The short version
This section covers life in Taiwan once you have a place at a school: the visa, the resident certificate (ARC), health insurance and the rules for working while you study, then where you live, how you get around and everyday life. Each guide gives the official source and the month we checked it. We are adding guides as the research is checked.
Before you land
- Before you arrive: What to prepare, and getting from the airport to your city.
- Culture and what feels different: Everyday customs, what to wear and the weather by region.
Paperwork
- Student visa: Which visa degree students and Mandarin learners come on, the documents and the fees.
- Resident certificate (ARC): Applying after you arrive, the deadline, fees and keeping it up to date.
- Health insurance: The insurance you need on arrival and when you join National Health Insurance.
- Working while you study: The student work permit, who can get one and the hours allowed.
Money
- Money: The New Taiwan dollar, exchanging money, cards, cash and mobile payment.
- Bank account and phone: Setting up a bank account and a phone number.
- Paying bills: Paying bills at convenience stores and other ways to pay.
- Rent and living costs by city: What rent and everyday life cost across Taiwan.
Where you live
- Dorms: How to apply, who gets priority, fees and rules.
- Renting: Renting a room or flat off campus, contracts and the rent subsidy.
- University cities: Every city and county with a university, and what is there.
Getting around
- Getting around: Metro, buses, YouBike, monthly passes, trains, taxis and scooters.
- Living at home and commuting: Passes and student fares, trains home, scooters, and why local students often can't get a dorm.
Campus and social life
- Campus life: Clubs, the health center and dorm life.
- Making friends: Clubs, buddy programs, orientation and language exchange.
- What students do for fun: Campus traditions, student discounts, and where people go in each city.
- Apps: LINE and the apps people use every day.
- Going out: Nightlife, the drinking age and the law.
- Dating and relationships: Consent, safety and where to get help.
Everyday life
- Health care and help lines: Seeing a doctor, hospitals with English services and who to call.
- Safety: Emergency numbers, earthquakes, typhoons and scams.
- Shopping: Where to buy everyday things.
- Food: Night markets and eating near campus.
- Things to do: What is on in each city.
This section is information, not advice. For anything about your own case, ask your school's international office or the agency named in each guide.