Congratulations to all of you who have been accepted into Waseda University! With approximately 48,000 students from both Japan and abroad, Waseda University is a place where you can experience a wide variety of stimulating experiences every day. While you may be excited about your new life, some of you may also be feeling anxious about what awaits you at university. For those new students, we've compiled a list of easy-to-participate university-sponsored events for new students, categorized by purpose!
INDEX
1. I want to start the new fiscal year off with energy.
2. I want to think about how to spend my student life.
3. I want to engage in cross-cultural exchange.
4. I want to join student club
5. I want to study abroad or volunteer.
6. I would like to consult about classes, course registration, etc.
7. I want to make use of the library.
8. I want to learn about the use of ICT and the basic knowledge needed to work both inside and outside the university.
9. Learn more about Waseda through events, Waseda sports, and Waseda meals.
*Event information is also posted on the "What's on Waseda" on the top page of "Waseda Weekly".
1. I want to start the new fiscal year off with energy.
Student periodic health checkup (mandatory)
開催日時：2026年4月2日（木）～23日（木）
※ 開催日・時間は健診会場によって異なります
場所：早稲田キャンパス 27号館、西早稲田キャンパス 55号館、所沢キャンパス 101号館、北九州キャンパス 講義室
申し込み日時：新入生 2026年3月30日（月）11:00～、在学生 2026年3月25日（水）11:00～
申し込み方法：保健調査回答後、予約サイトから申し込んでください
詳細はこちら
お問い合わせ：
早稲田・戸山キャンパス／保健管理室 03-5286-9800
西早稲田キャンパス／西早稲田分室 03-5286-3021
所沢キャンパス／所沢分室 04-2947-6706
北九州キャンパス／情報生産システム研究科事務所 093-692-5017
As we begin the new academic year, let's start our student life with peace of mind by first checking our health. Health management is a vital foundation for student life, just like classes and student club activities. The regular student health checkup held in the spring is an official university event and is an important opportunity to maintain individual health and notice any changes in physical condition early. Be sure to have this checkup every year while you are a student, and make time to focus on your body at the start of the new academic year.
*Click to enlarge. By undergoing a health checkup, you can receive services such as being able to undergo additional tests required for medical certificates needed for scholarship, studying abroad, and part-time jobs, and being able to register to use on-campus sports facilities.
2. I want to think about how to spend my student life.
Career Center offers numerous support events to help first and second-year students understand what they should be doing during their student life and to encourage them to take action, so that they can pursue a career path that they are happy with in the future. Career Center is not just a place for job hunting, so please feel free to use it. For more details, please check Career Center website.
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: Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 16:00 - 19:00
Location: Waseda Campus International Conference Center
How to apply: MyWaseda > "Student Life" tab > "Career Compass" Career events, consultation reservations, job inquiries, etc. > Event Reservation
* First-year undergraduate students (new students) will be able to log in to Career Compass from April 1, 2026 onwards.
*Registration will close once the maximum number of participants is reached.
E-mail: [email protected]
Details Here
You can get tips on how to make the most of your student life from alumni are active in society, and hear about the activities of senior students in university-approved student organizations!
Right: Scene from the 2025 guidance session.
3. I want to engage in cross-cultural exchange.
Waseda University is home to many international students from all over the world. The Intercultural Communication Center (ICC) leverages this diverse environment to provide opportunities for cross-cultural exchange. Led primarily by student staff, the ICC organizes various events throughout the year, welcoming all students regardless of their origin or nationality. With numerous opportunities for interesting experiences and meeting new friends, please check the information below and the ICC website, and we encourage you to participate actively!
*Click to enlarge
"I hear Waseda has students from all over the world, but how can I meet them?" If you have that question, then you should definitely come to the ICC Welcome Festa! We have a variety of events that you can easily participate in, including a Welcome Cafe to welcome new students, Language Lunches, Japanese Tea Party, and Bamboo Shoot Hunt at Tokorozawa Campus, and we look forward to seeing you!
A view of the Welcome Cafe (left), and the popular annual event, bamboo shoot digging (right).
Welcome Cafe
Dates and Times: April 1 (Wed) - April 15 (Wed), 2026, a total of 8 sessions.
Location: ICC Lounge, 1st Floor, Building No. 3, Waseda Campus
* No advance registration required
Details Here
The "Welcome Cafe" is a popular event every year, especially for new students. It's a great opportunity to make friends with shared interests! Furthermore, you can easily ask questions and seek advice about student life from student staff with diverse backgrounds, including various countries, academic years, and experiences.
Language Lunch
Dates and times: April 13 (Mon) - 30 (Thu), 2026, a total of 7 sessions.
Location: ICC Lounge, 1st Floor, Building No. 3, Waseda Campus
* No advance registration required
Details Here
"Language Lunch" is a popular ICC event that's appealing because of its casual atmosphere, allowing participants to speak a specific language during their lunch break. Beginners to native speakers, new students and upperclassmen are all welcome. Participants bring their own lunches and can interact with people from all over the world who have come to Waseda.
digging for bamboo shoots
Date and time: Saturday, April 18, 2026
Location: Tokorozawa Campus
How to apply: ICC website from
Deadline: Friday, April 10, 2026, 9:00 AM
Why not try Bamboo Shoot Hunt at our lush Tokorozawa Campus? Enjoy a fun time with new friends amidst the wide-open sky and deep greenery. A picnic is also planned after the bamboo shoot digging!
Japanese Tea Party
Date and time: Thursday, April 23, 2026
Location: Waseda Campus
How to apply: ICC website from
Deadline: Thursday, April 16, 2026, 9:00 AM
In addition to presentations on the history and appeal of Japanese tea, you can sample several types of Japanese tea. We also offer a hands-on experience of making matcha tea. Why not enjoy interacting with other participants while exploring the profound world of Japanese tea?
ICC English Chat Club
Dates: May 8, 15, 22, and 29, 2026 (Fri)
Location: Waseda Campus
How to apply: Apply via the ICC website. The website is scheduled to launch on April 3, 2026 (Fri).
Details: Recruitment of English learners Here We are looking for supporters whose native language is English or who are proficient in English. Here
Do you want to overcome your fear of English? Do you want to make friends you can speak English with? Why not achieve these goals for the new semester with us at ICC? You can challenge yourself to speak English while having fun through games and activities with students from diverse cultural backgrounds. You'll work with the same members for a month, together with Waseda University student supporters, so you'll naturally deepen your friendships. Let's broaden your English skills and your world through cross-cultural exchange!
Language & Culture Exchange (LCE)
Dates: April 30, 2026 (Thu) - July 31, 2026 (Fri)
Location: Open
How to apply: ICC website from
Deadline: Thursday, April 16, 2026, 9:00 AM
ICC facilitates matching within universities, creating a system where participants (2-3 people) teach each other their language and culture at their preferred time and place. It's a great opportunity to make new friends, learn about different cultures, and improve your language skills!
ICC hosts approximately 200 programs and events annually, and we also implement a wide variety of other projects in addition to those listed above. For the latest information, please follow our website and various social media channels. If you have any questions, please contact us through the inquiry form.
Also check this out: Connect with the world through approximately 200 events a year! The ICC community expands through use (Published June 9, 2025)
ICC No Border Camp held at Kamogawa Seminar House in February 2026
4. I want to join student club
Waseda University has approximately 500 officially recognized student club where people with common hobbies and goals come together to engage in activities.
Spring Semester 2026 student club Welcome Events
Event period: April 1 (Wed) - 4 (Sat), 2026
Location: Waseda Campus grounds
Official X: @waseda26shinkan
Official Instagram: @waseda_shinkan
April 1 (Wed) - 4 (Sat)
・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)
April 1st (Wednesday),2nd (Thursday)
- Performance Stage (in front of Building No. 3, Waseda Campus)
- Live performance events (various classrooms Building No. 7, Waseda Campus)
April 3rd (Friday) 1st session: 11:00~11:45, 2nd session: 13:30~14:15
- Joint welcome performance for new students by volunteer student groups: "AOZORA RIDE"
Also check this out: [A Must-See for Prospective Students] Waseda's "student club" are Amazing!? How are they Different from High School Club Activities? (Published May 28, 2025)
About Official Student Club
At Waseda University, there are student club that are officially recognized by the university and student club that are not. student club meet certain requirements and are officially recognized by the university are called "officially recognized student club" and are classified into five categories (student associations / Waseda University student Tomonkai / hobby clubs / student club belonging to external NPOs, etc. / student club approved Faculty). These officially recognized student club receive support from the university, such as the use of Waseda University Student Center facilities and subsidies Extracurricular activity. On the other hand, student club that have submitted the necessary paperwork to the university and are registered, but do not meet the requirements for establishment as an officially recognized student club, are called "registered (unofficial) student club." It should be noted that many malicious recruitment scams disguised as student club occur during this period. Please be careful not to get involved in any 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 Waseda Shogekijo Drama-kan Theater, located on Minamimon Street, is easily recognizable by its black exterior.
Waseda Shogekijo Drama-kan Theater is a theatre owned by Waseda University, located in the Minamimon-dori shopping arcade. Throughout the year, in addition to theatre student club activities, it hosts performances by professional theatre companies and various workshops, lectures, and study groups that are not limited to theatre.
In the spring of 2026, Waseda University's entire theater community will be hosting a welcome event for new members titled "Nice to Meet You! Drama Hall" from April 22nd (Wed) to 24th (Fri). The event will include introductions to various student club, a Waseda Theater tour around the campus, and more! For details, please check Waseda Shogekijo Drama-kan Theater website.
5. I want to study abroad or do volunteer work.
Experience abroad while you're a university student! "Spring Study Abroad Fair"
Date and Time: Thursday, April 16, 2026, 12:00 - 19:30; Friday, April 17, 2026, 12:00 - 19:30
Part 1: 12:00 - 18:00 Waseda Campus International Conference Center (located in the same building as Central Library)
* No advance registration is required, and you can enter and leave freely. However, please bring your student ID.
Part 2: 18:00-19:30, 1st floor, Building No. 22, Waseda Campus
*Reservations are required. The reservation form is Here
Whether you're even slightly considering studying abroad while you're still a student, or you think "studying abroad isn't relevant to me yet," why not come and check us out? At the "Spring Study Abroad Fair," we'll be holding information sessions on study abroad programs and systems, as well as learning plans, career development, Scholarship, and more. We've also prepared plenty of content to address concerns about language skills and funding, which are often major hurdles to studying abroad. On the day of the event, student study abroad advisors with diverse study abroad experiences and staff from Center for International Education will be there to answer all your questions about studying abroad.
Furthermore, Part 2 will feature a special event with graduates who have studied abroad and are active on the world stage. You can hear firsthand accounts of how studying abroad has impacted their careers and lives. Whether you're thinking, "I'd like to study abroad someday," or "I just want to hear more," you're more than welcome. Why not take your first step towards the world at this fair? Check here for details.
Scenes from past "Study Abroad Fairs"
*Click to enlarge
The Hirayama Ikuo Volunteer Center (WAVOC) (WAVOC) events
Waseda University has The Hirayama Ikuo Volunteer Center (WAVOC) (WAVOC), a specialized volunteer organization, and a system is in place to support students' active participation. If you've been interested in volunteering but haven't been able to take the first step yet, why not give it a try?
Spring Volunteer Cafe 2026 ~A Grand Gathering of Volunteer student club!~
Date and Time: April 3rd (Fri) and 4th (Sat), 2026, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Waseda Campus Building 3, Building No. 201, 202, 203 (CTLT Classrooms 1, 2, and 3)
* No advance registration required
Details Here
Scenes from the volunteer cafe held in April 2025
WAVOC hosts "Volunteer Cafes" to connect student volunteer groups that are currently engaged in volunteer activities with students who are interested in volunteering.
In particular, the "Spring Volunteer Cafe (New Student Welcome Event)" attracts many new students every year, providing them with an opportunity to learn about volunteer organizations. In 2026, more than 30 organizations will introduce the appeal and activities of volunteer work. Volunteering offers many opportunities to broaden your perspective and grow as a person. Please feel free to come and visit us.
*Click to enlarge
WAVOC Volunteer Presentation Contest 2026
Date and Time: Friday, April 3, 2026, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: 1st floor Building No. 27, Waseda Campus GCC Common Room)
* No advance registration required
Details Here
Scenes from the Volunteer Presentation Contest 2025
This presentation contest brings together a diverse range of student volunteer groups from Japan and abroad to present their thoughts, experiences, and the appeal of their activities based on a set theme. They will deliver humorous presentations on topics such as the meaning of volunteering and the personal growth they've experienced through their activities. new students, as well as current students seeking new experiences in their student life, are all welcome! You might find some hints to enrich your student life through these presentations.
Introductory Volunteer
Do you want to try something new at university? But are you a little hesitant to jump straight into full-fledged activities? Then WAVOC's "Introductory Volunteer Program" is perfect for you! Why not start by gathering information at the Volunteer Cafe and finding an activity that suits you? We offer volunteer activities that you can enjoy, such as forest maintenance and rice planting. No special knowledge or experience is required. Why not take the first step based on that "I'm a little curious" feeling? For details, please check the WAVOC website.
WAVOC Volunteer Cafe
Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Location: 1st floor, Building No. 27, Waseda Campus (GCC Common Room)
This is a small-group exchange event where you can easily consult with WAVOC student staff. Any questions are welcome, such as "Where do I start with volunteering?" or "Can I balance volunteering with student club and classes?" It's highly recommended for new students who want to start by gathering information.
"WAVOC presents Disaster Relief Volunteer Support: The Gospellers A Cappella Concert" - Volunteer Recruitment
Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Location: Okuma Memorial Hall
This charity event, spearheaded by The Gospellers, has been held annually since the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. We are looking for volunteers to help support this event!
Takao Forest Development
Date: Scheduled for April 26, 2026 (Sunday)
Location: Kogesawa no Mori, Uratakao, Hachioji City, Tokyo
This volunteer program involves maintaining the forest in the natural surroundings of Takao. Through on-site activities, you can learn about environmental conservation and the role of rural landscapes.
Let's dive into the world of Waseda rice! Waseda rice planting
Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026
Location: Tokorozawa Campus
This volunteer opportunity involves participating in rice cultivation, which is part of the wetland conservation activities at Tokorozawa Campus, allowing you to experience the cycles of nature and rural landscapes, as well as the importance of food.
6. I would like to consult about classes, course registration, etc.
One of the biggest differences between university and high school is that you create your own timetable by choosing the classes that interest you. The options are endless, but many people are probably confused about what to choose and how to choose it. At Waseda University, in addition to consultations about courses offered by your faculty, there are also consultation desks for university-wide open courses and consultation desks staffed by student members, so be sure to use them according to your needs.
Course registration consultation at the Waseda Portal Office
Academic Advising Office (WPO), located on the first floor Building No. 7 Waseda Campus, accepts consultations regarding courses offered by the Global Education Center (GEC) and university-wide minor courses (advance reservations required).
* Please also check the "Frequently Asked Questions" section on the Global Education Center website!
There's also "Talk Anywhere (Tokueni)," a service where WPO student staff provide support for questions, problems, and academic concerns related to student life, as well as information gathering. Be sure to check out the official WPO X page, which is updated daily!
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 7, 2026, 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM (tentative)
Location: Room 205, Building No. 7, Waseda Campus
Deadline: Friday, April 3rd, 23:59
Contact form
Details Here
At the "new students Exchange Meeting," new students can interact with each other and expand their circle of friends through campus tours and recreational activities led by current Waseda University students! In addition, we are planning various events for new students, such as Instagram Live sessions and course registration consultations, so please check Hanabi Log for details.
GetAdvice on English courses offered by the Global Education Center (GEC)
We are offering "course registration consultations" and "level checks for those interested in taking 'Tutorial English'" for English courses offered at GEC. If you are interested, please apply through the inquiry form. Whether you are aiming to acquire English communication skills this spring, or you want to brush up your current English skills, why not open a new door to learning with GEC's English courses, including "Tutorial English," which is taken by many Waseda University students? You're sure to find the perfect learning experience for you.
English course registration consultation
Overview: We offer consultations regarding "Tutorial English," "Listening and Reading," and "Writing Scientific Papers (fully on-demand course)" (*), including questions such as "Which course should I take?"
Event period: March 9th (Mon) to April 18th (Sat), 2026
Details Here
Tutorial English Level Check (For those wishing to take this course)
Date: [For those considering taking courses only in the summer quarter] April 7th (Tuesday)
Click here for details
Mock Lesson
Overview: If you're wondering whether or not to take Tutorial English, why not try a sample lesson first? It will be held at the Toyama and Nishi-Waseda Campus.
Click here for details
* Click here for details on GEC English courses.
7. I want to make use of the library.
Waseda University has several libraries. The largest of them, Central Library, boasts a collection of approximately 2.9 million books. You're sure to find your favorite books and books useful for your studies. Furthermore, the Academic Information Search portal site, which is convenient for searching various databases subscribed to by the university, is essential for your future university life. Be sure to check the off-campus access options (how to access university-subscribed databases and electronic resources from outside the university) and master how to use them as soon as possible.
The library also regularly holds workshops on how to find literature and use databases, and videos of these workshops are available on Waseda Moodle. Furthermore, you can consult with the Learning Assistants (LAs), who are student staff working at the library, about any questions you have regarding literature and article searches. Please take advantage of these many resources.
Also check out: [Library Expert] Make the most of your free time! Secret tips for using the "Wonderland of Knowledge" (Published June 26, 2023)
To allow visitors to experience the library firsthand, we regularly conduct self-guided stamp rally tours. Visit highlights such as the underground research stacks and the back issue magazine archives, answer quizzes about library rules and facilities, and receive original library merchandise at the finish line!
Also, during this time in April, we hold our Spring "Library Week" to encourage everyone to become even more familiar with libraries. Each library is hosting exhibitions and events, so please be sure to visit during this period.
3 weeks to enjoy the library “Library Week”
Event period: April 13th (Mon) - April 30th (Thu), 2026
Location: Waseda Campus Central Library, Toyama Campus Toyama Library, Tokorozawa Campus Tokorozawa Library
Details Here
There are also events where you can win original merchandise!
*Click to enlarge
Library Spring Special Exhibition "30th Anniversary of Death: Masashi Iijima, The Image of a Film Enthusiast—Me Who Awakened to Film and Film That Awakened to Art—"
Event Period: March 24, 2026 (Tue) - May 17, 2026 (Sun), 10:00 - 18:00
* Opening hours on Sundays and on days with shortened opening hours, April 4th (Sat) and May 2nd (Sat), are 10:00 to 17:00.
Location: Exhibition Room, 2nd Floor, General Academic Information Center, Building No. 18, Waseda Campus
* No advance registration required, admission is free.
Details Here
When you see the words "Waseda" and "film" together, who comes to mind? It's easy to imagine that countless famous figures would come to mind. Since the time of Tsubouchi Shoyo, Waseda University has produced many theater, film, and broadcasting professionals. However, it may not be widely known that there was once a plan to establish a "Film Department" within the university's history, and that there was a person who received a passionate invitation from the university to lay its foundation. In our Spring 2026 exhibition, marking the 30th anniversary of the death of Iijima Tadashi (1902-1996), a pioneer and establisher of film criticism in Japan, we will introduce film-related materials from our collection, primarily those donated by him.
*Click to enlarge
8. I want to learn about the use of ICT and the basic knowledge needed to work both inside and outside the university.
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 the proper use of the internet and social media. The seminar is provided on Waseda Moodle (*), and participation and taking the test are mandatory for new students. Failure to complete may result in the suspension of your Waseda ID, so be sure to complete it within the course period.
* This is a new learning support system introduced and used at Waseda University. It supports multiple languages and multiple devices. Through Waseda Moodle, you can access announcements from Faculty, view lecture materials, answer quizzes and submit assignments, take on-demand classes, participate in discussions, and more. How to use it varies depending on the class, so please check carefully 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 "Content provided by Student Affairs Section"
Those who want to take the course now Here from
* The Waseda Moodle login screen will open.
*Click to enlarge
9. Learn more about Waseda through events, Waseda sports, and Waseda meals.
Waseda University hosts a variety of events, including WASEDASAI (held in November and organized by student groups), and many students dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to them. Among them, the Waseda-Keio Regatta (held on April 19th), the Waseda-Keio baseball game (held on May 30th and 31st and in October), and the Waseda-Keio rugby match and the Waseda-Meiji rugby match (held in November and December) are particularly well-known. We encourage you to cultivate your love for Waseda through these events, while truly experiencing what it means to be a Waseda student.
Furthermore, there are many restaurants around the university that offer reasonably priced and hearty meals, known as "Waseda Meshi." These are also featured in the popular "My Waseda Cuisine" column of the Waseda Weekly magazine. In addition, the cafeterias on each campus (*) offer nutritious meals at reasonable prices, and the Waseda University Waseda University Student Health Promotion Mutual Aid Association (Student Waseda Health Association) offers a 100-yen breakfast for a limited time around May and June each year. Be sure to enjoy Waseda Meshi and the cafeteria meals while you are a student.
* For details on business days, hours, etc., please click here.
Photo on the left: Let's support Waseda sports! Photo taken by the cheering squad (Photo courtesy of Waseda Sports Newspaper Association)
Photo on the right: "My Waseda Cuisine" features a variety of Waseda meals.
![[Save version] Map of the four main campuses](https://www.waseda.jp/inst/weekly/assets/uploads/2025/09/17cb2975123fc5103172ef60bd98608d-610x458.jpg)
