Unlike US residence halls, meal in these dormitories are not served buffet-style. Instead, there is a set menu at every meal which may not suit those with special dietary needs. Dormitories do not provide meals on public holidays, but they do have kitchens for self-catering. There are inexpensive student cafeterias on the Kanda University campus. In addition to the cafeterias at Kanda University, students have access to the cafeteria in the Sumitomo building where the IES Tokyo Center is located.
Students are responsible for their own housing and meals for the period between terms.
Whether staying with families or in the dormitories, students may have to commute relatively long distances, as do many Japanese residents of the Tokyo area. Students whose commuting costs exceed 6,000 yen a month will receive a subsidy to cover the difference. Students who have lived abroad before or who have friends or family in Tokyo may wish to arrange their own housing. However, IES strongly encourages students to participate in IES housing and accepts no responsibility for other arrangements. Students who arrange their own housing must notify the IES Chicago Admissions Office in writing no later than the application deadline for their program.