Although the start of my study abroad semester was off to a rocky start due to a delayed flight and then a missed flight, it's actually been an educational and exciting experience involving meeting new people and exploring Nagasaki. Before my trip, I didn't really have any strong preconceived notions for Japan, especially Nagasaki, so I wasn't particularly phased by it being rural and relatively small compared to the massive urban sprawls found in cities like Tokyo and Osaka. Still, some people who expect it to be a highly advanced and densely metropolitan area will initially be somewhat shocked. Still, it more than makes up for it in terms of having a rich and unique culture as the region is historically known for being "foreigner-friendly," so there are plenty of relatively old areas where you can see some foreign influence and for how long something has been around.
Downtown Nagasaki - Shopping Area Entrance
1936 may not seem that impressive of an age for a country that is as ancient as Japan, but the context of the period it was built in, during a time of intense efforts to modernize and adapt to compete with Western powers, makes it incredibly interesting.
Even if Japan is a modern and highly advanced country, the nation still places an incredible amount of importance on tradition and paying respect to those who have come before you, which means you will most likely find a shrine, either Shinto or Buddhist, somewhere around where you're staying as shrines are in abundance in most parts of Japan.
Shrine Entrance in Downtown Nagasaki
What's not pictured is that there are are fair amount of contemporary businesses flanking the entrance. One is even a live performance bar, which just shows that Japan is a modern nation with a plethora of small enclaves of rich and ancient culture dotted around the country.
Since the semester has yet to technically start for me, as class registration hasn't opened, I can't really comment too much about my school experience. However, since I've explored Nagasaki a tiny bit and fumbled my way through a number of social interactions with Japanese people who couldn't speak English, there are a few apps that I can recommend that would make life much easier for anyone studying abroad in Japan.
1. Your booked airline's app. (If applicable)
This helps you constantly keep track of delays, cancellations, and gate changes on the fly. It can even come in handy as a backup ticket in case you lose your physical one.
2. Google Maps.
While this one is pretty obvious, it is also one of the apps that you will most be using during your time abroad as it allows you to actually be able to navigate the public transport system in Japan, which is going to be your primary means of getting around.
3. Maps.me
Similar to Google Maps, since it helps you find your way around, it also allows you to download maps of your area so you can still use them even if you lose service or Wi-Fi. It's a great backup to have around in case anything unexpected happens. Also, as a side note, I highly recommend getting at least a passing familiarity with how bus stop schedules work in Japan before coming.
4. Google Translate
If you're coming to Japan with a limited proficiency in speaking and understanding Japanese, then Google Translate is great for allowing you to get your thoughts across. However, if you're coming to Japan to learn the language, I would highly recommend that you at least try to speak whatever Japanese you can (combined with charades) before you resort to Google Translate.
5. IC-Reader
IC-Reader lets you keep tabs on your IC card's remaining balance. Once you get into Japan, your host university may supply you with something called an IC card. It's basically a prepaid card that you can use at convenience stores, vending machines, or for transportation. Since your debit card can incur fees for international use and the store or mode of transport may not accept your credit card, an IC card is extremely convenient as you simply tap on an indicated pad and go. If you're not supplied with one, you can usually acquire one at a station from a kiosk.