Life at KUAS

Fall

The academic year for many international students begins in the fall. The Fall Semester Entrance Ceremony, held in early September, marks the official start of campus life at KUAS. Following the ceremony, students participate in orientation sessions that introduce university rules, academic expectations, and student support services. Classes typically begin in mid-September.
After the entrance ceremony, KUAS hosts a large-scale Welcome Party, where new students can relax, socialize, and celebrate the beginning of their journey at the university.
October brings even more excitement with campus festivals held at both the Uzumasa and Kameoka campuses. Organized primarily by students, these festivals feature stage performances, food stalls, and interactive events that showcase campus creativity.
Halloween is another highlight of the fall season. Many international students take part, dressing up in creative costumes and enjoying the lively atmosphere. Costume contests and themed activities make Halloween one of the most anticipated social events of the semester.

Winter

Winter break runs from late December to early January, reflecting the importance of year-end and New Year traditions in Japan. With no regular classes during this period, students have a valuable opportunity to explore Japanese culture, travel, or spend time with friends.
One of the major social highlights of the winter season is the Winter Gala, a formal event where students dress up and enjoy an evening of music and dancing together. In addition, as part of its student exchange activities, KUAS hosts a variety of events such as BBQ parties and mochi-making (mochitsuki), creating a relaxed and friendly atmosphere where Japanese and international students can interact and build cross-cultural connections.
In the latter half of January, students take their final examinations for the fall semester. After exams conclude, the university enters a break period until early April.
During this time, international students participate in mandatory intensive Japanese language courses, so it is important to consider this when planning travel or vacations.

Spring

Spring marks a season of new beginnings in Japan. In early spring, KUAS holds graduation and entrance ceremonies for the spring semester, welcoming a new cohort of Japanese students as the campus becomes especially lively, with cherry blossoms blooming throughout the campus.
A major highlight of the spring semester is International Day, a festival where international students introduce their home countries through food, music, performances, and cultural displays. This event encourages cross-cultural exchange and allows students to learn from one another in a festive and open atmosphere.
Classes for the spring semester begin in early April. From late April to early May, Japan observes a series of national holidays known as Golden Week, providing students with a short but welcome break during the semester.

Summer

The spring semester concludes with final examinations at the end of July. After exams, international students take part in mandatory intensive Japanese language courses during the summer break. Even so, campus life remains active, with students continuing club activities, project-based learning, and research.
Summer is also an important period for career development. Many students participate in internship programs in Japan and abroad, while others join exchange and collaboration programs with partner overseas universities to broaden their academic and cultural perspectives. These opportunities allow students to gain practical experience, broaden their academic networks, and make productive use of the summer months.
In addition, summer provides time to strengthen friendships through extracurricular activities and to create meaningful memories with peers.