What’s it Really Like to Stay in a 6-Person Dorm? Real Experiences, Pros & Cons

If you’re looking to study English affordably and stay for as long as possible, the 6-person dorm at 3D ACADEMY can be a highly attractive option. That said, it’s natural to have concerns such as “What’s it like living with 5 other people?” or “Will I have any privacy?”

This article summarizes the real pros and cons of our 6-person dorm based on actual experiences from students who stayed in this room type. Please note: All 6-person dorms at 3D ACADEMY underwent a full renovation from 2024 to 2025, and as of May 2025, have been significantly upgraded.

■ Overview of the 6-Person Dorm

The 6-person dorm at 3D ACADEMY is a shared room with six beds. Each room includes a refrigerator, air conditioning, private bathroom and toilet, and Wi-Fi access. Regular cleaning and laundry services are provided by our staff, making daily life comfortable. With the recent renovation, each student now has a personal closet, storage space, and a safety box, offering more privacy than before.

■ Benefit 1: Exceptional Cost Performance

The biggest advantage is definitely the affordable price. Compared to other room types, the 6-person dorm can save you several thousand yen—or even more than 10,000 yen—per week. For long-term students, this price difference becomes especially significant. Below is a simulated comparison of costs for a 4-week stay.

Quote Example (Mini ESL Course, 4-Person Dorm, 4 Weeks)

• Admission Fee: $100

• Tuition: $728

• Accommodation: $328

• Total: $1,156

Quote Example (Mini ESL Course, 6-Person Dorm, 4 Weeks)

• Admission Fee: $100

• Tuition: $728

• Accommodation: $438

• Total: $1,266

That’s a difference of $110 in just 4 weeks! If you stay for 3 months, that’s $440 in savings—and $880 for 6 months. It’s clear why the 6-person dorm is so popular.

■ Benefit 2: Easier to Make Friends

Conversations naturally happen with roommates who share the same goals. It’s common to practice English together at night or go out for meals. This room offers more than just affordability—it offers connection. Note: Since most 6-person dorm students tend to be Japanese, we recommend purchasing a buffet meal plan (unless you’re staying 24+ weeks and already have meals included). The buffet hall has a diverse, international environment, perfect for making friends from different countries.

■ Benefit 3: Develop Life Skills

Living with others teaches you to be considerate and follow shared rules. For those planning to live abroad in the future, this experience can be a valuable asset. In fact, students who switch from the 6-person dorm to other room types often do so because they struggle with shared living. If you’re used to communal spaces, this room is a great fit.

■ Drawback 1: Less Privacy

The main downside is limited personal space. You may need to be considerate of others and might find it hard to concentrate or unwind at times. Many students spend time in the 24-hour self-study room or the cafeteria, which is open from 5 AM to midnight.

■ Drawback 2: Compatibility with Roommates

Roommate compatibility is largely up to chance. If your lifestyles or personalities don’t align, it can be stressful. However, you can consult staff to request a room change if needed. The most common source of roommate conflict is air conditioner usage—some want to save electricity, while others can’t stand the heat.

■ Drawback 3: Be Mindful of Your Health

Sharing a space with multiple people increases the chance of catching colds or other infections. Basic health precautions like handwashing, mask-wearing, and good hygiene are essential. A doctor is available at our clinic four times a week for free consultations (for students with travel insurance). Medication is also covered, so don’t hesitate to book a visit if you’re feeling unwell.

■ Student Voices

“I was nervous at first, but now I’m really glad I chose the 6-person dorm. I made lifelong friends with Japanese roommates!”
— Female, 20s

“Honestly, I prefer quiet environments, so I was unsure at first. But I got used to it quickly. Talking to someone every day helped improve my listening skills.”
— Male, 30s

■ Recommended for People Who:

• Want to study abroad as affordably as possible

• Want more opportunities to speak English

• Enjoy meeting and connecting with others

• Want to make new friends during their study abroad

However, if you prefer a quiet space to focus or value alone time, we recommend the single or twin room options instead.

While the 6-person dorm does come with some drawbacks, the experience and connections you gain can far outweigh them. If you’re looking to get the most out of your English study abroad experience at the lowest cost, the 6-person dorm is definitely worth considering!

▶️ Photos of 3D ACADEMY’s 6-person dorm can be found here: