Following on from the award of an ‘A’ grade in the mid-term ‘Top Global University Project’ assessment, Ritsumeikan University took further steps in leading the way in the globalization of university education in Japan last week, with the official opening ceremony of the brand new OIC International House dormitory - a short walk from its Osaka Ibaraki Campus (OIC).

Opening Ceremony March 6, 2018

The ceremony, in fitting with the occasion, took place in a common room of the building itself, with over 40 specially invited guests. Participants included members of The Ritsumeikan Trust, under the umbrella of which Ritsumeikan University operates, architects, engineers, contractors, construction and property management specialists, as well as banking representatives, who, working together as a team, brought the idea of a new international dormitory to fruition.

The cutting of the tape took place immediately after the start of the ceremony at 10:30, following which the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, the Ritsumeikan Trust, Tomomi Morishima (second from right above) thanked the members gathered for their help and contribution to the development and completion of the project; before moving on to illustrate eloquently the future role the dormitory and its residents are expected to have in helping to make Ritsumeikan’s Osaka Ibaraki Campus an international hub for research and education in the Asian region.

“The completion of an international dormitory at OIC is a base to move from the local to the world stage and as such represents a new powerful force driving Ritsumeikan forward…As we prepare to finalize our next 10 year long-term plan, we fully expect this new dormitory to play an ever more important role. Dormitories are more than simply a place to live. International dormitories in particular represent a place for students to develop beyond the boundaries of ordinary academic campus life; a place to help each other grow and develop in adapting to and learning to live with and appreciate different perspectives; a place to move beyond cultural differences and international boundaries – a stage upon which new value can be created and presented to the world.”

At the end of the ceremony guests were treated to a tour of the building and facilities.

About OIC International House (OIC I-House*)

Constructed on schedule in just one calendar year, OIC I-House will welcome its first residents at the end of March 2018 and will be made available for both international and domestic students alike. Comprising 168 individual rooms split into 28 units of 6, each unit is equipped with a modern communal living-dining space, a fully fitted kitchen including a large refrigerator, shared shower units, the latest in heated-seat electronic washlet toilets, with a comfortable bed, desk, light and storage space in individual rooms.

* OIC International House will be known on campus as OIC I-House