Settling in – First steps as an exchange student in Taiwan

Moving into My Exchange Student Dormitory

On the fourth day of my exchange semester, it was time to bid farewell to leave my hostel in Ximen and transition to my university dormitory. This particular dormitory was exclusively reserved for exchange students in Taiwan, and I had been fortunate enough to secure a single room well in advance. Conversations with fellow exchange students revealed that admission to this sought-after dormitory was no easy feat, as demand far exceeded the available accommodations. This high demand was likely due to its proximity to the university campus.

During the hour-long bus journey from the hostel to my new residence, I couldn’t help but notice how far outside of Taipei my university, and consequently my dorm, was located. Upon entering the dormitory’s lobby, I was instructed to draw a number for check-in, with the process set to begin in a few hours. I joined a group of fellow exchange students also awaiting their turn, and we quickly struck up conversations. When the time finally came for me to move in, I eagerly entered my room, my home for the next five months. It was minimally furnished and lacked aesthetic charm, but it would suffice for my time here.

The following day, I participated in an IKEA trip organized by the International Student Association of my university. This excursion provided a fantastic opportunity to bond with other exchange students in Taiwan while procuring essential items for our newly occupied rooms.

Meeting My Taiwanese University Buddy

My university, the National Chengchi University (NCCU) offers a “buddy system” where exchange students are paired with local Taiwanese students who serve as mentors for academic advice, campus insights, and even sightseeing recommendations. My buddy wasted no time in suggesting we meet shortly after my arrival in Taiwan. We decided to have dinner at a charming Ramen shop in Gongguan (公館). Within the first few minutes of our meal, we found common ground and engaged in interesting discussions about our respective countries.

Following dinner, we explored the nearby Treasure Hill Artist Village, a unique spot in Taipei where artists showcase their creations and events are held. Although the exhibitions were closed in the evening, we ventured to the hilltop to savor the scenic night view of Taipei. We were eventually escorted out by a security guard as the area had already closed. As we bid farewell, I realized I had thoroughly enjoyed our time together and was relieved to have established a connection with a local. It was an eye-opening experience to challenge my preconceptions about Taiwan, its people, and its place within Asia.

Ramen dishes in Gongguan, Taipei
Our Ramen dishes in Gongguan, Taipei

Exploring New Areas of Taipei (Xinyi 信義)

Having settled into my new living environment, I eagerly set out to explore more corners of Taipei. I met up with friends at Da’an Forest Park, a lush public area in the Da’an (大安) district. Unfortunately, heavy rain forced us to dash through the park, seeking refuge in a cozy café nestled in a quiet alley. Once our clothes had dried, we decided to venture to a night market, only to find ourselves caught in another rainstorm within minutes.

Somehow, we ended up in the Xinyi (信義) district, home to the iconic Taipei 101, once the world’s tallest building. We quickly discerned that this area was Taipei’s financial and commercial hub, boasting luxurious malls and hotels. A bit further from the heart of Xinyi, we stumbled upon a trendy bar screening baseball games (apparently, baseball is quite popular in Taiwan). A few beers and some hilarious conversations later, I realized I had discovered a wonderful group of people with whom I could envision forming deeper connections.