Introduction to ACSRC
Hello! We are the International Temporary Committee of the All Colleges Students’ Representative Council (ACSRC), the official student body of the university. Our aim is to assist students in making their school life more comfortable. In the International Temporary Committee, we work particularly to address the concerns of international students. In this brochure we hope to help international students in choosing circles/clubs. Additionally, our committee organizes various cultural exchange events, such as International Day or Tsuku・Koi, for individuals with diverse backgrounds, so please check those out as well. If you are interested in our activities, please join our team!
What are Circles?
Circles are groups of students with similar interests that get together from time to time. Please be aware that some circles are not officially recognized by the university. Are you looking for a group of friends who share the same interests as you or want to try out something new? Well, the university has got your back! Circles are student-organized clubs where students can get together and engage in various activities like music, sports, anime, etc. At the University of Tsukuba, circles are classified into 3 categories: Sports, Arts and Culture. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to engage in social activities and a chance to gain new skills! Generally, in Japanese universities, clubs(部活) are official, university-authorized groups that receive financial backing and often revolve around sports, with strict hierarchies and intense training. Circles, on the other hand, are unofficial groups run by students, do not receive financial aid, cover a wider variety of activities, and have a more informal and relaxed nature, focusing on cultivating friendships and having fun.
How to join circles
How to Write an E-mail
If you are interested in joining a circle, reach out to them through their
social networking services (SNS) like X(Twitter), Instagram, or email. We
recommend visiting the circle to get a feel for the atmosphere there.
Here are examples of how to write an E-mail:.
Sample (Japanese):
(Circle Name) ご担当者様
突然のご連絡失礼いたします。
（Your Program）（Your grade）の（Your name）と申します。
（Circle Name）の活動に興味があり連絡させていただきました。
よろしければ、一度体験／見学させていただいてもよろしいでしょうか？よろしくお願いいたします。
(Your name)
Sample (English):
Dear (Club/Circle),
I am (Your name) from (Your Program).
I am sending this email to show my interest in (Circle Name).
I would like to know more about your circle and how can I participate in your circle?
I am looking forward to hearing from you.Best regards,
(Your name)
Additional Information about Circles
Membership Fees (cost)
Some circles may collect fees to cover the expenses for their activities.
For specific details regarding the fees, please contact the circle and
inquire.
Activity Frequency and How Often to Participate
The activity frequency varies depending on each circle. Some circles
engage in activities every day, while others may meet approximately
twice a month. Additionally, there are circles that require mandatory
participation on certain days and circles that allow for optional
participation.
Multiple Circle Memberships
It is possible to belong to multiple circles. Some individuals belong to
four or more circles. However, please be careful if there are many
activity days that require participation.
How to Find Circles
STEP1: Look at the list of clubs at the University of Tsukuba!
Access the link to see the latest version of the list of authorized circles.
STEP2: If you find an interesting circle
If you find a circle you are interested in, search the web with the name of the circle to get more details and information about it.
STEP3: If you want to join
If you are interested in joining a circle, reach out to them through their social networking services (SNS) like Twitter, Instagram, or email. We recommend visiting the circle to get a feel for the atmosphere there. Look out for the following points when looking for a circle!
Official or not: (some circles are not registered officially with the university)
Frequency: Meetings/activities of circles can vary from almost daily to once a month.
Payment: Some circles require membership fees to support the activities of the organization.
circleguide_for_web
The Useful Vocabulary for Circles
先輩 Senpai
people who are have entered the same school earlier than you. Senior member.
後輩 Kouhai
people who are younger (or less experienced) than you. Junior member.
雙峰祭 Souhousai
UTsukuba ́s annual festival in early November.
やどかり祭 Yadokarisai
Dormitory festival at the end of May. Mainly hosted by the freshmen.
新歓 Shinkan
Welcoming session/period/event to circles mainly for freshmen
宅通 Takutsū
a person who is commuting from their parents’ house
アパート民 Apātomin
a person who rents a room outside of campus
宿舍民 Shukushamin
a person who is living in a dorm
兼サー Kensā
belong to more than 1 circle at the same time
飲み会 Nomikai drinking party
宅飲み Takunomi
drinking party at someone’s house
Official campus map is avaiable from link below!
https://www.tsukuba.ac.jp/en/about/campus-access/tsukuba-campus
Editing & Direction: International Temporary Committee
Design: Shon Ebato
Illustrations: Akira Katsumata