A peek into the new campus in Ikebukuro

Writer: Chamodi W.
Editor: Bermet K.

Everybody must be anticipating the new campus that will soon open in the heart of Ikebukuro. Some students have already moved out, are planning to move out, or have decided to commute from Kasumigaseki at the start of the fall semester. So, I have peeked through websites and articles to discover the facilities and structure of the new campus.

Location and the Overview:

The new campus is located in the center of the Sunshine City, Ikebukuro, and the address is 4-42-31 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo to be exact. The school building which consists of 22 floors will accommodate around 4000 students while expecting to increase global educational recognition. Transportation-wise, 4 minutes walk to Higashi Ikebukuro station on Tokyo metro Yurakucho line will be the nearest train station while Ikebukuro station on the JR line, Tobu-Tojo line, and seibu Ikebukuro line will be around 12 minutes walk, or you can get access to Otsuka station on JR line within 10 minutes walk from the campus. You can find more information about the train system and manners inside the train in the link below.

Using the train in Japan

Furthermore, traveling from Kasumigaseki (or any other area) to the Ikebukuro campus will be costly but acquiring a ‘ていき (Teiki)’ from Kawagoe station (or most train stations in your area except a few stations including Kasumi, which does not distribute ‘Teiki’) will be handy. It will enable unlimited train rides between stations on the specified route for a fixed price. When you provide your student ID at the counter and the address of the Ikebukuro campus, you can obtain a commuter pass for students at prices based on 1 month, 3 months, or 6 months.

(Note: you must have the address of the Ikebukuro campus in your student ID to prove that you are a student who commutes from a different station to Ikebukuro station)

Building Overview:

All the facilities including the E-track and certain J-track courses will be held in the same building, which is fascinating because the new campus facilities look really beautiful and impressive with their modern structure and alignment.

Let’s go through some of the main facilities briefly. To find more information, visit TIU’s official website. (https://www.tiu.ac.jp/campus/ikebukuro/ )

First is the TIU commons, a space for learning and interacting with each other’. TIU Commons consist of 2 floors which are divided into Learning Commons & Global Commons. While GTI facilities including English conversation and academic advising will be held on Learning Commons, multilingual events and workshops will be held on Global Commons. At the same time, to diversify the Japanese culture among students & other members, Kotokuan, a Japanese-style tea room, will be located inside the campus building.

There will be many places you can study or relax, and these include gardens and open spaces inside and outside of the campus. Some of the common facilities will be the Atrium, Rooftop Running Course, International Tower, Garden Wing, and Forest of Philosophy. Yes, you heard right! The rooftop of the building or so-called ‘Garden Wing’ will consist of a running track, a fitness studio, and a green space! If you are ever feeling overwhelmed by schoolwork, you can take a walk without going off campus.

Foodwise, there will be three main cafeterias divided into International Cafeterias 1 & 2 and Good health cafeteria. Konbini is also located on the ground floor, and if you want a more diversified menu, you can find many other options outside the campus.

I will not reveal all the facilities that will be on campus. I leave the rest to discover yourselves with your friends and classmates. Though it is thrilling to move to a new campus, waking up and getting on the train early in the morning will be challenging for most of us. But remember, new changes will open doors to new beginnings. So, what are you most looking forward to at the new Ikebukuro campus?