Student Blog

5 min read

At APU, international students spend their first year living in the on-campus dormitory, AP House, to help them adjust to life in Japan. After this initial period, many students transition to living independently in downtown Beppu. I, too, began my university journey in AP House with some uncertainty and now live off-campus with a housemate. Experiencing both environments has given me valuable insights and discoveries about myself.

Feeling Supported and Settled in AP House

Living in AP House helped me gradually adapt to Japanese daily life. Being near campus made it easy to attend classes, and whenever challenges arose, Resident Assistants (RAs) and my floormates offered support. That constant sense of community gave me peace of mind and reassurance during times of uncertainty.

During my time there, I fell ill twice — once with the flu and once with COVID. On both occasions, my RA and floormates accompanied me to the hospital, brought food and medicine, and checked in regularly. These simple gestures reminded me that even far from home, kindness can be found, and that support systems are invaluable during periods of adjustment. Beyond practical help, the emotional support I received helped me feel less isolated and more confident in navigating life in a new country.

Sharing a Home in the City: Lessons and Growth

After a year in AP House, I moved into shared housing in Beppu. I found the place through Minishare, a platform where APU students look for housing or exchange items. By chance, my housemate was from Hong Kong. Sharing English and Mandarin allowed us to bond quickly, and soon we communicated almost entirely in Mandarin. I realized that while English may be a global language, people often feel most at ease in their mother tongue.

Adjusting to life with a housemate was a new challenge that tested my interpersonal skills. Early on, minor misunderstandings arose — for example, when I invited her to pay a bill together, and she replied tersely, “You can go alone.” Initially, I felt upset, but after talking it through, we understood each other better. These moments taught me that differences in communication are natural and that patience and open dialogue turn potential conflicts into growth opportunities. Such experiences helped me appreciate how cultural backgrounds and personal communication styles shape interactions, and that empathy is essential in resolving differences.

These learning experiences naturally led us to establish practical routines and shared responsibilities. I took charge of the kitchen, while she managed the bathroom, and we both respected each other’s personal space. This cooperative mindset minimized conflicts and reinforced mutual respect. Through living together, I discovered that coexistence is as much about empathy and understanding as it is about compromise, and that shared living can provide lessons that solitary life cannot.

What I Gained from Living Off Campus

Living in the city gave me independence and flexibility. Managing meals, budgeting, and daily routines strengthened my sense of responsibility. Daily interactions with local residents improved my Japanese skills and deepened my connection to the community. Even simple experiences, like ordering at a local café or asking for directions, became opportunities to practice language and adapt to local customs. The calm, clean environment of Beppu offered space to reflect, slow down, and appreciate life’s quieter moments.

Sharing a home, on the other hand, developed my interpersonal skills. I learned to navigate differences, communicate effectively, and cultivate empathy. These lessons taught me that independence and collaboration are not mutually exclusive, but complementary. Experiencing both shared living in a structured dormitory and independent life in the city helped me grow in ways I had not anticipated. Dorm life eased my transition into Japan and built my initial support network, while off-campus life expanded my autonomy, cultural adaptability, and appreciation for interpersonal dynamics. Together, these experiences shaped a holistic understanding of both self and others.

Reflection on My Growth

From AP House to Beppu city, I have learned that support systems guide us at first, but personal growth depends on mindset, responsibility, and willingness to engage with others respectfully. Misunderstandings will always occur, yet with patience and communication, they become opportunities for learning rather than obstacles. Living with others has instilled in me independence, empathy, and adaptability — lessons that continue to influence how I approach challenges today. Experiencing both environments has shown me that growth often happens at the intersection of support and self-reliance, structure and flexibility, and shared experience and personal reflection. Looking back, I realize that each stage — from dorm to city — has uniquely shaped who I am today, helping me understand both myself and the people around me.

DOAN Bao Chau

Hi everyone. This is Sammy from Vietnam. I’m a 4th year Strategic Management and Leadership student, and I’m so excited to be part of SPA! Let's collaborate to enhance student experiences. I’m looking forward to learning, growing, and making a difference with all of you. Cheers to new beginnings!