RA-Led Orientations and Events for New and Short-term International Students

At our university’s residence hall and student apartments, senior students with at least one year of residential experience live alongside new residents as Resident Assistants (RAs). RAs work to ensure a comfortable living environment and support active communication among residents.

A dedicated team of 10 RAs is serving the community for the Spring 2026 semester. While the university conducts general orientations for new degree-seeking and short-term international students, the RAs are responsible for several key programs and events.

Welcome Dinner

Most orientation sessions are held separately for new degree-seeking and short-term international students; however, the Welcome Dinner is a joint event. This serves as a vit al opportunity for students from different backgrounds to meet and socialize. Some students have even shared that the friends they made at this dinner became their closest companions throughout their university life.

AIUlympic

The name “AIUlympic” is a coined term combining AIU (the university’s abbreviation) and the Olympics. This event was hosted off-campus at the Akita Prefectural Central Park Skydome (an indoor sports facility). Since most orientation sessions are classroom-based, this athletic event provides a much-needed opportunity for students to refresh themselves.

This year, students participated in a variety of traditional Japanese recreational games and team-based sports. These team-based competitions fostered a strong sense of unity and energy through sports.

Residential Meetings

During these meetings, RAs share essential information and regulations regarding campus life with all residents. This is also a crucial time for roommates to discuss and create their Room Contract to establish shared living rules.

A Room Contract is a mutual agreement created by roommates to establish clear expectations for their shared living space. It typically covers essential daily rules, such as determining lights-out times, managing the purchase of shared supplies, and setting guidelines for hosting guests.

On a campus where students come from diverse backgrounds, these contracts play a vital role in helping residents respect each other’s cultures and daily habits.

These events are organized and led primarily by our RAs. In addition to these initial orientations, RAs continue to support residents through regular events and one-on-ones with residents to ensure everyone feels at home.