You-Me Life Group: Scholarship Program for Tokai University Freshmen Reaches 70 Cumulative Recipients in 8 Years

Scholarship recipients and employees (commemorative photo after certificate presentation)

The You-Me Life Group has been operating a non-repayable scholarship program for freshmen at Tokai University Shonan Campus since 2019, marking its 8th year in the 2026 academic year. The cumulative number of recipients has reached 70.

[Background] Student life hit by rising prices, and the move to disseminate information

According to the 61st Student Life Survey (2025) by the National Federation of University Co-operative Associations, while food expenses for students living away from home are increasing due to rising prices, there is a noticeable trend of cutting back on learning and living-related expenses such as books and cultural/recreational activities. Furthermore, the Japan Student Services Organization's "FY2022 Student Life Survey" revealed that 55.0% of university students receive scholarships, indicating that more than one in two students require financial assistance.

Amidst this situation, our group has quietly continued this program since 2019. However, starting from the 2026 academic year, we have decided to establish a system to re-communicate our relationship with the community and our social value, and thus, we are announcing the 8-year journey and achievements of the program.

◼︎ Program Overview

Eligibility: Freshmen at Tokai University Shonan Campus who reside in properties managed by the group.

Grant Amount: 10,000 JPY per month x 24 months (total 240,000 JPY, non-repayable).

Selection: Screening and decision from applicants each year.

Connecting housing, scholarships, and community

Welcome party scene (approx. 100 participants)

Monthly exchange events include reporting sessions on "student-perspective housing proposals" to rental property owners, work experience, and a community program where scholarship students themselves advise prospective students considering enrollment at the same university.

Students who received support now support the next generation—

This cycle is what our group considers to be a form of regional contribution.

Student interaction at the welcome party

Additionally, a welcome party attended by approximately 100 people is held at the time of enrollment, serving as a place to alleviate anxieties about new student life.

"History of 'Improvements' embedded in the system

Communication between employees and students

The grant period is currently 24 months (2 years), but it was initially 1 year when the program started.

As we continued to operate, we faced the challenge that "student connections would be severed once the support period ended," leading us to extend it to 2 years.

By fostering "vertical connections" where senior scholarship students pass on their experiences and knowledge to juniors, we aim to build a foundation where students can take root in the community and grow with their peers.

The program continues to evolve based on student feedback and on-site observations.

Student Voices

"Reduced burden on parents" (N.K., 1st year)

"Greatly helped financially, could focus on studies" (Y.T., 2nd year)

Staff Comment

"We are a group that has been nurtured in the Shonan region. In return, we want to support the challenges of students who will lead the future of this region.

It's not just a scholarship; by supporting their entire life in Shonan, we hope they will one day become pillars of this city and society."

*The cumulative number of recipients is the total for 2019-2024 (10 recipients/year, 1-year grant) and 2025-2026 (5 recipients/year, 2-year grant).

About You-Me Life Group

Under the slogan "Changing the future of people, towns, and life," You-Me Life Group is a comprehensive real estate group operating primarily in the Shonan area, engaged in rental management, real estate brokerage, construction, asset utilization, and PFI/PPP projects. With a strong foundation rooted in the community, we are committed to an integrated approach from housing to town development.

Location: 223-2 Fujisawa, Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture

URL: https://you-me-life.co.jp