Shelter in Osaka
 

Hello, I'm studying in Osaka for a college exchange (called the OUSSEP program if anyone is familiar with it) and my flight comes in during the evening so I won't be able to check into my dorm until the next day.

Was wondering if anyone had any advice on places to stay; hostels, manga kissaten, etc. My campus is around Suita, so hopefully that helps in terms of the area that I'll need to be in. =)

It's just one night, right?

After getting off the plane after a 10+ hour flight, you are going to want to sleep in a bed, not in a chair surrounded by cigarette smoking manga readers. Trust me, you will thank yourself for spending the extra 2000 yen to have a bed, privacy and a place to put your luggage.

Considering your arrival time, big luggage, and that you might be unaccustomed to public transportation facilities in Japan, I would recommend you to stay at the location which is accessible from Kansai International Airport (KIX), and from which you would easily be able to access your destination the next day (OSAKA UNIV. isn't it？).

I have just googled and found this,
Hotel A.P in front of Osaka Airport Osaka Japan -Discount Osaka Hotel Reservations-

Limusine Bus from KIX to Osaka International Airport (aka Itami Airport).
From Osaka International Airport to whichever campus of OSAKA UNIV. by OSAKA MONORAIL. OSAKA MONORAIL CO.,LDT.

It is not cheap but reasonable for the location, I think. And you can make a reservation well in advance on net.

Did you ask them if they allow you to check into on that day?
Do they allow no exceptions?