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Serious problems to watch out for & where to seek advice [2026 Entrance Commemorative Issue]

Student Affairs Division: Yoshiaki Yauchi

Congratulations to all new students on your admission! You might be thinking, "Why are we getting these warnings so soon after starting school? Aren't these just common sense?" However, these are all things that actually happen. So please keep these warnings in mind as your own rules and enjoy your student life at Waseda University to the fullest.

INDEX
▼Serious troubles to be aware of
▼Where to seek help when you're in trouble

Serious troubles to be aware of

Drinking-related troubles

① Drinking alcohol under the age of 20 is illegal!

The legal age of majority is 18, but the legal drinking age is 20.​ ​If underage drinking is confirmed, disciplinary action will be taken not only against the underage individual but also against any students who encouraged them to drink or failed to stop them, and Guardian will be notified. Furthermore, if the underage drinking occurred during a student club activity, the student club will also be subject to disciplinary action, such as suspension of activities.

② Binge drinking can lead to acute alcohol poisoning and even death!

*Click to read

Drinking large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time can instantly paralyze the brain. By the time those around you notice, the person may already be in a coma. Drinking while vomiting is also extremely dangerous. If you see a friend drinking excessively or someone chugging, do not encourage or condone it; stop them immediately. It could ruin the lives of many people, including the person themselves and their family. Also, drinking alcohol is strictly prohibited on university campuses.

③ Alcohol-related harassment, acts of violence, and sexual misconduct may result in disciplinary action.

*Click to read

Binge drinking, forcing someone to drink, intentionally getting someone drunk, and violent behavior while intoxicated are absolutely unacceptable. Furthermore, if someone becomes so intoxicated that they cause discomfort to others or engage in unwanted sexual contact, this may be deemed harassment and result in disciplinary action.

④ Even small amounts can increase the risk to your health!

*Click to read

The belief that "I have a high tolerance for alcohol" can lead to serious problems. The appropriate amount of alcohol consumed varies from person to person, and even small amounts can increase health risks. No amount of training can make you more tolerant to alcohol. Let's correct our overconfidence and misconceptions about alcohol.

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.

 

Comic now available!

Student Affairs Section website has published "Don't drink alcohol under the age of 20, and don't let others drink alcohol under the age of 20 - Learn about preventing underage drinking through comic." We hope that you will raise awareness about preventing underage drinking through comic that depicts situations that may occur during university life.

Other problems

① 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 names like "legal drugs" or "legal highs." Purchasing, possessing, using, or transferring such drugs will result in severe penalties, including expulsion from school and repayment of Scholarship. Overdosing on over-the-counter medications is also strictly prohibited.

② Suspicious solicitation activities

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

Religious cults, cult groups, and unscrupulous salespeople often approach people with smooth talk, disguised as dummy activities like student club or study groups. If you're invited with promises of "making friends" or "easy money," first research the group's name and carefully check their activities. Do not easily provide your contact information or personal details, and if you have even the slightest doubt, firmly refuse. You need the courage to ignore them. Be especially careful, as recruitment via social media is rapidly increasing!

What is the real fear of cults? Waseda University students are being targeted, their ingenious methods and countermeasures

③ Personal information

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

There has been an increase in fraudulent activities, such as fictitious billing schemes using fake accounts impersonating financial institutions and delivery companies. It is also crucial to be extremely careful about virus infections on PCs and smartphones caused by replying to suspicious emails or accessing dubious websites. Furthermore, there has been a surge in scams involving individuals being tricked into giving personal information under the guise of job placement, or by perpetrators impersonating police officers or other official figures to extort money.

Latest troubleshooting tips! How to protect yourself from voyeurism and fraudulent phone calls?

④ Illegal part-time jobs

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.

Since the age of majority is 18, the "right of rescission by minors" (the right to cancel a contract if a minor enters into one without the consent of their legal guardian) no longer applies to 18- and 19-year-olds. (Effective April 1, 2022) When starting a part-time job, be sure to carefully review the contents of the contract before signing.

Be careful of these kinds of job postings! What should you be careful of with part-time jobs that have been getting a lot of attention recently?

⑤ SNS 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.

The scars may never heal... What are the common cases of frequent social media troubles?

For other important information regarding student life, such as matters related to sexuality and theft, please check Student Affairs Section website, where detailed information is available.

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

Waseda Weekly is the official online magazine for Waseda University, offering insights into the university. It's updated daily on weekdays during the academic term, featuring profiles of active Waseda students and alumni, as well as information on student student club, Waseda cuisine, and more.

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