Introducing one of our residents, Eva Denis who is currently an exchange student at Shibaura Institute of Technology (SIT).
Originally from Paris, France, I’m currently living in Tokyo as part of an exchange program, where I’m studying architecture at SIT. My exchange began in September 2024 and will continue until June 2025. Moving to Tokyo has been an incredible experience, and I’m thrilled to be immersed in the vibrant culture and dynamic lifestyle of this amazing city.
When deciding on my exchange destination, I really wanted to come to Asia. I’ve already lived in the U.S., so I wanted a completely new experience. It came down to Korea or Japan, but Japan felt more exciting to me. The culture, the connection to nature, and the architecture all stood out. When I saw there was an exchange program with Tokyo, I knew it was for me.
Surprisingly, living in Tokyo has been much easier than I expected. People here are so open-minded and willing to help whenever I ask for something, which makes me feel really welcome. Even the weather has been great—November in Tokyo is sunny and mild, which is very different from Paris.
Food has also been a highlight. Eating good food makes me happy, and Japan offers so many delicious options. I’ve especially fallen in love with Okinawan soba. The broth and noodles are amazing—it’s my favorite type of noodles here.
One of the things I’ve noticed is how much quieter public spaces are in Japan compared to France. In France, people are louder and more open, even with strangers. We laugh and make jokes freely in public, but in Japan, there’s a greater emphasis on respecting personal space and maintaining boundaries.
It’s been an interesting adjustment, and while I miss the liveliness of France, I’ve come to appreciate the calm and consideration I see here in Japan. Adapting to these cultural differences has been part of the learning process, and I feel it’s helped me grow and better understand different ways of living.
Finding accommodation in Tokyo was stressful because it’s such a big city. I didn’t want to live too close to my campus, and private apartments didn’t seem exciting. Plus, as a foreigner who doesn’t speak Japanese, I was worried about living alone.
When I found U Share’s Instagram page, it felt perfect. The pictures showed a friendly and open environment, and I loved the idea of living with people from different countries. It’s been such a great choice—I’ve made so many social connections that I wouldn’t have had in a private apartment.
Living at U Share has been amazing. It’s more than just a place to live—it’s a community. My favorite moments include casual dinners in the kitchen, rooftop hangouts, and watching movies in the basement. Sometimes, I take a break from homework by heading to the rooftop, and I always end up chatting or eating with someone.
We’ve also had fun events like beer tasting and barbecues. These moments of connection make life here so enjoyable. If I lived alone, I think I’d feel lonely, but at U Share, I always feel part of something bigger.
The best part of living at U Share is the social connection. I often meet my roommates in the kitchen, and just seeing them makes me happy. I’ve made friends not just with the people I live with but also with others in the building, which I never would have had living alone in a private apartment.
I also really appreciate the shared spaces here, like the basement and the rooftop. They’re perfect for casual gatherings or planned events, and they create opportunities to meet new people and share experiences.
If I compare this to living alone, I know I’d feel much more isolated. U Share has given me a place where I can relax, make friends, and feel supported—even in a new country. This sense of community has been the highlight of my time in Tokyo so far.
