The journey of National Chengchi University’s international student, looking for accommodation in Taiwan

Article by Hsu Wei-Shiuan. Editor: Chang Kai-Feng

Students in National Chengchi University (NCCU) face many challenges in finding accommodation. There is a shortage of dormitories on campus. Also, the quality of off-campus flats is not stable and could be pricey. Malaysian student Huang Jing-Ting, a senior Chinese Literature major, has been studying in Taiwan for over three years and has lived in three different types of accommodation, including a student dormitory, a shared apartment, and a single suite. She has learned a lot and gained tips from her viewing experiences.

Huang had shared a flat with her friend after finishing her second year. Although they could care for each other, privacy and freedom were still limited as they had to coordinate with each other. "After going through a long, unpleasant adjustment period with my roommate, I decided to rent my own place next time,” said Huang.

The journey of looking for accommodation is not easy for NCCU students. It is very difficult to find a place near the school with good living conditions. Huang said that she often browsed the NCCU Tenants’ Facebook group page, but could not find suitable housing. Sometimes when she finally found an ideal space, they were all rented out. Huang, especially, could relate to international students who try to rent an apartment as some local landlords are unwilling to deal with foreigners. “I am lucky that the landlords I met so far are very friendly and caring,” said Huang with a smile.

Huang reminded her younger fellow students to be extra cautious when going flat-hunting. She shared that she went to check up on a place that was in excellent condition. “The place was very nice, but the landlord told me that I could stay there for three months for free, which sounds very strange,” explained Huang.

Even though such a place is rare to come across, Huang became suspicious about the free-trial living offer, so she decided to let go of it and preferred to go with a normal and reasonable way to rent a room.

Huang said that the rental market near NCCU is uneven hence she suggested doing the research and listing the ideal qualities of the rental estate first. She said that do not change what the heart wants and go with the market as a quality living place is important to one’s physical and mental conditions. It may have negative impacts on one’s academic performance, work, and daily life if made the wrong decision.

Huang is very satisfied with her current residence. She has learned a lot from those experiences, which enriches her university life. Huang noted that if she had to choose again, she would still rent a place outside the university, as it allows her to develop independence and autonomy while having her own space.