How is the studying experience at an all-girls university? 🏫👩🏻‍🎓

Hello deer 🌸

I am Serina aka Seri, a social sciences student with a deep love for anthropology, sociology, and the quiet complexities of human connection. I come from Kobe, Japan, a place close to the sea.

I have always been drawn to the lives and stories of women, especially throughout history and across cultures. I also hold a deep personal connection to femininity.

When I chose to study at an all-girls university, it came from something inside me. A hope to feel safe, to be surrounded by softness, and to grow in a space where I could better understand myself and others.

This post is a personal reflection on that experience. What it brought into my life, what I loved, what changed, and why I eventually chose to leave.

🌸 How is the Studying Experience at an All-Girls University? 🌸

There is something quietly powerful about learning in a space built entirely for women. Before I entered university, I was very shy and often found it hard to speak up, especially around men. I had always imagined that being surrounded by other girls would make me feel safer, both emotionally and socially, and maybe help me open up more.

And it did.

More than I expected.

Being in an all-girls environment allowed me to breathe in a way I had never experienced before. There was no need to "perform" or harden myself just to be taken seriously. The atmosphere felt gentler, more collaborative, and somehow... less noisy. I found myself speaking more during class, asking questions, and bonding deeply with classmates. There was less comparison and competition, and more room for softness, which made it easier for someone like me, who is quite sensitive, to feel like I belonged.

🌼 General Experience at an All-Girls University

Studying in an all-girls university comes with unique benefits:

Comfort and Safety 🌸

There is often a strong sense of emotional safety, which can encourage quieter students to grow into their voice.

Deep Friendships 🌸

Female friendships flourish in these spaces. They feel more authentic, supportive, and less performative.

Empowerment 🌸

Without the presence of male classmates, students often feel freer to lead, speak up, and take initiative.

Focus 🌸

In some cases, the absence of romantic distractions can help students focus more on their studies and self-development.

Feminine Space 🌸

There is something healing about being in a space where softness, intuition, and gentleness are respected, not ridiculed.

Of course, every university is different, and not every girl feels the same way. But for me, it truly felt like a cocoon that helped me grow.

🎓 🎓 About Nara Women’s University (奈良女子大学)

Nara Women’s University is one of Japan’s most respected national women’s universities. It was founded in 1908 by the Japanese government during the Meiji period, originally as a training school for female teachers. At a time when higher education for women was still rare, the university played a central role in shaping the future of women’s education in Japan.

Today, it continues to be a leading institution for women who want to pursue serious academic paths, especially in fields like social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, education, and cultural studies.

✨ What Makes It Special

Secular and Inclusive 🌸

Unlike many private women’s universities in Japan, Nara Women’s University is not religious. It offers a completely secular education, free from Christian or Buddhist requirements.

National and Prestigious 🌸

It is one of the only two national women’s universities in Japan, alongside Ochanomizu University. This gives it strong academic credibility and a supportive research environment.

Strong in Social Sciences 🌸

The university offers deep programs in sociology, geography, history, education, gender studies, and community development. There are also graduate programs for those who want to continue in research or policy-related fields.

Affordable and Public 🌸

Being a national university, tuition is more affordable compared to many private institutions.

Beautiful Historical Campus 🌸

Located in Nara, one of Japan’s oldest and most culturally rich cities, the campus blends nature, tradition, and quiet beauty.

🌸 Why I Left

Despite how much I loved my time there, I eventually made the difficult decision to leave Nara Women’s University after completing my undergraduate degree. I chose to pursue my master’s in Kyoto, this time at a mixed university.

Why?

The only reason was the academic program. I had found a master’s program that truly matched my future goals, something broader and more specialized than what was offered at most all-girls institutions. It was a hard decision. I ached at the idea of leaving behind that soft feminine space where I had blossomed. But in the end, I knew I had to choose what would give me the most opportunities in the long run.

💭 Is It Right for You?

Choosing an all-girls university is a deeply personal decision. For some, it’s a dream — a quiet, safe place to grow without the pressure of performing femininity or protecting oneself emotionally. For others, it might feel limiting, or even intimidating.

So here are some things to reflect on if you’re thinking about studying in an all-girls environment:

1. Do you crave emotional safety and soft friendships?

Many girls who are sensitive, introverted, or have experienced uncomfortable dynamics in mixed schools often find comfort in all-women spaces. There’s often less judgment and more mutual care.

2. Will it be too competitive or full of gossip just because it’s all girls?

Many people worry that being only among women might lead to more competition, drama, or cliques. But from what I experienced — and what I observed around me — it often felt less competitive than in mixed settings. Without the presence of men, there was less pressure to compare appearances or seek validation.

Of course, some girls are naturally ambitious or sensitive to comparison, but the atmosphere was usually softer, more emotionally open. Gossip exists everywhere, but in all-girls spaces, friendships often deepen faster, and support becomes the norm. I felt more solidarity than rivalry especially when the school encourages a culture of empathy.

So yes, these things can happen, but they don’t happen more just because there are only girls. If anything, they often happen less, especially when there's no pressure from outside gazes.

3. Are you okay with a possibly limited academic program?

One of the main downsides is that women’s universities sometimes offer fewer options, especially in fields like sciences or international politics. You may need to choose between a comforting environment and a more expansive academic future.

4. Are you comfortable with the school's spiritual or philosophical values?

If the school is religious, like Kobe College, be prepared to engage with that. Even if it’s not pushy, the values are present in classes and ceremonies. If your beliefs are shifting or if religion is a sensitive point for you, that might become difficult later.

5. How do you want to grow?

Some girls bloom better in safe spaces. Others bloom when challenged by a broader world. There’s no right answer. Try to be honest with yourself. What kind of environment will help you feel safe enough to become the woman you want to be?

🌷 Closing Thoughts

Looking back, I know I made the right choice for the girl I was back then — and for the woman I am becoming now.

Only girls - university gave me something I cannot describe easily. A soft space. A calm rhythm. A feeling of being seen and safe. Leaving it was painful, but necessary. I chose my academic future and personal freedom, even if it meant letting go of something I loved.

For any girl wondering about studying in an all-girls university, I hope this reflection helps. Whether you choose such a path or not, always listen to your inner voice. You deserve an environment where you can grow in your own way, with softness, with courage, and without fear.

🌸 Are All-Girls Universities Common in Japan?

Historically, Japan had many women-only universities, especially from the Meiji to Post-War eras, because higher education for women was originally built around private, or mission-based institutions. These schools gave women access to academics in a time when co-education was rare or socially frowned upon.

Today, while still present, women-only universities are not the majority anymore. Most universities in Japan are now co-educational, and many young women choose mixed schools for broader academic options or social freedom.

However, there are still several well-known and respected women’s universities that continue to attract students, especially those who value a calm, community-focused, and feminine environment.

✨ Some Notable Women’s Universities in Japan

Ochanomizu University (Tokyo)

One of the top public women's universities, known for strong research and international programs.

Japan Women's University (東京女子大学 – Tokyo Joshi Daigaku)

A very historical and respected private university with a focus on liberal arts, education, and social sciences.

Tsuda University (津田塾大学 – Tsuda Juku Daigaku)

Founded by Tsuda Umeko, one of Japan’s early female pioneers in education. Known for empowering women in academia and leadership.

Kobe College (神戸女学院大学 – Kobe Jogakuin Daigaku)

Loved for its elegance, strong liberal arts base, and Christian heritage.

Kyoto Women's University (京都女子大学 – Kyoto Joshi Daigaku)

A Buddhist-affiliated university with a focus on education, literature, and psychology.