Times Of TIU

Author: Yohei S.
Editor: Jonathan S.

Introduction

functionality—skyscrapers, bustling crowds, and neon lights. Yet what truly makes the city appealing is not only its modern energy but also the presence of nature that offers a sense of relief, even to those from rural areas. Expansive green spaces like Yoyogi Park and Ueno Park, as well as the deep valleys and lush trails of Mount Takao, are all within easy reach, seamlessly blending into daily life.

At the same time, Tokyo stands as Japan’s largest city and its leading economic hub, a status that inevitably comes with high living costs. For students and newcomers alike, the key to thriving here lies in finding a way to manage costs wisely. Living in Tokyo asks you, “What kind of life will you lead?”Will it be defined simply by “consumption,” or will it become a place of “growth” and “discovery” that makes the challenges worthwhile?

1. A Private Space Away from Student Life

 Have you gathered everything you need to live in Tokyo? The city offers a wide variety of stores for daily necessities, including Don Quijote, Muji, Tokyu Hands, Yamada Denki, and Bic Camera. Let’s consider visiting these stores from three perspectives. The first is affordability. When you think of Japan, you might think of 100-yen shops, which are famous for being inexpensive yet surprisingly high-performing. You can buy many essentials for just 100 yen, allowing you to live comfortably without spending much. The second is performance focus. Especially with electronics, products are designed to meet various needs, so you can choose items that best suit your preferences. For this, Yamada Denki and Bic Camera are highly recommended. The third is appearance. For those who care not only about function or cost-performance but also design, Nitori and Muji are excellent choices. Nitori offers many daily necessities with a simple yet stylish look, while Muji provides items in neutral colors that blend well with any room at reasonable prices. Why not explore Tokyo’s stores for household goods from the perspective that matters most to you?

2. Your Supermarket Strategy for Lower Food Bills

 Living in Tokyo is, above all, a constant battle with food expenses, since the overall cost of living is high and, for those living alone, saving even a little feels like pure bliss. Yet, with rent, food, and daily necessities piling up, wallets quickly run into trouble, which is why strategically cutting food costs—the cornerstone of daily life—is the key to success.Supermarkets in Tokyo’s 23 wards are generally more expensive than in regional areas, but by making “time” your ally and shopping during discount hours when fresh produce and prepared foods are marked down, you can significantly reduce spending. Moreover, by cooking at home instead of eating out, you’ll save even more, freeing up money for hobbies and interests, making it clear that the real secret to surviving and thriving in Tokyo is mastering the winning supermarket strategy.

3. Study Environment

As a student in TIU, here are some of the budget-effective placeses you can stu.dy. First is the Learning Commons on campus. The English Lounge offers J-track and E-track students a space to learn English and communicate. Additionally, there’s a Japanese language study group where both J-track and E-track students can learn Japanese. There’s also are also learning rooms suitable for meetings, perfect for those who want a quiet space to study or for computer-based learning using Zoom. The second is the library. Here, you can study alone, but there are also rooms where you can study with friends. If you want to use vocabulary books or language textbooks, I recommend borrowing them. The third are the libraries, cafes, and coffee shops in the school district. It’s common to see students studying for entrance exams in cafes, or university students and adults reading books while drinking coffee. 

4. Transportation and Commuting

Located in the heart of Tokyo, Ikebukuro stands out as a lively district that blends study, leisure, and culture, making it an ideal setting for students at the Ikebukuro Campus. Just a short walk from the university,

IKE·SUNPARK offers a peaceful space to relax under the sun, while across the street Sunshine City provides a wide array of restaurants, fashion outlets, and everyday shops perfect for stopping by after class. The Yamanote Line ensures seamless access to destinations across the city, adding to the area’s convenience. Anime fans can explore Animate, a must-visit store filled with manga, merchandise, panel displays, and photo spots, while movie enthusiasts can take advantage of three nearby theaters showing the latest releases. Altogether, Ikebukuro delivers the perfect balance of academic life and entertainment, offering students countless ways to enrich their campus experience.

5. Health and Exercise

In Tokyo, where trains are the lifeline of daily life, commuting isn’t just about getting from point A to point B—it can also be the perfect chance to add exercise into your routine. Instead of heading straight to the nearest station, try walking one extra station on your way to school. Walking alone is already a healthy habit, but by intentionally increasing the distance, it transforms into effective aerobic exercise. I’ve been practicing this myself, and the daily accumulation naturally builds an exercise habit without requiring special time set aside. For busy days, even doing it on the way home works well. And for those who prefer to avoid spending money on fitness, simple activities like taking a morning or evening walk, stretching in a park, or enjoying a book on a bench in the shade can refresh both body and mind. Even these small efforts can improve sleep quality and support a more balanced lifestyle.

Conclusion

University life at TIU is not only a place for learning but also an opportunity for growth through daily living. Beyond the classroom, the quiet challenges of housing, transportation, health, and finances slowly shape your independence.