Living as a Student in Taipei: Housing, Getting Around and Daily Life

A convenient, food-loving city

Taipei is Taiwan's main centre for higher education, technology and culture, sitting in a basin in the north of the island and ringed by the larger New Taipei City, which surrounds it. Students value Taipei for its convenience, dense public transport and famous food scene, all within easy reach of mountains and hot springs.

Many universities cluster in and around the city, and daily life is straightforward to navigate once you know the transport card and neighbourhood layout. Compare current living costs through official university and government sources rather than assuming.

Housing: dorms and off-campus rooms

International students usually start in university dormitories, which are on campus, generally the most affordable option and the simplest for new arrivals — but places are limited and allocated early, so apply promptly. Dorm rooms may be single or shared.

Off-campus options include shared apartments and single rooms rented through agencies or listings, and neighbourhoods just outside the city in New Taipei can be cheaper while staying on the MRT. These give more independence but involve deposits and a lease, so confirm all costs and terms in writing with the landlord and check availability with your university first.

• University dormitories: cheapest and simplest; limited, apply early
• Off-campus shared apartments or single rooms: more independence, deposit and lease
• Neighbouring New Taipei districts on the MRT can cost less
• Confirm rents and terms with the provider and your university

Getting around Taipei

Taipei has a clean, extensive MRT metro plus a large bus network and the YouBike public bike-share, which students use heavily for short trips. A stored-value EasyCard works across the MRT, buses and YouBike, making transfers seamless.

The compact centre also makes walking practical for nearby errands. Check current fares, lines and pass options on the Taipei Metro pages, and note bike-share docking rules before relying on YouBike for a commute.

Everyday admin: ARC, health cover and setup

International students apply for an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) after arrival, the key document for daily life and a prerequisite for other steps such as applying for a work permit. Students become eligible for National Health Insurance once a qualifying period of residence is met, and universities commonly enrol their students. Your university's office for international students typically guides both steps.

You'll then open a bank account and arrange a SIM card. This is general information, not immigration advice — verify current ARC and health-insurance procedures, qualifying periods and timeframes with the National Immigration Agency and your university before acting.

Food and community

Night markets such as Shilin and Raohe and countless small eateries make eating out cheap and varied, while university cafeterias and convenience stores cover everyday meals. Cooking is also easy with local supermarkets and markets.

An active international-student community forms around university clubs, buddy programmes and language exchanges. Part-time work requires a work permit with hour limits during term and is generally open only to ARC holders, so verify the current rules before taking any job and be wary of any promise of guaranteed work.