Student staff of "Waseda Weekly". From top left, clockwise: Yoneda, Matsumoto, Ukiya, Nishimura, Kanai, Nishimura.
The official Waseda University web magazine, "Waseda Weekly," is packed with useful information for Waseda students' campus life and is updated daily on weekdays during the academic term. This year, 2026, marks its 60th anniversary!
This time, we'll focus on the campus life of Waseda University students, introducing things like course registration and how to spend long holidays to make the most of your university life. We'll also introduce the voices of approximately 100 Waseda University students who are readers of "Waseda Weekly," as well as recommended sections of "Waseda Weekly." We will continue to provide information about Waseda University through a variety of features, so please make the most of in your daily student life!
* The grade levels mentioned in the reader feedback within the article refer to the 2025 academic year.
INDEX
▼Waseda University Campus Life
▼What about course registration and classes?
▼There are approximately 500 officially recognized student club!
▼How do you spend your long holidays?
▼What is "Waseda Weekly"?
▼Recruiting new student reader monitors!
Waseda University Campus Life
Here's a look at the main events of the year at Waseda University. Major events like the school festival will also be covered in various sections of "Waseda Weekly," so stay tuned!
*Click to enlarge
▼ Advice from experienced reader monitors
4th year student, School of Fundamental Science and Engineering
First, try talking to lots of people and make friends!
1st year student, School of Education
University life goes by so quickly, so you should try out things you're interested in as soon as possible to avoid any regrets!
What about course registration and classes?
Register for required courses, electives and free courses. Be sure to check out the university-wide open courses, which offer a wide range of academic subjects! You can check the syllabi for details on the teaching method (in-person, online, or on-demand), grading (daily attendance and quizzes), and whether there are final exams or reports. We also recommend choosing courses for university-wide minors or courses aimed at obtaining qualifications. You can check and consult with your faculty/graduate school office or the university's official "Kohai Navi" (kohai navigation) website.
The "Interesting Lectures and Seminars" section in Waseda Weekly also features information about classes in various faculties, so please take a look for reference.
"Is honorific language only used by subordinates to superiors? What exactly is honorific communication?" (Published June 2024)
1st year student, School of Culture, Media and Society
There are many interesting classes being offered, so be sure to take a good look at the syllabi!
3rd year student, School of Social Sciences
I especially recommend working hard and getting good grades in your first year. This is to qualify for scholarships. In fact, your grades are considered as a total from your first year onwards. It's easier to get good grades in your first year, as it mainly consists of language and foundational courses.
There are approximately 500 officially recognized student clubs!
For extracurricular activities, there are a wide variety student clubs sports, academics, media and publishing, culture and arts, international exchange and volunteer work, and more. Students take the lead, deciding on the content and frequency of activities, and managing their own finances. The activities are substantial, and they're often described as a "second curriculum," offering a great opportunity for growth.
Student clubs are divided into three types: the approximately 500 officially recognized university student clubs, registered (unofficial) student clubs, and unregistered groups. Officially recognized student clubs, in particular, receive various benefits from the university, allowing them to engage in more fulfilling activities. Regardless of whether or not a club is officially recognized by the university, it is essential to adhere to social rules and manners in order to maintain the credibility of Waseda University students when participating in student club activities.
"Are you in any circles (student clubs) ?" (From a 2025 reader survey). Approximately 60% of our readers belong to student clubs or sports teams! Let's take a look at some of the different student clubs!
Student clubs meet only about once a week, and it's common to belong to multiple student clubs, as well as to participate in intercollegiate student clubs where students from other universities can join together. You can search for Waseda University-approved student clubs using the banner below.
*Clicking the image will open the search page for the official student club guide.
2nd year student, School of Political Science and Economics
Joining many student clubs will help you find your place. You can manage even if you join in your second year, so there's no need to rush into choosing one.
2nd year student, School of Humanities and Social Sciences
It's perfectly fine to try out many student clubs during the freshman orientation period and leave if they don't suit you. Costs vary greatly depending on the activity genre and the club, so careful selection is essential!Some student clubs have no qualms about serving alcohol to students underage-20s, so you need to be careful.
How do you spend your long vacation?
It's a chance to try things you normally can't do, such as student club activities, volunteering with WAVOC, and studying for qualifications. It's also a good idea to try short-term study abroad with Waseda's abundant study abroad programs and broaden your horizons! You can also take advantage of part-time jobs, travel, internships, and university facilities such as the library to try your hobbies and interests. Please try to find a way to spend your time that suits you.
"What do you do during long holidays?" (From a 2025 reader survey). Both summer and spring holidays are over two months long! Let's plan our time wisely.
2nd year master's student, Graduate School of Human Sciences
I think it's a good idea to travel and read a lot while you're a student and make friends with people you can talk to about all sorts of things!
3rd year student, School of Humanities and Social Sciences
I recommend participating in international exchange events and gatherings, both on and off campus, as it broadens your horizons and exposes you to diverse values, allowing you to make friends and acquaintances from overseas.
What is Waseda Weekly?
This is the official university web magazine published by the Waseda University Student Affairs Division. Student staff members are also active in interviewing and writing, delivering articles from a student's perspective.
2nd year student, School of Political Science and Economics
The content is interesting, the language is easy to understand, and the information is practical. Recommended for Japanese language beginners, including international students!
2nd year student, School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Discover aspects of Waseda you didn't know. A helpful guide to Waseda's relaxed approach.
This time, we've selected our top recommendations from among the many sections available. Be sure to check out the other sections as well!
Special Issue
Large projects showcasing what’s unique to Waseda!
We produce articles several times each semester, featuring prominent alumni and diverse individuals and projects unique to Waseda University. These articles, themed around students' interests and concerns, are presented with creative design, offering exposure to a variety of perspectives and knowledge.
Left: "[Results Announcement!!] Waseda Comedy Grand Prix" (Published in December 2025)
Right: "The User's Guide to 'Fan Activities': A Special Talk on How to Interact with Your Favorite Idol!" (Published in January 2026)
Focus
Packed with essential information about systems and procedures you should know about, as well as helpful tips for student life!
From introductions to convenient facilities and systems, to Waseda culture and events, the Waseda-Keio rivalry and various sports, and the exciting school festival—this feature showcases everything you need to know about Waseda that will benefit you and enrich your student life.
Top: "Using Your Spare Time to Manage University Operations!? A Guide to On-Campus Volunteering" (Published June 2025)
Bottom left: "Cheering at Jingu Stadium gives us strength! The Waseda-Keio game of the Tokyo Big6 Baseball League will be held on May 31st (Sat) and June 1st (Sun)" (Published in May 2025)
Bottom right: "Connect with the world through approximately 200 events per year! The ICC community expands through use" (Published in June 2025)
People
The most popular section that showcases the diverse achievements of current Waseda students
We introduce Waseda University students who are active in a variety of fields, including academics and research, sports, volunteer work, entrepreneurship, entertainment, and hobbies. Student staff are in charge of interviewing, photographing, and writing the articles.
Top: "Four Years of a Cheerleading Squad Captain with No Classmates, Driven by Love for Waseda" (Published in October 2025)
Bottom left: "Total subscribers: 1.8 million! A Chinese creator gaining popularity with 'work/study videos'" (Published in October 2025)
Bottom right: "Toko-cam wetland conservation activities: Ensuring abundant nature for future generations!" (Published in October 2025)
Interesting Lectures and Seminars
Students enrolled in popular and talked-about classes report on the latest news!
Want to know about the content and atmosphere of the classes, and what the faculty members are like? We can help! Students taking the classes share their opinions without bias, so you can use them as a reference when registering for courses and learn about the situation in other faculties.
Top: "Experience the diverse world of the legal profession, which goes beyond simply dealing with the law" (Published in June 2025)
Below: "From the Classroom to Fieldwork! Thinking About Wooden Architecture from the Mountains" (Published in July 2025)
My Waseda Cuisine
Introducing "Waseda cuisine," gourmet food around Waseda University!
This is a popular corner where student staff report on their experiences eating food. The gourmet food that is unique to the Waseda area is all so delicious! It always fills the stomachs of Waseda students.
Top: "A New Waseda cuisine Spot in Takadanobaba: Trying Out Authentic Chinese Food in Waseda" (Published in December 2025)
Bottom left: "Enjoy two main dishes for lunch! An authentic Western-style restaurant where a French chef showcases his skills" (Published in April 2025)
Bottom right: "Authentic spice curry at an unbelievable price: A taste that inherits the blessings of Setouchi and Ibuki Island" (Published in May 2025)
Lectures by Experts
A look at the research of Waseda's diverse professors
Focusing on specific societal issues, we invite multiple faculty members each year to share insights and solutions. In 2026, the theme will be "food," presented in an easy-to-understand way through a weekly format.
"What is 'Intercultural Communication'? An Interview with Professor Yanagida on the World as Seen by Non-Native Speakers" (Published in April 2025)
Recruiting new students reader monitors!
All respondents will receive an Amazon gift certificate as a reward!
We are recruiting new students reader monitors for the Spring 2026 semester (April-July). Read the weekly articles and answer the survey sent out every Friday. Your opinions and suggestions will be used to improve our content. We recruit twice a year, in spring and fall. If you become a monitor, you may have a chance to write or interview! The application deadline is April 12th (Sunday) at 23:59. Please apply using the link below.
* Applications for current students are now closed. Please wait for applications for the fall semester.
Photography: Shiori Banjo, Seiji Ishigaki, Kota Nunokawa
▼To the student staff of 'Waseda Weekly'
![[Save version] Map of the four main campuses](https://www.waseda.jp/inst/weekly/assets/uploads/2025/09/17cb2975123fc5103172ef60bd98608d-610x458.jpg)
