Rest Nest,
Ryukoku University Seta Campus Building 2

A new hub for student support: On-campus accommodation for just 1,000 yen per night

In July 2024, Ryukoku University opened “Rest Nest,” an on-campus accommodation facility supporting education and research activities at its Seta Campus. Designed to provide a safe and secure place to rest for students who remain on campus late at night or early in the morning for research projects or graduation theses, the facility represents a rare initiative in Japan. The accommodation fee is set at an affordable 1,000 yen per night. As it approaches its first anniversary, usage has steadily increased, with reservation rates exceeding 70 percent during peak end-of-semester periods.
Rest Nest is located on the first floor of Building 2, where an area equivalent to two classrooms was renovated and divided into Rest Nest 1 for men and Rest Nest 2 for women. Reservations are made through a dedicated online portal, and access is granted by scanning a QR code at the entrance. The sleeping area contains 14 capsule beds for men and 6 for women. In addition, the facility is equipped with a lounge, shower rooms, a microwave oven, and lockers. A bento vending machine installed just outside the entrance further enhances convenience, allowing students to enjoy a comfortable and self-sufficient stay.

Compact functionality for a comfortable rest

To ensure a restful sleep environment, the university selected SPACE-D series capsule beds, known for their modern and refined design. The sleek black exterior is finished with tinted anodized aluminum, accented in brown for the men’s area and burgundy for the women’s. Inside, the panels feature a warm woodgrain finish, creating a calm and welcoming atmosphere.
These two-tier capsule beds adopt a side-open configuration, with the opening positioned parallel to the sleeper’s body. Compared with front-open types, this design provides a wider opening, making entry and exit smoother and less restrictive. Privacy was another decisive factor in the selection: even when the roll screen is raised, the interior of the capsule is not fully visible from the aisle.
Each bed offers sufficient width for guests to turn over comfortably, while the panel construction helps reduce sound transmission between adjacent units. For users who wish to sit up to read or use a laptop, a back pad installed on the headboard provides gentle support. Made of breathable mesh, the pad prevents heat buildup and maintains comfort. Every capsule is also equipped with a digital alarm clock, a lighting control panel, a cup holder, a small storage compartment, a side table, and a mirror, ensuring essential functions are compactly integrated.

Facility overview

Ryukoku University’s Seta Campus is in Biwako Cultural Park City in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, and was established in 1989. Following the relocation of the Faculty of Sociology to the Kyoto campus in April 2025, the Seta Campus repositioned itself as a base for “leading co-creation and transformation.” It currently houses the Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology and the Faculty of Agriculture, with two additional faculties, Information and Environmental Sustainability, scheduled to open in April 2027.
In line with this vision, new exchange spaces known as “Green Deck” and “Sky Deck” were developed in 2024 to promote interdisciplinary interaction among students. The opening of Rest Nest in July of the same year further strengthens this initiative by providing essential infrastructure that supports students engaged in academic activities around the clock.