What does this guide cover about Housing in Japan vs Korea (Singapore Students) 2026?

This guide provides official-source-linked information and a structured checklist to help Singapore students plan and navigate the process accurately.

Is this guide relevant for Singapore students applying in 2026?

Yes - the guide is written for 2026 applicants and links to official sources; always verify the latest requirements directly on the linked official pages.

Where can I find official information about Housing in Japan vs Korea (Singapore Students) 2026?

The guide links directly to the relevant official government or institution websites; use those as your primary reference for confirmed requirements.

What should I check first before using this guide?

Read the official pages linked in the TL;DR section first, then use this guide to organise and cross-reference your planning checklist.

What is the jeonse vs wolse system in Korea, and how do I avoid scams?

Jeonse is a large lump-sum deposit arrangement (instead of monthly rent) where the landlord uses the deposit and returns it at the end of the lease - it requires a very large upfront sum and exposes tenants to significant risk if the landlord cannot return the deposit. Wolse (monthly rent with a smaller deposit) is the more common and lower-risk option for foreign students, and goshiwon (small furnished rooms with very low deposits) is another practical option. If you are ever presented with a jeonse arrangement, do not sign without Korean-speaking legal help - jeonse fraud has been a documented issue in Korea and the contracts are complex. For most Singapore students, sticking with university dorms or a standard wolse arrangement is the safer and simpler starting point.

Student Housing in Japan vs Korea: Dorms & Costs (2026)

TL;DR

Start from official reference pages: Japan accommodation (official): https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/life/accomodation/ Korea living & housing (official): https://www.studyinkorea.go.kr/ko/life/livingAndHousing.do Then verify your…

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Download printable cheat-sheet (CC-BY 4.0)

20 Jan 2026, 00:00 Z

Reviewed by

Marcus Pang·Managing Director (Maths)

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Q: What’s the most common housing budgeting mistake for Japan/Korea study abroad?
A: Underestimating the upfront cash: deposits, move-in costs, and the first month of setup. A dorm can feel “more expensive monthly” but still be cheaper upfront than private rentals.

TL;DR - Start from official reference pages: - Japan accommodation (official): https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/life/accomodation/ - Korea living & housing (official): https://www.studyinkorea.go.kr/ko/life/livingAndHousing.do - Then verify your university’s exact dorm fees, deposit rules, and move-in timeline.

A dorm-like room setup that suggests student housing and move-in planning.

Status: Last reviewed 2026-01-20. Housing rules and costs vary by city and university. Use this as a checklist and verify every number on official pages.

If you want the budget worksheet first:

https://eclatinstitute.sg/blog/scholarships/Japan-vs-Korea-Student-Budget-Singapore-Practical-Cost-Checklist-Guide-2026

1) The “housing buckets” you should budget for

Think in buckets:

A) One-time / upfront costs

deposit (if any)
agent/administration fees (if any)
move-in essentials (bedding, cookware, basic furniture)
initial transport setup
emergency buffer

B) Monthly costs

rent/dorm fee
utilities (if not included)
Wi‑Fi/mobile
transport
food

2) Japan housing (official reference)

Study in Japan’s accommodation page (official) is a good baseline:

https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/life/accomodation/

It explains the typical options and highlights the reality that many students live off-campus - which is why “deposit and initial costs” planning matters.

Student-friendly explainer (secondary, optional):

https://flyingchalks.com/en/study-abroad-blog/types-of-accommodation-in-japan-855

Student Housing in Japan vs Korea: Dorms & Costs (2026)

1) The “housing buckets” you should budget for

A) One-time / upfront costs

B) Monthly costs

2) Japan housing (official reference)

Sources

3) Korea housing (official reference)

4) Dorm vs off-campus: a simple decision tree

Dorms tend to be better if:

Off-campus tends to be better if:

5) The “ask your university these questions” checklist

6) Your next action (today)

Key Action Steps

FAQ

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