Hey everyone,
I recently got into the ICLP program and I’d love to get anyone with relevant experience’s input on this decision. I’m trying to decide between living in the dorm they provide and just moving into a hostel until I find an apt like everyone else. Basically, it seems like the dorm would be a good place to meet the other people in my program (since the classes are so small i might not naturally), and is convenient, but might make it less of an organic experience/take away from some of the adventure. Additionally, finding some random other locals or expats to live with randomly seems like a good way to start my social life there since I’m gonna go not knowing anyone. I also have no idea what the dorm would be like privacy wise, if drinking in the dorm is an issue, bringing girls back etc, or if culturally it might seem weird for a graduate-aged people to live in dorms. Also, should I assume that Da-An is the best place to live? I really know nothing about the neighborhoods/where expats generally prefer to live. If anyone has lived in the dorm while on ICLP, or had some other experience living/studying at NTU, I would really appreciate your feedback. Thanks a lot.
I’ve done both. When I first began ICLP I lived off campus in Daan in an apartment and later moved into the dorms at ICLP. The dorms are generally much nicer than anything you will find off campus and reasonably priced. They are large single rooms with a great views and a private bathroom, in addition to a common kitchen area.
Having a comfortable place to live will in no way take away from the ‘experience’ of Taiwan. Besides, you’ll be at ICLP and will need to study day and night. It will be good to be close by to your other classmates and will make it much easier to grab a drink with them.
The walls of the dorms are apparently thin, but I have not noticed this myself to be an issue. You are not supposed to have guests over after midnight, but this rule is easy to circumvent if you bring the guests in through the basement level. There is also the roof of the building one can go on. And seeing as how this is not America, no one cares if you’re drinking as long as you are not loud.
Best part of the dorms is that they have a free trash service so you don’t have to wait around for the truck to show, not to mention the rooms are big, modern and clean with large windows. So unless you want the authentic experience of living in an older building with a low ceiling with a window that looks onto a ventilation shaft, or wish to live in a third bedroom of a Taiwanese family’s home where you’ll never be able to have anyone over, I’d hands down recommend the dorms.