Q. Is it possible to take a visit to Sophia Dormitories?

A. Yes, it is possible. The local offices accept dorm visits so please make a call or email us for more information.

Contact of dorm offices
Edagawa Men’s Dormitory：03-3615-8918; Email: dorm-edagawa-ofc@sophia.ac.jp
Soshigaya International House：03-5384-1201; E-mail: dorm-soshigaya-ofc@sophia.ac.jp
Arrupe International Residence：03-3351-1028; E-mail: dorm-arrupe-ofc@sophia.ac.jp

Q. Is there a screening process for application to the dormitory?

A. Applicants are selected based on the information provided in the online application form. Please be aware that there is no guarantee that all applicants will be admitted to the dormitories. Even if you apply for Sophia Dormitories, we recommend that applicants also consider designated dormitories, recommended dormitory, or general apartments for students etc.

Q. For spring move-in, there are two application periods. Is it possible that the second one will not be held because the first one receives full amount of residents?

A. Each of the application period has fixed number of acceptances so both will be held as announced. There will be no additional application period after the second one.

Q. Is it possible to apply for more than one dormitory (Edagawa Men’s Dormitory, Soshigaya International House, Arrupe International Residence )? Does applying to more than one dormitory cause disadvantage during the screening process?

A. Applying to more than one dormitory is possible without causing any disadvantage because screening is held separately for each of the dormitory.

Q. The guidelines says that the maximum residence period is one year and the residence period may be extended if approved by the Director of Center for Student Affairs. Does it mean that student can only stay in the dormitory in a maximum of one year?

A. Residents may apply for renewal of their residency. Each renewal application is reviewed, and if approved, residents may continue living in the dormitory beyond one year. Some residents have continued to live in the dormitory throughout their entire period of enrollment, as they were approved for continued residence after leading dormitory lives consistent with “place for learning”.

Q. Are there any additional costs besides the dormitory fee?

A. At Soshigaya International House and Arrupe International Residence, internet access and utilities are included in the dormitory fee.
At Edogawa Dormitory, internet access is included in the dormitory fee; however, residents are responsible for arranging and paying for their own utilities.

Q. Is there a curfew at Sophia Dormitories?

A. There is no curfew in any of the Sophia Dormitories. However, quiet hours are observed at night, with rules in place to maintain a peaceful living environment.

Q. Can I invite friends or family members to my room?

A. Non-residents are not permitted to enter residential areas of the dormitories. Visits are allowed only at designated times and in designated areas, mainly in certain shared spaces on the first floor.
Please note that family members may enter the residential areas only when assisting with moving in or out. At Edagawa Men’s Dormitory, family members are allowed to enter the residential areas. At Soshigaya International House and Arrupe International Residence, entry is limited to family members of the same gender. For further details, please refer to the rules of each dormitory.

Q. Is it possible to smoke inside the dormitory?

A. Smoking is prohibited on the grounds of all Sophia dormitories. Also, as the neighborhood of Sophia dormitories lacks or is without smoking areas, thus Sophia dormitories are not recommended for smokers.

Q. Is there any bicycle parking space inside the dormitory?

A. Each resident is provided with a space for one bicycle. Parking for motorcycles is not available. Please note that commuting to the university by bicycle is not permitted.

Q. Do male and female residents stay separately in the residential area? (Soshigaya International House, Arrupe International Residence)

A. Residential areas are divided into separate buildings for men and women. Entry into buildings designated for the opposite gender is not permitted.

Q. What kinds of activities are included in dormitory life?

A. At all Sophia Dormitories, residents are required to participate in fire evacuation drills held twice a year to ensure their safety. In addition, at Soshigaya International House and Arrupe International Residence, all residents belong to a “Living Group” and are required to attend monthly meetings.
Sophia Dormitories are not merely places to live but are run as “educational dormitories.” Therefore, participation in dormitory events and interaction activities is also considered an important part of dormitory life. We encourage those who value learning and interaction through communal living to apply.