How to choose accommodation for exams | What are the key points to feel at ease during the exam?
There are many things you need to do when taking an exam, but if you are taking the exam from a distance, securing accommodation is one of the most important things. If you are going to take the exam from a location other than your home, which is already stressful, you want to create an environment that is as stress-free as possible so that you can demonstrate the results of your preparations.
In this article, we will explain the accommodation options available for taking the exam, how to choose one, and what to keep in mind when making a reservation.
- List of accommodation options for taking the exam
- Points to consider when choosing accommodation for taking the exam
- Should I choose a hotel or a monthly apartment?
- Three reasons why people choose monthly apartments as accommodation for exams
- Comparing the costs of a monthly apartment and a hotel
- For monthly apartments, choose "Livemax"
List of accommodation options for taking the exam
If you are coming from a distant place and staying temporarily to take an exam, the options for accommodation are hotels and monthly apartments. In some cases, weekly apartments are also an option.
Hotel
The most conventional type of accommodation is a hotel. If you are staying for a few days, a hotel is sufficient, and the bed will be made, and having a manned front desk will give you peace of mind.
During exam season, affordable hotels with good transport links are popular, so be careful as they may be fully booked even if you try to make a reservation at the last minute.
Monthly apartment
If you have multiple exam locations or will be taking exams at different times, a monthly apartment is a better option if you want to stay for a month. You are renting a regular house for a limited period of time, and furniture and appliances are included, so the things you need to prepare are not much different from a hotel.
This is recommended for those who are concerned about the cost of staying in a hotel for several nights, or for those who feel nervous about staying in a hotel and would like to stay in a rental property that feels like home.
Weekly Mansion
Weekly apartments are basically the same as monthly apartments. While monthly apartments are rented on a monthly basis, they can be rented on a weekly basis. There are fewer properties available compared to other options.
Points to consider when choosing accommodation for taking the exam
Book as soon as possible
No matter what accommodation you choose, exam periods are busy periods, and many other students will be searching for accommodation with similar conditions. It is important to make reservations as soon as possible once you know the exam date.
Choose a location near the test center
The most important thing when choosing accommodation for taking an exam is to be able to get to the exam venue without any problems. If you are taking the exam in an unfamiliar area, especially in winter, you may encounter various problems on the day of the exam. Look for accommodation in a place that has multiple routes to the exam venue.
Thoroughly simulate meals
If you are staying alone while taking an exam, you will need to provide your own meals. Check in advance whether there are any convenience stores, supermarkets, family restaurants, chain restaurants, or other places near your accommodation where you can easily get food. Hotels also offer plans that include meals. Monthly apartments also have kitchens, so you can cook your own meals.
[If you're staying at a hotel] Check out the plans for test-takers
During exam season, hotels may offer special deals for test takers. Travel agency websites may feature hotels with breakfast-included plans or plans for multiple nights. At hotels with special plans for test takers, the staff also anticipates test takers staying, so you can rest assured in that regard.
[If renting a monthly apartment] Check the facilities in advance
Monthly apartments are fully furnished, but the exact amenities vary depending on the property. In many cases, additional appliances such as humidifiers can be added as options. Security also varies depending on the property, so be sure to check in advance, along with the surrounding area.
Should I choose a hotel or a monthly apartment?
If you're only staying for a few days, book your hotel as soon as possible.
If you're staying for a few days, we recommend a hotel. During exam season, multiple-night plans are available, so it's best to stay a few days in advance to get used to the living environment. However, if you're in an area where many students take exams, hotels are likely to fill up quickly. Make your reservation as soon as you know your exam date.
If you have a long exam period, we recommend a monthly apartment.
If you're applying to multiple schools, the exam dates can span up to a month. When exams span several weeks, it can be a hassle to travel back to your home after each one. It can be costly to travel, and you'll be busy preparing for and cleaning up after the trip.
If the exam dates span more than a week, you can take the exam in a monthly apartment rather than moving from hotel to hotel, which will allow you to be more mentally and physically refreshed.
Three reasons why people choose monthly apartments as accommodation for exams
There is a sense of security like relaxing at home
Business hotels are clean and convenient, but because their layouts are completely different from your home, they can have an extraordinary atmosphere. In some cases, this can make you feel more nervous about the exam.
On the other hand, the appearance and facilities of monthly apartments are almost the same as those of regular rental properties. You can relax as if you were at home, which can help relieve tension between days of exam preparation.
Easily manage your budget and reservations
Business hotels are often fully booked during exam season, so not only is it difficult to tell the price, but you may not be able to make a reservation at the last minute.
By using a monthly apartment, you can simplify the management of accommodation costs and the hassle of making multiple reservations.
Save on living expenses
The cost per night for both business hotels and monthly apartments varies. If you stay in a business hotel for multiple nights, you won't be able to cook, so you'll have to eat out or buy meals at convenience stores. If you need to do your laundry, you'll have to use a coin laundry or the hotel's dry cleaning service, which can add up to expenses.
With a monthly apartment, basic daily necessities, kitchen and washing machine usage fees are included in the accommodation fee, so you can save money on daily expenses during a medium-term stay.
Comparing the costs of a monthly apartment and a hotel
Business hotel accommodation costs are rising
Compared to September 2019, before the coronavirus pandemic, the cost of staying at a business hotel has risen by about 1.5 times in the past five years.
Business hotel accommodation costs in the Tokyo metropolitan area (Tokyo and Yokohama) (average room rate)
| season | Fee |
|---|---|
| September 2019 | 10,779 yen |
| September 2024 | 16,409 yen |
One reason for this is the increase in inbound demand. Additionally, accommodation costs are soaring at business hotels in the Tokyo metropolitan area due to the concentration of individual travelers in urban areas. Considering rising prices and wage increases, hotel accommodation costs are likely to continue to rise.
Monthly apartments are great value for medium- to long-term stays
If you are staying for a medium to long term period of time, such as one week to one month, a monthly or weekly apartment will save you money compared to a business hotel.
For example, the monthly apartment Livemax allows you to sign a contract for as little as seven days. They have many properties available in Tokyo, and they are available from around 5,000 yen per night. Considering that a business hotel costs around 16,000 yen, monthly or weekly apartments are a great deal.
Please click here to see recommended properties in Tokyo managed by Monthly Apartment Livemax.
For monthly apartments, choose "Livemax"
Monthly apartments, which have no initial costs and can be occupied immediately, are chosen by many people, both individuals and corporations.
Livemax Monthly Apartments has over 20,000 rooms in major cities across Japan, all of which are conveniently located thanks to our unique market research. We also offer special seasonal plans and campaigns, so please feel free to contact us.
If you are having trouble finding the property you want or are short on time, please use our property request service. A specialist will ask you about your requirements and suggest the perfect property for you.
