Getting to National Taiwan University (Guoqing Dorm)

Getting to Guoqing Dorm:

I lived in Guoqing dorm,the International/Graduate Student Dorm (also called IYC dorm).  Many of you will opt to live here. It’s the best deal and value.  I also recommend it since it will most likely be closer to your classes than the Prince dorms located in Gongguan.

For those of you taking the metro, most people will tell you that National Taiwan University is at Gongguan station (公館站) on the Green line. That is true. It is where the main entrance to the campus is. However, the campus is BIG. If you are staying at Guoqing, you are actually closest to the Technology Building station (科技大樓站) on the Brown line.  Getting from the metro station to Guoqing is easy as 1,2,3.  

1) There is only one exit, and once you leave...

2) Then go straight

3) Just keep going…

And you will eventually get to another crosswalk where you can see Guoqing dorm

If you take a taxi, this is also what the campus looks like from the road; Guoqing is right next to the large Law Building

Checking into the dorm:
Once in the building you have to check in.  You will have to check in with the dorm coordinators.  They do not start work until 9am and stay until roughly 4pm. If you come when they are not there, you can’t get into your room.  This is the only down side to the checking in system.  I got there at 7am, and had to sit for 2 hours with nothing to do.  I tried eating a granola bar, but was quickly yelled at since you are not allowed to eat in the common area downstairs...just a heads up.  So if possible, try to time your arrival around these times.  If you can’t, there are a lot of cafes around you can comfortably chill in (and eat in!).  Just look to my cafe section to find your perfect pick. If it’s in the morning, you can also go get bunch at one of the many nearby breakfast joints (click here for the best places near Guoqing). If you are coming in late at night, unfortunately you may have to splurge on a hotel; so if you can, try to get a flight that arrives in the morning.

The checking in system itself is easy.  The dorm coordinator's office is on the second floor. You cannot check in at the front desk on the first floor as I tried to when I first got there. The people who work there are guards/workers for the dorm and do not have the authorization to check you in. They also do not speak English, or only speak a minimal amount. If Mandarin is an issue, it is also best in the future to have any issues about the dorm addressed by the coordinators on the second floor.

 Take either the stairs, or the elevator and look for this door (there's only two to choose from).

Both staff for men and women speak English, and will guide you through all the rules and information you need.  You will need to put down a 1000 NTD deposit (it will be returned to you when you check out).  So make sure you have it in cash when you arrive. The dorm fee will also have to be paid in in cash!!! NO CREDIT CARD. Mine was 23,000 NTD, but I had the larger room (just by luck or the draw) and mine was a bit more expensive.  I believe, the normal room is around 21,000 NTD. You will pay your fee at the 7-11 downstairs. I kid you not, you pay for a lot of things at 7-11 as weird as it is, even phone bills! Everything else about the checking in system is pretty straightforward, so have no worries. If you have any issues or questions, just ask either of the dorm coordinators; they have always been responsive and extremely helpful with any issue I had.