Hello internet!
I'm planning on studying in Tokyo at a Japanese Language School for 18 months and I want to stay in the dorms. I'm planning on attending SNG in Shinjuku and I was wondering what to do for food. I have previously studied abroad in Tokyo before, but last time I only stayed for 2 months and I did a homestay option, so meals were pretty much taken care of except for lunch. This time, though, I'm gonna need to be an adult and do things for myself.
I'm not considering a homestay this time because the family I stayed with lived an hour outside of Tokyo and I really loathed that morning commute squished shoulder to shoulder, butt to butt, every morning at 7 am (when I had to get in the train) and every afternoon at 5 (when I'd return home for dinner). Now, I realize I might not get a family an hour outside of Tokyo this time, but I'd prefer not to gatcha my living situation since I'll be there for an extended length of time this time around. I also usually cut it pretty close to curfew a number of times and had to call my host mom to let her know I'd be late for dinner. I think I was a little bit of a burden to my host family, though they never said anything. And, lastly, it's more expensive than living in the dorms, though it includes meals so I understand why it's more expensive.
But anyways, this time I want just a little more independence and I'd rather live in a dorm with other student roommates and just make my own meals. Thing is, I don't really know what foods I should make. I remember the last time I was in Tokyo, American foods were pretty rare outside of restaurant chains. Though I also didn't really look all that hard either. I'm planning to go grocery shopping after school but if y'all have tips and advice, it is VERY much welcomed! Please and thank you <3
I'm not a chef but I can cook basic foods like fry an egg and boil water for spaghetti. I also plan on bringing some oatmeal with me cause I know it doesn't exist in Japan. But I'd rather not have a fried egg, oatmeal,and spaghetti every day for 547 days straight. I have the funds to live in Japan but I'd like to save money where I can for travel instead of eating out every night. I know that Family Mart, Lawsons, and 7/11 have ready to eat meals that are pretty inexpensive, but is it really better to eat those everyday? I'd love any and all feedback! Positive and negative <3 It all is helpful in it's own right.
Thanks internet! I appreciate you <3
by Ok_Dragonfruit1799