Kansai Gaidai University

Go for it, stay at least 2 semesters as time goes by too fast and if I had stayed only one semester, which is basically just the time to get used to your surroundings, my experience would have been very different. Find an apartment as soon as possible as the dorms are a prison. Make sure your will have lots of money as you need it to travel, party, basically enjoy yourself. Do not take university too serious as the level is poor, even compared to Japanese standards, it is basically seen as a university for rich stupid people as the fees are really expensive but the level low. Just concentrate in improving your Japanese, so spend your time with Japanese, not with other foreigners. Also, be respectful of Japanese culture and manners..do not be the annoying stupid foreigner talking too loud in the train, throwing your trash everywhere, etc.. I hate them when I see that. Anyway, enough said, be ready to be mind blown ;)

Do a castle circuit...go see every castle within travelling distance. Learn to like sushi...you will not regret it. Meet everyone you can...the divedends are unimaginable if you make them.

Finance is an issue for most people here. Make sure you have enough money.

The language instruction is good, though lacking some depth, and the classes offered are interesting, though there is a lack of variety. As far as leisure time goes, there's plenty to do, but not necessarily in Hirakata. While the housing situation leaves some things to be desired, the accomodations are quite nice, spacious, and well-maintained. The administration doesn't know what they're doing half the time, but that shouldn't really be a problem as you don't really need to interact with them that much. All in all a good time.

Try to visit as many places you can, from the very northern parts down to the south. Go to the nearby cities, Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe as often as you can. Afterwards I feel like I maybe spent a little to much time studying. I wish that I gave the culture more space. You should go to a lot of temples and a lot of cultural seeings, beautiful. Visit Hiroshima, terrible but very meaningful and interesting. Try to take all opportunities to meet local inhabitants. Thats the best way to learn the culture and how to get around. And last but not least, Have fun, be openminded! Put on your social charm, it will come back to you with a lot of friend from all around the world.