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.
教科書は大学生協で買える。
Textbooks can be bought at the university co-op.
大学生協の食堂は安くて人気がある。
The university co-op cafeteria is popular because it's cheap.
入学したら大学生協に加入すると、教科書や文房具が割引価格で購入できる。
If you join the university co-op after enrollment, you can purchase textbooks and stationery at discounted prices.
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
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 生協: co-op — the shortened general form, also used for non-university co-ops
- 購買: school store, PX — a simpler campus store, often at elementary or high schools
- 学食: campus cafeteria — the dining hall specifically