At Shiga University, there are student dormitories that international students may enter. Serving the Hikone Campus, there is the International House of Shiga University (a dormitory for international students and foreign researchers), and Shiseiryou Dormitory (a general student dormitory). Serving the Otsu Campus, there is Hiratsugaokaryou Dormitory (a general student dormitory). In addition, in Otsu there is Shiga International House, a facility run by the Shiga Intercultural Association for Globalization. For information regarding expenses, and how to apply to these facilities, please refer to the table at the bottom of this page.

Many Shiga University international students choose to live in private accommodation. In particular, because the possible period of residence at the International House of Shiga University is limited to 1 year, even people who live at International House for their 1st year at Shiga University must live in private accommodation from their 2nd year onward.

Guarantor System When Renting Private Accommodation

In almost all instances, in order to rent private accommodation, it is necessary to have somebody who is willing to act as a rental agreement guarantor. A “guarantor” is someone who promises to pay the property landlord rent-due in instances where the renting party is unable to do so for any reason. In the case of Japanese students who rent privately, it is usually the case that parents act as rental agreement guarantors. In the case of international students, however, even if parents agree to act as rental agreement guarantors, it is often the case that they are unable to do so because they are not resident in Japan. As such, international students are forced to ask Japanese acquaintances to act as rental agreement guarantors. It is often the case that part-time employment colleagues or university friends are asked to fulfill this role. However, because of Japanese Civil Code provisions that make guarantors liable for debt guarantee issues, it can be difficult to have Japanese acquaintances agree to become rental agreement guarantors.

As such, if international students intend to ask someone to become rental agreement guarantors, such requests should be made while taking into consideration the following matters:

1. When making requests, students should promise that they will take out a fire insurance policy, etc. （Furthermore, after an insurance policy has been concluded, steps should be taken to provide the guarantor with a copy of the insurance agreement）.
2. When moving to different accommodation or asking another party to assume guarantor responsibilities, students should promise to contact the original guarantor regarding such changes.
3. Even in a worst case scenario where a student causes damage to rented accommodation facilities which results in the landlord having to be paid compensation, students should not rely on the good offices of the guarantor, but should promise to pay any compensation themselves. Furthermore, promises should be made regarding never being in the position of being unable to pay-due.
4. When approaching persons regarding the assuming of rental agreement guarantor duties, students should not overemphasis that they themselves will be disadvantaged if the person approached does not agree to become a guarantor, rather students should display an understanding of the other person’s feelings, and express their thanks.

Comprehensive Renters Insurance for Foreign Students

When entering into a private accommodation rental agreement, real estate agents, etc., usually recommend that students take out a fire insurance policy. Moreover, it should be noted that there circumstances in which taking out such policies is mandatory, or circumstance in which students are required to take out a fire insurance policy with an insurance company specified by the real estate agent. At Shiga University, there is a system in place where the university will subsidize a part of the premiums resulting from international students taking out fire insurance policies. For more information, contact: International Students Section, Academic and International Affairs（Hikone Campus）or Section in charge of International Students（Otsu Campus）.

Furthermore, the Comprehensive Renters Insurance for Foreign Students does not merely cover fire insurance; rather it includes personal liability insurance and guarantor indemnity insurance. Considering this, rather than entering into a standard fire insurance policy, entering into a Comprehensive Renters Insurance for Foreign Students policy would seem to be a better option for international students. Even if a real estate agent tries to recommend a different fire insurance policy, students should try and tell the real estate agent that they intend to take out a Comprehensive Renters Insurance for Foreign Students policy. For more information, contact: International Students Section, Academic and International Affairs（Hikone Campus）or Section in charge of International Students（Otsu Campus).

* Apart from the rent and fees above, tenants are required to pay for the security deposit and other extra charge at the time of move-in.

Int'l House of Shiga University

Int'l House of Shiga University

Shiseiryou Dormitory

• Guide to International House of Shiga University (PDF in Japanese / English)
• Application Form for International House of Shiga University (PDF in Japanese / English)
• Guide to Shiseiryou (for 2010) (PDF in Japanese)