First-year Student Life Experiences in Meiji Gakuin’s Faculty of Mathematical Informatics

――What made you want to study in the Faculty of Mathematical and Information Sciences?

Fujii

In my case, the topics covered on the entrance examination were a deciding factor. It was significant that I could take the exam without history and classical Japanese, even as a humanities student.

Ishio

I wanted to study information sciences because I thought it was cool. I was also attracted to it being a newly established faculty. The new building and being part of the first cohort seemed impressive. The easy commute from home was another reason.

Sato

I’m from a Meiji Gakuin-affiliated high school, and I chose this faculty based on which one would best connect to my future.

Higuchi

I was in the science track in high school, so when thinking about what to pursue in the sciences, information sciences seemed to provide good future prospects. The Faculty of Mathematical Informatics lets you choose a specialty track from your third year, so I felt I could get a good start on my studies without having to decide the specific details of what I want to do going forward.

Kato

Seeing my brother secure a job after graduating from an information sciences faculty, I also wanted to pursue information sciences, as it seemed to provide good future prospects.

Ishio

Studies in information sciences seem applicable to various fields.

Fujii

While there’s talk about AI taking away jobs as the information field continues to evolve, I’m attracted to being on the side that develops AI. The opportunity to be a pioneer in creating society is an appeal unique to this faculty.

―― How do you feel about the atmosphere? What are your impressions of the university and the Faculty?

Kato

My impression is that it’s a campus rich in nature.

Ishio

There are many diagonal buildings. [laughs] Even the Clara Lounge and the Chapel!

Fujii

This is my first time attending a Christian school, so it’s a new experience. I was surprised when we sang hymns at the entrance ceremony.

Ishio

After enrolling, I was surprised to find quite a few people from my high school are also enrolled here.

Sato

The professors are careful in how they teach, and I feel it’s an environment conducive to studying.

Kato

There’s a good mix of people, from serious students to those who are less serious in a good way, so I think it’s an environment where you can find people who suit you.

Fujii

I had heard that in university, I wouldn’t have many friends in my classes, but since there are many students from the same faculty taking required courses, it’s reassuring to attend classes with familiar faces.

―― What do you find interesting about studying in the Faculty of Mathematical Informatics?

Kato

I think the appeal lies in how the mathematics we’re studying now will be useful later, when we’re studying information sciences.

Higuchi

The computer and cloud systems classes are fun. Although we haven’t delved deep yet, I entered this faculty because I like computers, so I enjoy the classes about basic computer knowledge and computation.

Fujii

While there are things I don’t understand in the math classes, when I hear about how this math will be useful, even the mathematics that feels like a drudge becomes enjoyable.

Ishio

It was fun making games in the computer literacy class. Although I don’t fully understand programming languages yet, it felt great when we could actually play the games we made.

Fujii

It’s challenging not having upperclassmen in our faculty, because we have limited information about how to prepare for tests.

Ishio

That’s a huge challenge. [laughs]

Fujii

It’s a challenge that’s unique to us as the first cohort, but we often exchange information with each other, and I think that really strengthens our horizontal connections.

――Are there areas where you’d like to deepen your learning?

Ishio

Programming. I want to work hard on it to improve my skills.

Sato

It's programming for me, too. I think it will be beneficial for my future.

Higuchi

I want to work in data analysis-related jobs, so I’d like to study programming and economics-related subjects like bookkeeping. That’s why I’m also taking economics course.

Kato

Besides studying in the Faculty of Mathematical Informatics, I want to work hard on English. I’d like to go abroad, so I want to challenge myself to acquire language qualifications.

Fujii

I originally wanted to study economics and business administration, but there are often mistakes in manual bookkeeping. I want to acquire knowledge that will allow me to use computers to solve such issues.

―― How would you like to challenge yourself in your upcoming university life?

Kato

I want to try studying abroad. I’d like to start with a short-term study abroad program.

Higuchi

I also want to work hard on English and at least try traveling overseas.

Ishio

I'd like to try performing in front of people. I want to challenge myself with band activities or theater, which I used to do as a hobby.

Sato

For me, it's lacrosse club. I want to really dedicate myself to it.

Fujii

I, too, want to put effort into my club activities. I joined the orchestra and became a first-year representative. Since first-year representatives are also in charge at the Shirokane Festival, I want to do my best.

――Some people might feel anxious about their knowledge of mathematics and programming

Ishio

You don't need programming knowledge before enrollment.

Fujii

For example, even if you haven’t studied Math III, teachers explain the prerequisites before solving problems, and if you’re not confident about something, this is an environment where you can ask teachers for advice.

Sato

I didn’t have any programming knowledge, either. While I sometimes find math difficult, since we’re in small classes, it’s easy to ask teachers questions when there’s something I don’t understand.

――Please share a message for prospective applicants and high school students aiming for the Faculty of Mathematical Informatics

Ishio

As part of the first cohort, I sometimes found it difficult to participate in club recruitment events without upperclassmen from the same faculty. So when our juniors come in, I want to do my best to befriend them and take care of them! I want them to feel that they can rely on their seniors.

Higuchi

I’m from Yamaguchi Prefecture, not Kanagawa, but there are many students from other prefectures, so I’ve made lots of friends. I want to let people know that building relationships here isn’t something to worry about.

Fujii

While the Faculty of Mathematical Informatics has many required courses and it’s challenging, we often take these courses together with other students in our faculty, so we can support each other and work hard together. There’s strong camaraderie and horizontal connections within the faculty, which makes it fun despite everything.

Ishio

We’ll definitely be kind to our juniors when they come. [laughs]

Fujii

Since all the other facultys are humanities-focused, if you join clubs, you can hear different perspectives and make various acquaintances.

Sato

While you might think science courses will keep you busy, you’ll have a surprising amount of time for other things. You can do things besides studying, so don’t worry.

Kato

The professors’ lectures can often be difficult, but if you ask questions, they’ll give a much deeper explanation, so I feel there are many professors who value their students and engage with them properly.