Waseda WeeklyWaseda Weekly

Serious issues to watch out for in the new semester

①Drinking

Acute alcohol poisoning caused by binge drinking can lead to death!

Drinking alcohol under the age of 20 is not only against the law, but forcing others to drink is also a serious breach of etiquette (alcohol harassment), so absolutely no! If you see a friend drinking excessively, do not encourage them or tolerate them, but stop them. Binge drinking is also very dangerous. Drinking alcohol is also strictly prohibited on university campuses.

The Waseda University Student Health Promotion Mutual Aid Association (Waseda Student Health Association) distributes "alcohol predisposition test patches" at New-Student Orientation and when issuing student ID cards through each Faculty office. Make use of them to find out your own predisposition.

② Drugs

Illegal drugs destroy your life. Don't betray your family and friends!

You must never touch illegal drugs such as marijuana or stimulants, or dangerous drugs sold online under the names of "legal drugs" or "legal escape drugs." Purchasing, possessing, using, or transferring such drugs will not only result in severe criminal penalties, but will also result in severe penalties such as expulsion from school and having to repay Scholarship. Overdosing on over-the-counter drugs is also strictly prohibited.

3. Fake student club

University campuses, where anyone can come and go freely, are easy targets. Waseda University students are being targeted!

Religious cults, political sects, pyramid schemes, etc. will approach you using clever words, posing as student club. If you are invited to join by someone who says, "You can make friends" or "You can earn money easily," first find out the name of the group and carefully check the details of their activities. You also need the courage to ignore them. Solicitations via social media are also increasing rapidly, so be careful.

Reference: What is the real fear of cults? Waseda University students being targeted, clever techniques and countermeasures (Waseda Weekly)

④Personal Information

Please protect your own information! Once information is leaked, it cannot be recovered.

​The number of fraudulent billings from fake accounts posing as financial institutions or delivery companies is on the rise. It is also important to be careful of virus infections on your PC or smartphone by replying to suspicious emails or accessing suspicious websites. There have also been many cases of people asking for personal information under the guise of part-time job introductions.

⑤Dark part-time job

Dark part-time job is recruiting criminal perpetrators. Be careful of job information that appears to have favorable conditions at first glance!

Be skeptical of job offers that promise high pay, same-day payment, or simply receiving documents. These are especially dangerous if you are asked to contact the company through an anonymous application. Also, be careful of black companies that force you to meet strict quotas or work overcrowded shifts.

As of April 1, 2022, the age of majority has been lowered to 18, and as a result, the "minor's right to cancel a contract" (the right to cancel a contract entered into by a minor without the consent of a legal representative) no longer applies to those aged 18 or 19. When starting a part-time job, be sure to thoroughly read and understand the contents of the contract before signing it.

Reference: Problems you should be aware of as you move from 18 to adulthood due to the lowering of the age of majority (Waseda Weekly)

⑥ Social media troubles

A casual post can be a copyright infringement or illegal act! It can also cause scars that will never heal...

Reprimanding student club members by name in SNS groups, posting class summaries, posting group photos without permission, posting about people letting loose... These can lead to problems such as harassment, infringement of rights, and invasion of privacy. Reckless posting and spreading can lead to lifelong regret.

Reference: Scars that never disappear... What are the common cases of frequent SNS troubles? (Waseda Weekly)

Other precautions regarding student life, such as sex-related issues and theft issues, are posted in detail on Student Affairs Section website.

Where to go when you're in trouble

If you are in trouble, do not try to solve it on your own, but immediately seek help from a consultation service. The closest consultation service is the office of your faculty or graduate school, but we will introduce you to various other services. Please check the websites of each service for the latest information, such as opening hours.

Various student consultations