1.
university co-op; campus co-operative store
A consumer co-operative association operated on university campuses in Japan. Run by and for students and faculty, providing discounted textbooks, stationery, food services, travel arrangements, and other student necessities.
Short for 大学生活協同組合 (university consumer co-operative association). Nearly all Japanese universities have a 生協, and joining is a standard part of the enrollment process for new students.
The co-op provides a wide range of services beyond just a bookstore: cafeterias, travel agencies, insurance, apartment finding, and graduation ceremony services.
Common collocations
- 大学生協に加入する: to join the university co-op
- 大学生協の書籍コーナー: the co-op bookstore section
- 大学生協の食堂: the co-op cafeteria
- 大学生協で注文する: to order through the co-op