The shared desire for third places on campus in Japan: a study of Japanese and American university undergraduate students with experience studying in both countries

Abstract This study investigates undergraduate students’ perceptions regarding physical campuses at Japanese universities. Through semi-structured interviews with Japanese and American university undergraduate students with experience studying in both countries, this paper examines their perceptions of physical campuses and the role they play in student university experience. The interviews revealed that students find physical campus spaces, such as libraries, cafeterias and gyms, at Japanese universities to be less flexible and accessible compared to their American counterparts. In spite of varying perceptions of individual facilities, the research results revealed a common desire among interviewed students for third places on campus at Japanese universities for socialisation, relaxation and restoration that cater to both group and individual student needs. This desire stems from comparisons drawn between their experiences at American universities where such places are more readily available, and those at Japanese universities, where such places are not readily available. These findings are instructive for administrators at Japanese universities who have responsibility for student experience, student satisfaction, campus management, or internationalisation initiatives, which often have the specific aim of fostering more interaction between local and international students.