Learning through community life in a multicultural environment

Acquiring a global perspective through communal living in a multicultural and multilingual environment

Sophia Soshigaya International House was established in 2012 as an “International House” that fosters personal growth through communal living in a multicultural and multilingual environment. Living together with both international and Japanese students provides opportunities to deepen cross-cultural understanding and to engage with diverse perspectives. Through these experiences, residents broaden their outlook and develop the ability to act proactively.

Feature and Concept

This dormitory also serves as a venue for putting Sophia University’s educational philosophy into practice by cultivating global citizens. Through daily life, residents learn from one another, engage with differences in culture and values, and deepen mutual understanding through dialogue.
In addition, through the Living Group system—floor-based communities—residents are provided with opportunities to actively participate in dormitory life and community building while fostering meaningful connections with one another. Furthermore, interaction with the local community and participation in various activities offer opportunities to encounter different perspectives and experience a sense of connection to the wider world.

Mission and Vision

• Mission

“For Others, With Others”
Sophia Soshigaya International House is a home that aims to bring up persons of global competency, guided by Sophia University’s vision: “Character Building through Christian Humanism” and “Sophia – Bringing the World Together”

• Vision

Students who live in this dormitory may:
・Help each other, as a family with unity and responsibility
・Live together understanding and accepting all differences
・Become leading agents of creating the culture, atmosphere and order of the dormitory

Living Group

Soshigaya International House has introduced the “Living Group System,” a community structure based on each residential floor. All residents belong to a group of approximately 15 members and deepen mutual engagement by supporting one another in daily life and participating in regular meetings held once a month.
Each group is led by a student leader who works in collaboration with the Center for Student Affairs to enhance the residential experience. Through addressing everyday challenges and engaging in dialogue, residents develop the ability to take initiative and to collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds. These ongoing efforts contribute to the formation of a warm, vibrant community and a unique residential culture at Soshigaya.

Regulations and Living Guide

The following are the rules and regulations as well as living guide of the dormitory. Please check the contents carefully before applying.

Residence Period

The maximum residence period is 1 year. Residence period may be extended if approved by the Director of Center for Student Affairs.

Facilities and Room Layout

Single room: 320 rooms (15. 08㎡)　*separate men’s areas and women’s areas
Furnishings: air-conditioner, refrigerator, toilet and washbasin, storage furniture, bed, desk, desk lamp; a chair, curtains, and Wi-Fi router
Shared facilities: kitchens, laundry rooms (coin-operated), and shower rooms

Internet fee in single room are included in dormitory fees. Wi-Fi is available also in shared areas of the main building.
Manager is on-site. No meal service provided.

*Japanese students can only apply for single rooms.
*Apart from single rooms, there is also family rooms. Basic information regarding family rooms can be found here. Please contact us to dorm-co@sophia.ac.jp to confirm the availability and application method to family rooms.
*Photos shown are for illustrative purposes only. Layouts and amenities may vary depending on the room.

Dormitory Fees for FY2026 (single room)

*Dormitory fees are subject to change each year.

Entrance fee (Once when moving-in; No refund)　　51,000 yen
Monthly fee (Utility costs (heat, light and water expenses and internet fees) included)　　51,000 yen

Regarding dormitory fees for the months of move-in and move-out:
■ Move-in Month
① Spring Semester Move-in
Regardless of the actual move-in date (the date you begin residing in the dormitory), the dormitory fee for March will be waived. The full dormitory fee will be charged from April 1 onward.
② Autumn Semester Move-in
Regardless of the actual move-in date (the date you begin residing in the dormitory), dormitory fees will be charged from September 21. The dormitory fee for September is 17,000 yen. The full dormitory fee will be charged from October 1 onward.
■ Move-out Month
Dormitory fees for the move-out month will be calculated based on the criteria shown below.

Overview

Location: 4-24-1 Kamisoshigaya, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 157-0065
Maximum Capacity: 320 single rooms *separate men’s areas and women’s areas
Structure: RC 5 storey
Completion: 1990 (Reformed in 2012)
Transportation: One hour to Yotsuya Campus; twenty minutes’ walk from Seijogakuen-mae Station on the Odakyu line or from Sengawa Station on the Keio line.
Facilities: kitchens, laundry rooms (with coin-operated washers and dryers), shower rooms; lounge, cafeteria (with beverage vending machines), big kitchen (next to cafeteria); room for prayer, library, study room, conference rooms, tatami room; music room, auditorium; tennis court, gymnasium, training room.

About Tours

Tours are available by advance reservation only. If you wish to schedule a visit, please contact the dormitory office below.
Soshigaya International House Office: 03-5384-1201; E-mail: dorm-soshigaya-ofc@sophia.ac.jp