Kyosai-bu, a Welfare Organization

2019/11/29

At the Juku, the Kyosai-bu is a student organization that introduces students to lodging and part-time jobs, and is one of the welfare organizations of the All Keio Student Council, which represents the autonomous activities of Keio students.

The Kyosai-bu was established in 1946 as a division of the Student Co-op. Around 1948, it became independent and joined the executive committee of the student association. In cooperation with the Office of Student Services, it has been providing referral services at the Hiyoshi and Mita campuses (though it currently operates only at Hiyoshi). In the past, students had to register, receive a letter of introduction from companies, have the job mediated, and submit a report after completing the work. Now, they can freely browse and choose opportunities.

The word "kyosai" originally means "to help each other" or "to pool money to do something together." However, the Kyosai-bu's activities, such as "part-time job referrals" and "lodging referrals," are both operated without any brokerage fees. Therefore, the meaning of "kyosai" in the context of the Kyosai-bu can be likened to "an activity where current Keio students and Keio University alumni pool their wisdom to help one another."

For part-time job referrals, many of the job offers come from companies where alumni work or from individuals, and there are many requests for private tutors. However, the Kyosai-bu declines to list jobs that are dangerous for Keio students, involve excessive responsibility—such as construction sites, drivers, babysitters/daycare centers, and private investigators—or are contrary to public order and morals.

Lodging referrals are provided at Hiyoshi for one month each year, from late February to late March, after the entrance exams have finished. The Kyosai-bu recruits landlords who want to rent rooms to Keio students and makes this information available to prospective and current students. There are also offers from alumni who wish to rent rooms to Keio students. The advantage of renting a room through this service is that there are no brokerage fees, as the club members collect and provide property information on behalf of the landlords. Furthermore, club members who are living on their own also offer services such as advice and consultation on finding a room and life after enrollment. Generally, university lodging referrals are outsourced to companies affiliated with the university or to a co-op, so it is rare nationwide for a student organization to take on this role.

According to the members of the Kyosai-bu, they strive to provide information with an extra personal touch, rather than just making mechanical referrals. For example, when providing lodging referrals, they ask for a Keio student's faculty to check if their campus will change from Hiyoshi as they advance in their studies. For Keio students who are unsure whether to continue living near Hiyoshi or move closer to their new campus, the members, as upperclassmen, explain the respective advantages and disadvantages to help them choose a place to live without regrets.

Many people may think of the Mita-kai as the primary link between alumni and current students, but the Kyosai-bu also serves as an organization where current students, who can learn from their example, can interact with alumni who are active in society.

(Tetsuto Namiki, Chief, Hiyoshi Office of Student Services)