If you’re a university student in Japan, you’ve probably heard of the 大学生協 (Daigaku Seikyo) or the University Co-op. This organization is one of the largest student cooperatives in the world and has been around for over 60 years. In this article, we will take a closer look at what 大学生協 is all about and how it can benefit you as a student.
What is 大学生協?
大学生協 is a non-profit organization that was established by university students in 1954. Its main goal is to provide various services to students, including affordable textbooks, school supplies, and daily necessities. The organization is run by students, for students, and its mission is to contribute to the development of education and culture.
Services Offered by 大学生協
大学生協 offers a wide range of services to students, including:
- Textbook sales: 大学生協 sells textbooks at a discounted price compared to other bookstores. The organization also offers a textbook rental service, which allows students to rent textbooks for a semester.
- Stationery sales: Students can purchase stationery items such as pens, notebooks, and folders at a reasonable price.
- Food and beverage services: 大学生協 operates cafeterias and convenience stores on many university campuses. These facilities offer affordable meals and snacks to students.
- Dormitory services: Some universities have dormitories operated by 大学生協. These dormitories offer affordable housing options for students.
- Travel services: 大学生協 offers travel services such as discounted train tickets and travel packages for students.
- Job hunting support: The organization provides job hunting support for students, including career counseling and job fairs.
Benefits of Using 大学生協 Services
There are many benefits to using 大学生協 services as a student:
- Affordability: 大学生協 offers services at a discounted price compared to other stores. This can save students a lot of money over the course of their studies.
- Convenience: Many 大学生協 facilities are located on university campuses, making them easily accessible to students.
- Quality: 大学生協 offers high-quality products and services, ensuring that students have access to the best resources for their studies.
- Community: 大学生協 is run by students, for students. This creates a sense of community and belonging among students.
- Support: 大学生協 provides various support services to students, including job hunting support and career counseling.
How to Join 大学生協
Joining 大学生協 is easy. Simply visit a 大学生協 facility on your university campus and fill out an application form. Once you become a member, you can start using all of the services offered by the organization.
Conclusion
大学生協 is an essential organization for university students in Japan. Its services offer many benefits to students, including affordability, convenience, quality, community, and support. By joining 大学生協, students can access all of these services and make the most of their university experience.