounds, including from different countries, grades, and experiences.
Language Lunch
Date and time: April 10th (Thursday) to April 30th (Wednesday), 2025, a total of 7 sessions
*Please check the website for detailed dates and times.
Location: ICC Lounge, 1st floor Building No. 3, Waseda Campus
*No advance registration required.
For more details Here
"Language Lunch" is a regular ICC event that is appealing for its casual atmosphere of speaking a specific language during lunch break. Beginners to native speakers, new students and advanced students are all welcome. Each person brings their own food and eats while interacting with people who have come to Waseda from all over the world.
Bamboo shoot digging
Date and time: Saturday, April 19, 2025
Location: Tokorozawa Campus
How to apply: ICC website from
Deadline: Friday, April 11, 2025, 9:00am
Why not try "bamboo shoot digging" on Tokorozawa Campus? Enjoy a fun time in the bamboo forest surrounded by the wide sky and beautiful greenery. Afterwards, we also plan to picnic on the hill!
Campus Photo Adventure
Date and time: 1) Tuesday, April 8, 2025, 2) Monday, April 21
Location: Waseda Campus & Toyama Campus
How to apply: ICC website from
Deadline: 1) Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 9:00am 2) Monday, April 14, 2025 at 9:00am
Why not team up with students from Japan and abroad and explore Waseda Campus and Toyama Campus? Each team will tour the campus and aim to complete various missions such as "taking a selfie with Statue of Shigenobu Okuma" and "Jump Shot at the Waseda main gate." The winning team will also receive a prize!
ICC Nihongo Fluent Club（ICCにほんごペラペラクラブ ）
Dates: May 8, 15, 22, and 29, 2025 (Thursdays, 5th period)
Location: Waseda Campus
How to apply: via the ICC website
Details: Recruiting participants studying Japanese Here We are looking for supporters whose native language is Japanese. Here
This is a program where students studying Japanese can have fun practicing Japanese conversation through games and activities. Students whose native language is Japanese will facilitate. You can have fun interacting in Japanese!
Also check out: A wonderful encounter: Japanese Perapera Club (November 2024) Supporter report
Language & Culture Exchange
Date and time: Wednesday, April 30th to Thursday, July 31st, 2025
Location: Free
How to apply: ICC website from
Deadline: Wednesday, April 16, 2025, 9:00am
ICC matches participants, and participants (2-3 people) can teach each other their languages and cultures at a time and place of their choice. It's a great opportunity to make new friends and improve your language skills while learning about different cultures!
ICC holds approximately 200 programs and events each year, including many more than those mentioned above. Please follow our website and various social media accounts! For inquiries about any of our events, please contact us using the form below.
TEL: 03-5286-3990
Contact form
February 2025, ICC No Border Ski & Snowboard Camp
3. I want to join a student club
Waseda University has approximately 500 officially recognized student club where people with common hobbies and goals come together to engage in activities.
2025 Spring semester new student welcome activities
Event period: Tuesday, April 1, 2025 to the end of April
Location: Waseda Campus, Toyama Campus Waseda University Student Center, etc.
April 1st (Tuesday) - April 4th (Friday)
・Booths will be set up (Waseda Campus, Student Lounge in Building No. 3 and Building No., classrooms Building No. 10)
・Flyer distribution area set up (designated area on Waseda Campus)
*Overall welcome activities map (click to enlarge).
April 1st (Tuesday) - 2nd (Wednesday)
・ Student club performances (in front of Building No. 3 on Waseda Campus)
Wednesday, April 2
・ Student club Joint Information Session (Waseda Campus Building No. 8, basement classroom)
Thursday, April 3
・New student welcome event at Waseda Arena
April 1st (Tue) - end of April
・Work exhibition (student bulletin board in Student Lounge Building No. 3 and 11, temporary enclosure Building No. 9)
・Poster display (Waseda University Student Center Atrium, student bulletin boards on each campus)
・Installation of shelves for student club welcome flyers (3rd and 11th Building No. lounges, Waseda University Student Center 2nd floor lounge) *planned
About Official Student Club
At Waseda University, there are officially recognized clubs, but there are also many, many more that are not officially recognized. Student clubs meet certain requirements and are officially recognized by the university are called "official student club" and are classified into five types (student associations, student Tomonkai, hobby societies, student club belonging to off-campus NPOs, etc., and Faculty approved student club). These clubs receive support from the University, such as the use of facilities in Waseda University Student Center and subsidies for extracurricular activities. On the other hand, student clubs that have notified the University and completed registration but do not meet the requirements for establishing an officially recognized student club are called "registered (unofficial) student clubs." It should be noted that there are also many solicitations from groups disguised as student clubs at this time. Be careful not to get into trouble.
Also check out: What is the real fear of cults? Waseda University students are being targeted, their ingenious methods and countermeasures (Published October 23, 2023)
"Waseda University Official Student Club Guide" is a must-see website for new students that lists information on Waseda University's official student clubs. Find a student club that's right for you from the wide variety of student clubs. Check it out now!
Let's go to Waseda Shogekijo Drama-kan Theater a theater operated by Waseda University!
The Dramakan, located on Minamimon Street, has a distinctive black exterior.
Waseda Shogekijo Drama-kan Theater is a theater owned by Waseda University located on the Nanmon-dori shopping street. Throughout the year, in addition to the activities of the theater student club, performances by professional theater companies and various workshops, lectures, and study sessions not limited to theater are held.
In the spring of 2025, a new Waseda Theater support project titled "#SpringFromDramakan" will be held from April 12th (Sat) to 20th (Sun). Various events will be held, including introductions to each student club, screenings of past performances, and a Waseda Theater tour around the campus! For more information, please check Waseda Shogekijo Drama-kan Theater website.
4. I want to study abroad or volunteer
Experience abroad while you're a university student! "Spring Study Abroad Fair"
Date and time: Thursday, April 17, 2025, 12:00-17:00, Friday, April 18, 2025, 10:00-17:00
Location: Waseda Campus International Conference Center (in the same building as Central Library)
*No prior registration required. Free entry and exit. However, please bring your student ID.
Learn more
If you're even slightly considering studying abroad during your time at university, why not take your first step towards the world? At the Study Abroad Fair, we will hold information sessions on study abroad programs, study and career planning, scholarships etc. In addition, representatives from partner universities around the world, student study abroad advisors with unique study abroad experiences, and staff from the Center for International Education will be waiting to answer any questions you may have about studying abroad. On the second day of the fair, the Georgian Ambassador to Japan, Teimuraz Lezhava, who is very popular on social media, will be making an appearance as a special guest. Don't miss this opportunity to visit the Study Abroad Fair!
The Autumn Study Abroad Fair held in October 2024
*Click to enlarge.
The Hirayama Ikuo Volunteer Center (WAVOC) (WAVOC) events
Waseda University has a volunteer organization called The Hirayama Ikuo Volunteer Center (WAVOC) (WAVOC), which has a system in place to back up students' proactive activities. If you've been interested but haven't taken the first step until now, why not give it a try?
Spring Volunteer Cafe 2025 ~ A huge gathering of volunteer student club! ~
Date and time: Thursday, April 3rd and Friday, April 4th, 2025, 10:00-16:00
Location: Waseda Campus Building No. 3, 202, 203 (CTLT Classrooms 2 and 3)
*No advance registration required.
Learn more
The Volunteer Cafe held in April 2024
WAVOC holds a ``Volunteer Café'' every year to connect student volunteer organizations that are currently volunteering with students who would like to volunteer in the future.
Every year, many new students visit the Volunteer Cafe, which serves as an opportunity for them to learn about volunteer groups. In 2025, many groups will be introducing the appeal of volunteering and the content of their activities. Volunteering offers many opportunities to broaden and grow your values. No experience is required, so please feel free to come and visit the Volunteer Cafe.
*Click to enlarge.
Takao Forest Development
Date and time: Sunday, April 27, 2025 8:50am gathering at JR Takao Station - 4:00pm disbanding at JR Takao Station (scheduled)
Location: Kogesawa Forest, Uratakao, Hachioji City, Tokyo
How to apply: From MyWaseda
Deadline: Mid-April
TEL: 03-3203-4192
E-mail: [email protected]
For more details Here
Activities at Mt. Takao
In preparation for planting, we will be cutting down trees and building roads in the areas where new plantings are planned. Cutting down trees involves cutting down and removing all trees that are not part of the trees you are planning to plant, while building roads involves using the cut down trees to create mountain paths. Working in the mountains with tools that you would not normally come into contact with is an experience you would not get in the city. Instructors will be present, so there is no need to worry if it is your first time or you are participating alone.
Volunteer Presentation Contest 2025
Date and time: Thursday, April 3, 2025, 10:45-15:30
Location: Waseda Campus Building No. 3, 201 (CTLT Classroom 1)
*No advance registration required.
TEL: 03-3203-4192
E-mail: [email protected]
Learn more
Volunteer Presentation Contest 2024
This presentation contest brings together a wide variety of student volunteer organizations active both domestically and internationally, and they share their thoughts in presentations based on themes set each year. The participants will give humorous presentations about the meaning of volunteering and the growth they have experienced through volunteering. Not only new students, but also current students who are looking for a new stimulus in their student life, are encouraged to participate and use this as an opportunity to take action.
5. I would like to ask about classes, course registration, etc.
The big difference between college and high school is that you choose classes that interest you and make your own timetable. The options are endless, but many people are confused as to what and how to choose. At Waseda University, in addition to counseling on courses offered by the department, there is also a consultation desk for university-wide open courses and a desk for student staff to handle course registration consultations, so please make use of them depending on the content of your consultation.
Course registration consultation at the Waseda Portal Office
The Waseda Portal Office (WPO) on the 1st floor Building No. 7 on Waseda Campus accepts consultations regarding courses offered by the Global Education Center (GEC) and university-wide minor courses (reservations required). There is also a "Talk Anywhere" desk where WPO student staff are on hand to answer questions and problems about student life, provide advice on academic concerns, and help with gathering information. Be sure to check out the WPO official site, which provides information daily! Frequently asked questions can also be found on the WPO website.
Also check out: What is a university-wide minor? Choose a course that interests you and develop your secondary strengths (Published on January 16, 2023)
New Students Exchange Meeting (Kouhai Navi)
Date and time: Tuesday, April 8, 2025, 11:00-14:00 (scheduled)
Location: Waseda Campus Building No. 7, Room 307, Nishi-Waseda Campus courtyard
Application deadline: April 6th (Sun) 23:59
Contact form
For more details Here
At the "New Students Exchange Event," new students can interact with each other and expand their circle of friends through campus tours and recreational activities led by current Waseda students! In addition, we are planning various events for new students, such as SNS Live and Talk Lunch, so please check Hanabi Log for details!
GetAdvice on English courses offered by the Global Education Center (GEC)
We are currently conducting "course consultations" for GEC English courses and "level checks for those who wish to take Tutorial English." Applications can be made through the inquiry form. If you are aiming to acquire English communication skills this spring or would like to brush up on your current English skills, why not open the door to new learning with GEC English courses, including "Tutorial English," which is taken by many Waseda University students? You are sure to find the perfect course for you.
■ English course consultation
Overview: This site accepts consultations regarding "Tutorial English," "Listening and Reading," and "Writing Scientific Papers (fully on-demand courses)" (※), such as "Which courses should I take?"
Date and time: Monday, March 10th to Saturday, April 19th, 2025
■Tutorial English Level Check (for those who wish to take elective courses)
Date and time:
1. New students who wish to take classes in the Spring or Summer Quarter: April 1st (Tue) and 2nd (Wed)
2. For those considering taking classes only in the summer quarter: Monday, April 7th
(*)For more information on GEC English courses, click here.
6. I want to use the library
Waseda University has several libraries. The largest of these is Central Library, which has a collection of approximately 2.9 million books. You are sure to find your favorite books and books that will be useful for your studies. In addition, the portal site Academic Information Search, which is useful for searching various databases that the university has contracted, will be indispensable for your future university life. Be sure to check how to use it from outside the university and master how to use it as soon as possible. The library regularly holds seminars on how to search for literature and use databases, and videos of these seminars are also available on Waseda Moodle. In addition, if you have any questions about searching for literature or papers, you can ask the LAs (Learning Assistants), student staff members who work at the library. Make use of the many resources available.
Also check out: [Library Expert] Make the most of your free time! Secret tips for using the "Wonderland of Knowledge" (Published June 26, 2023)
Waseda Campus Central Library
In addition, Central Library regularly holds self-tours in the form of a stamp rally, allowing users to experience the library for themselves. Visitors can tour the library's highlights, such as the underground research stacks and the back issue magazine stacks, and answer quizzes about the library's rules and facilities, and receive original library goods at the end of the tour!
In addition, we will be holding a spring "Library Week" during April so that you can become more familiar with libraries. Each library will be holding exhibitions and events, so please come and visit us during this period.
3 weeks to enjoy the library “Library Week”
Event period: Saturday, April 12th to Wednesday, April 30th, 2025
Location: Waseda Campus Central Library, Toyama Campus Toyama Library, Tokorozawa Campus Tokorozawa Library
Learn more
Library Spring Special Exhibition "Foundation of Knowledge: Building a Library Collection"
Event period: Friday, March 21, 2025 to Wednesday, April 30, 2025, 10:00-18:00
*Opening hours on Sundays and Saturday, April 5th are 10:30-16:30
Location: Waseda Campus Building No. 18, General Academic Information Center, 2nd floor exhibition room
*No prior registration required, admission is free.
For more details Here
Everyone will agree that have a great collection of books holds great important for libraries. It is also true that the contents of books reflect the characteristics and history of the library, whether in the East or the West. Waseda University Library has a history of over 140 years, originating from a library room established when Tokyo Senmon Gakko, the predecessor of the university, opened in 1882 (Meiji 15). This exhibition focuses on the collection of materials from the history of the library, and introduces various materials from the library's collection. How did these materials, which can be said to be the "foundation" of "knowledge," come to be collected at our library? We will trace the history of the collection at Waseda University Library, exploring the background to the acquisition of each material and episodes from that time.
*Click to enlarge.
7. I want to learn the basics of working, such as how to use IT
Learn the basics through the classes and seminars offered by the university, including IT knowledge necessary for living in an information society and various other knowledge that you need to acquire when working both on and off campus.
Required seminar for new students
This is an on-demand seminar that introduces the information environment provided by the university and teaches information security and information ethics for correctly using the Internet and SNS. Seminars are provided on Waseda Moodle (*), and new students are required to watch them and take a test. If you do not complete it, your Waseda ID may be suspended, so be sure to complete it within the course period.
(※) A new teaching support system introduced and used at Waseda University. It is also compatible with multiple languages and devices. Through Waseda Moodle, you can receive announcements from your Faculty, view lecture materials, answer quizzes, submit assignments, take on-demand classes, participate in discussions, and more. Instructions for using it vary depending on the class, so be sure to check the details during class.
Student Job Seminar
Waseda University has an on-campus part-time work system called "Student Jobs." The "Student Job Seminar" is a course that provides basic knowledge required for working on campus. It is recommended for those who will start working at the university, those who will start working off-campus, and those who want to review the basics.
How to take the course: Log in to Waseda Moodle > Course name "Contents provided by Student Affairs Section "
If you would like to take the course now, click here. *The Waseda Moodle login screen will open.
*Click to enlarge.
8. Learn more about Waseda through events, Waseda sports, and Wasemeshi
Waseda University holds a variety of events, including Waseda Festival (held in November, organized by student groups), and many students are fully engaged in these events. Among these, the Waseda-Keio Regatta (held on April 13th), the Waseda-Keio Baseball Game (held on May 31st, June 1st, and October), and the Waseda-Keio and Waseda-Meiji Rugby Game (held in November and December) are particularly well-known. Please enjoy these events and develop a love for Waseda while experiencing the feeling of being a Waseda student.
There are also many restaurants around the university that serve reasonably priced, filling meals, known as "Wasemeshi." They are also featured in the popular "My Waseda Cuisine" section of Waseda Weekly. In addition, the cafeterias on each campus offer nutritious food at reasonable prices, and the Waseda University Waseda University Student Health Promotion Mutual Aid Association (Waseda University Student Health Association) offers a 100 yen breakfast for a limited time every year around May and June. Please enjoy your Wasemeshi and cafeteria meals while considering nutrition and your financial situation.
(*) For details on business days, business hours, etc., please click here.
Photo on the left: Let's support Waseda sports (Photo provided by Waseda Sports Newspaper Club)
Right photo: Waseda Weekly's "My Waseda Cuisine" features a variety of Wasemeshi
![[Save version] Map of the four main campuses](https://www.waseda.jp/inst/weekly/assets/uploads/2025/09/17cb2975123fc5103172ef60bd98608d-610x458.jpg)
