Housing

Housing
If you are wondering about how is the dormitory or how much you should pay for it, this is the section you should take a closer look. Click for the link to Student Housing Service Section of NTU.

If you are hunting for an apartment, we provide you with brief information, resource, and tips on how to find good and affordable accommodation around NTU and in Taipei.

Apartment Hunting

University Housing
NTU does not own or manage any housing complexes on campus.

Non-university housing
Non-university housing can be divided into housing around campus-in the University Park neighborhood and away from campus. For your information, non-university housing is much more expensive than dormitory. Average rental fee per month in Taipei City/County is equal or greater than the yearly payment for dormitory.

Resources for apartment-hunting
Tsuei Ma Ma Foundation for Housing and Community Service.

Apartment Search Dos and Don'ts
When you are looking for housing to rent, inspect the house or apartment with a critical eye. Check it all out very carefully.

Negotiating and signing the lease
The lease is a legally binding rental agreement. Do not sign more than one lease thinking that you are holding apartments until you make a decision. Before you sign a lease, be absolutely sure you want the apartment - inspect the apartment and surrounding areas carefully, talk to the neighbors, and most importantly, read the lease and all the fine print very closely. You do not have to sign the lease right away. Take the lease home, if necessary, to read it over, or to get the opinion of a friend or relative. It is very difficult to break or alter a lease, and the penalties are very high. Read the lease carefully and do not be afraid to ask the landlord to add things to the lease such as repairs or appliances.

Security deposit and cleaning fees
Most landlords will require you to pay a security deposit when you move in. It is usually the equivalent of one month's rent. The security deposit is the landlord's insurance against damage or tenants leaving without paying rent. The landlord may subtract the cost of any damage or cleaning incurred after you leave the apartment. However, you are legally entitled to receive your security deposit back at the end of your lease (minus any charges for excessive damage or cleaning costs).

Faucets
Make sure that all faucets work and that you can get hot and cold water. Check to make sure there are no signs of leakage in the plumbing. If there are obvious signs of problems, such as a bucket full of water under the sink, ask the landlord about it.

Appliances and electrical wiring
Check to see if all appliances and lights are in working order. Look at all wiring and make sure that bare wires are not exposed. Inspect the refrigerator, stove, oven and dishwasher to see that they work and are clean.

Doors and windows
Check the doors and windows to make sure they are secure and safe. Do the doors have strong locks? Do the windows have locks and screens? Try opening and closing doors and windows to ensure that they work properly. Ask the landlord any questions you may have and get meaningful answers.

Talk to the neighbors
You may also want to talk with neighbors find out their impressions of the landlord/manager. Ask if repairs are carried out promptly and the apartment and surrounding property is maintained regularly. It is a good sign if other tenants speak highly of the landlord.

Everything must be in writing
Make sure that all agreements with your landlord are in writing. If you make any agreements requesting repairs, put it in writing. Verbal agreements are usually worth nothing. If a landlord won't put anything in writing, you may not want to rent from him/her. Also don't forget to ask the manager for a receipt for the security deposit as well as a declaration stating that the apartment is under rent-control.

Commuting to NTU
Most students at NTU, including international students, possess some means of transport. There are two reasons for this: Taipei is a big, sprawling country, and NTU is the biggest campus in Taiwan - it takes around 20 minutes to walk from the end of campus to the other.

Bikes
To get around campus, bicycle (commonly referred to as the bike) is definitely the most popular form of transport on campus (Notice: skateboard, roller-blade, and motorcycle is forbidden in campus). Bikes are very popular as they're cheap and easy to ride and maintain. It's also very convenient for students living in and around campus, as they can bike to classes and school. Bikes are allowed everywhere on campus, except inside the buildings, and there are bike stands outside practically every building. By the way, do not forget to purchase a bike lock or you will not own your bike for long.

Usually it is impossible to buy a new bike at a price below NT$ 1,000. However, you can buy a used bike at NTU for sale or from a local used bike store around campus. The price varies from NT$ 200 to NT$ 700.

Public transport
Students who live away form campus can take a bus or train (TRTC) to come to school.