Student Accommodation near Rikkyo University

Ikebukuro is one of Tokyo’s most renowned transportation hubs, Rikkyo University’s Ikebukuro Campus is situated right near the West Exit of Ikebukuro Station, easily accessible on foot. The Rikkyo University campus is in one of the most central and well-connected parts of Tokyo. Below, we have compiled a comprehensive transportation guide for Rikkyo University students:

1. Train

Ikebukuro Station serves as the primary gateway to Rikkyo University. No matter where you live in Tokyo, you can usually find a direct route or reach the campus with just one transfer.

• JR Lines: Yamanote Line, Saikyo Line, Shonan-Shinjuku Line. Exit from the West Exit (Nishi-guchi) of Ikebukuro Station and walk for approximately 7 minutes to reach the university’s main gate.
• Tokyo Metro: Marunouchi Line, Yurakucho Line, and Fukutoshin Line. From Ikebukuro Station West Exit, the walk to campus also takes about 7 minutes.
• Alternative Station: If you want to avoid the heavy crowds at Ikebukuro Station, you can get off at Kanamecho Station (Exit 6) on the Yurakucho Line or Fukutoshin Line, which is about a 6-minute walk to the Main Gate.
• Private Railway Lines: Tobu Tojo Line and Seibu Ikebukuro Line both connect to Ikebukuro Station. From the West Exit, it takes around 7 minutes on foot to reach campus.
• Seibu Ikebukuro Line: You can also use Shiinamachi Station, which is about a 12-minute walk to the university.

Rikkyo University students can purchase a discounted Student Commuter Pass, which significantly reduces daily transportation costs. Contact our consultants to get details on Rikkyo University apartments for rent near these train stations.

2. Bus Travel

In addition to the rail network, the area around Rikkyo University is well served by local bus routes, especially for students living in Itabashi, Nerima, or surrounding residential neighborhoods.

• Toei Bus & Seibu Bus: Bus stops and terminals are located around the West Exit of Ikebukuro Station, with routes connecting nearby residential areas directly to Ikebukuro.
• Advantages: Buses often stop closer to Rikkyo University residential buildings than train stations. For students whose apartments are not within walking distance of a station, taking a direct bus to Ikebukuro can be more convenient, especially during rainy days or late hours.

Bus travel is not always faster than trains, but it is a practical and flexible option for short-distance commuting within local neighborhoods.

3. Cycling & Walking

Many students living near Ikebukuro choose to walk or cycle to campus, especially within the surrounding neighborhoods.

• Commute: Walking takes about 5–15 minutes depending on location. Cycling can reduce commute time further, especially from nearby areas like Itabashi.
• Bicycle Parking: Bicycle parking is available around Ikebukuro Station and near campus, but some locations require registration or small monthly fees.

For students at Rikkyo University, the total annual cost of living ranges from JP¥2,600,000 to JP¥4,200,000. These expenses primarily consist of three components: tuition fees, housing, and daily living costs. Since Rikkyo University is situated in Ikebukuro, a central district of Tokyo, the living costs depend largely on your personal spending habits and the proximity of your residence to the campus. The following is a detailed breakdown:
1. Rikkyo University Tuition Fees
As a private institution, Rikkyo University's tuition fees vary depending on the specific college of study. 

• Liberal Arts / Business / Law: Approximately JP¥1,300,000 – ¥1,500,000 per year.
• Sciences / Psychology / GLAP (Global Liberal Arts Program): Approximately JP¥1,600,000 – ¥1,900,000 per year (inclusive of laboratory fees).
• Admission Fee: An additional one-time fee of approximately JP¥200,000 is required during the first year.
• Miscellaneous Fees: Includes health insurance, alumni association dues, etc., totaling approximately JP¥5,000 – ¥10,000 per year.

2. Rikkyo University Housing Costs
The monthly rent near Rikkyo University (3 popular residential areas):

• Ikebukuro: JP¥90,000 – ¥140,000. Allows for commuting on foot, rental prices are the highest in this area.
• Itabashi Ward: JP¥70,000 – ¥95,000. A cost-effective choice; the commute takes only 5–10 minutes via the Tobu Tojo Line or the subway.
• Nerima Ward: JP¥60,000 – ¥85,000. The most affordable option, offering relatively larger room sizes and a vibrant, community-oriented living atmosphere.
• Utilities (Electricity, Water, & Gas): JP¥10,000 – ¥15,000. 

Money-Saving Tip: Opting for a share house near Rikkyo University is more affordable, it costs between JP¥50,000 and ¥75,000. These arrangements typically include furniture, utility and internet costs, and they spare you from having to pay hefty upfront "key money" or security deposits.

3. Living Expenses (Food, Transportation, and Miscellaneous)
Excluding rent, basic monthly living expenses amount to approximately JP¥80,000 – ¥120,000, including:

Food: JP¥40,000 – ¥60,000.

• Self-Catering: By taking advantage of the budget-friendly supermarkets near Ikebukuro West Exit, you can keep your food budget under ¥40,000.
• Dining Out: The average cost per meal in the Ikebukuro commercial district is approximately ¥1,000 – ¥1,500.

Mobile & Internet: JP¥5,000 – ¥8,000.

Transport: JP¥5,000 – ¥10,000. By purchasing a "Commuter Pass" (Tsugaku-ken), you gain unlimited free travel between your residence and the university.

Located in the heart of Tokyo’s Ikebukuro district, Rikkyo University is a private institution that offers English-taught programs and welcomes international students. Beyond standard admission criteria, the university’s core strengths lie in its academic resources, career support, urban convenience, and degree of internationalization—factors that directly shape the educational experience and post-graduate trajectories of its international student body.

At Rikkyo University’s Ikebukuro campus, the First Cafeteria is a century-old red-brick building with a Gothic style and a classic collegiate interior. Many students say it feels more like a historic European hall than a typical campus dining space. The main library is also large and well-suited for long study sessions.

In terms of career outcomes, Rikkyo maintains a stable employment rate of around 98%. Its alumni network, Rikkyokai, regularly connects students with job opportunities and industry resources in fields like finance, publishing, and tourism. In practice, a Rikkyo degree is well recognized in Japan, and combined with Japanese language skills, it significantly improves job prospects.

Rikkyo University offers a well-developed English-medium system through programs such as GLAP (Global Liberal Arts Program) and IBL (International Business Law) at the undergraduate level, plus PEACE courses in selected majors. At the graduate level, MPMA (Master of Public Management and Administration) focuses on policy and public administration with a strong case-study approach. The university also requires overseas study experience and has exchange partnerships with schools such as Columbia University, Cornell University, and University of Cambridge. In terms of funding, international students have relatively high access to scholarships, including tuition reductions and campus-based financial aid, which can significantly lower overall study costs.

Regarding accommodation, Ikebukuro is a well-developed commercial area with strong transport connectivity and access to daily necessities, including Asian grocery stores and restaurants. Most students choose Rikkyo University accommodation either near campus or along the JR Yamanote Line to balance commute time and cost. Compared to dormitories, off-campus student housing in Tokyo usually provides more space, flexible lease terms, and shared living options, which better suit long-term international students.

In summary, Rikkyo University boasts clear strengths regarding its prime location within central Tokyo, its English-taught curriculum, its career support resources, and its scholarship opportunities. Furthermore, the living environment is welcoming to Chinese international students, making it one of the most cost-effective choices among private universities in Japan.

Student life at Rikkyo University is generally quite relaxed. Located in Ikebukuro, the campus offers excellent convenience in terms of both transportation and daily living, with an abundance of nearby shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. In spare time, many students participate in clubs or explore the Ikebukuro area. Rikkyo University is an ideal choice for students looking to experience urban life in Tokyo.

Food and Shopping

Ikebukuro is a large commercial district with restaurants, cafés, shopping centers, and entertainment options. Students can easily find affordable meals and late-night food around places like Ikebukuro West Exit area, Sunshine City, and Tokyu Hands building area. Popular food spots include Ichiran Ramen (Ikebukuro), Sukiya. For cafés, students often go to Starbucks Ikebukuro West Exit. For shopping and daily needs, Seibu Ikebukuro Main Store, Tobu Department Store and Sunshine City are common places for students to spend weekends. Nearby Rikkyo University, there has cinemas like Humax Cinemas Ikebukuro and multiple bookstores, so student life stays active and convenient even outside campus.

Clubs and Social Life

Rikkyo University has a strong club culture, and many students join sports clubs, cultural circles, or international student groups to build social connections.

Beyond clubs, student life also includes some unique campus traditions that create a sense of community. In December, the campus holds a Christmas illumination event, where the large trees at the main gate are lit up and become a well-known winter scene in Ikebukuro. It is a small but meaningful tradition that many students associate with campus life. The university also hosts classical music events such as the “Messiah” concert, reflecting its historical ties to Western-style education and church traditions. Overall, social life at Rikkyo is not only about clubs, but also about small seasonal traditions that make the campus feel connected and distinctive.

Rikkyo University Support

Rikkyo University provides career support services, including internships, job hunting guidance, and alumni networking. Being located in central Tokyo also helps students access internship opportunities in business, media, and international companies. Many students use their time in Tokyo to build early career experience while studying.