Housing near National Taiwan University (NTU): 2026 student guide

Housing Near National Taiwan University (NTU): A Guide for Students (2026)

National Taiwan University (NTU) occupies a central location in Taipei’s Da’an District, at No. 1, Section 4, Roosevelt Rd. The campus itself is a green, bicycle-friendly space that draws praise from visitors. With a Google rating of 4.6 based on 6,718 reviews, its reputation extends beyond academics into the daily experience of living nearby.

What Campus Reviews Reveal About the Surrounding Area

Visitor and student reviews give a sense of what it is like to spend time on and around NTU. One reviewer, Bo, wrote: “I spent a wonderful afternoon walking around the National Taiwan University campus. The grounds are absolutely beautiful, and the campus is filled with fascinating history and well-preserved old buildings that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. A highlight was finding out that the Main…” (6 months ago). The remark about the main building (cut off) hints at the historic architecture that frames the campus.

Another reviewer, Joseph Gonzales, noted: “Beautiful campus. Very green, bicycle friendly and lots of spaces for students.” (a month ago). The bicycle-friendly nature is a key point – many students and residents in the Da’an area use bikes or scooters to navigate the relatively flat streets around NTU.

Ms Tui added: “Great place to have a walk and pop in the dairy shop on campus. The Department of gardening looks quite nice and their Greenhouse loos stunning.” (7 months ago). The mention of a dairy shop on campus points to the local produce and small food outlets that are common in the surrounding blocks.

Sajid Wazir offered a practical perspective: “Best location and no. 1 university in Taiwan. Almost all the programs are taught in English language for international and local students. Easy to find everything nearby” (6 months ago). This comment underscores the convenience of the area: shops, eateries, and transport are all within walking distance.

City Context: Taipei’s Da’an District

NTU sits in Da’an, one of Taipei’s most livable districts. The address – No. 1, Section 4, Roosevelt Rd, Xuefu Village, Da’an District – places the university at the intersection of several major roads. The surrounding area is dense with student-oriented amenities: bookstores, convenience stores, clinics, and a wide range of international and local restaurants. The Gongguan night market is a short walk from the main gate, offering affordable food.

Public transport is well developed. The NTU campus is served by the Gongguan (公館) MRT station on the Songshan-Xindian line (Green line). The nearest station exit is within a 5-minute walk of the main entrance. Buses also run along Roosevelt Road and Xinhai Road, connecting to other parts of Taipei.

For those who prefer walking, the campus itself is large, and many lecture halls are set back from the street. The area around the main gate is pedestrian-friendly, but you will need comfortable shoes if you plan to walk to the farther departments (e.g., near the agricultural fields or the sports facilities).

Budget Bands for Student Housing

Rental prices in the NTU area vary by distance from the campus, room type, and building age. All figures below are indicative – confirm with the operator before signing any contract.

• Low budget (under NT$8,000 per month per person): Shared rooms or old subdivided apartments in the alleys between Roosevelt Road and Xinhai Road. These are often older buildings (30+ years) with basic furnishings. A typical example is a room in a 4-person shared apartment, with a shared bathroom and simple kitchen. At this price, expect a 10–15 minute walk to the main gate.

• Medium budget (NT$8,000–NT$15,000 per month per person): A single room in a purpose-built student dormitory (private or affiliated) or a studio in a newer building within a 5–10 minute walk. Many international students choose this range. Rooms usually have a private bathroom, air conditioning, and a small kitchenette. Some buildings include internet and water in the rent. Utility costs (electricity, gas) are typically extra.

• High budget (above NT$15,000 per month per person): A modern studio or one-bedroom apartment in a condo complex with security, gym, or laundry services. These are usually within a 3-minute walk of the MRT station or campus. Some premium options include fully furnished units with high-speed internet and weekly cleaning. The higher end can also cover serviced apartments for short-term stays (e.g., one semester).

Note that rent in Taipei is usually paid on a monthly basis, with a deposit of two months’ rent common. Lease terms of one year are standard, but some operators offer semester-length contracts for international students. Always check whether utilities (electricity, water, internet) are included or billed separately.

Walk vs. Transit Trade-Off

Choosing between living within walking distance or relying on public transport involves several factors.

Walking distance (0–15 minutes from the main gate)

• Advantages: No commute costs, easy to go back and forth for lectures, library, or the campus dairy shop. You can also easily drop in for events or study group meetings. The immediate area has convenience stores, bakeries, and laundromats.
• Disadvantages: Prices tend to be highest closest to campus. Noise from night market crowds or street traffic can be an issue, especially on weekends. Older apartments may lack soundproofing.

Transit-only (15–30 minutes by MRT or bus)

• Advantages: Lower rent per square meter. You can access larger apartments or newer buildings in quieter neighborhoods such as Daan Park or Xinyi District. The MRT Green line runs frequently, and a one-way fare to Gongguan is about NT$20–NT$30 using an EasyCard.
• Disadvantages: You lose the spontaneity of a short walk. If you have early morning or late night classes, you need to check the last train times (around midnight). The added commuting time can be 20–40 minutes round trip daily, which adds up over a semester.

A middle ground is living along the MRT Green line (e.g., Taipower Building, Wanlong, Jingmei stations) – a 5–10 minute train ride plus a short walk to campus. This keeps rent moderate while reducing commute time compared to deeper suburbs.

Shortlist Logic: How to Choose a Place Near NTU

When you search for housing near NTU, you will encounter many options. The following logical framework can help you narrow down choices. (No specific residences are listed here; you must verify availability and conditions directly with each operator.)

1. Distance to your faculty building. NTU’s campus is large – the distance from the main gate to the agriculture or science buildings can be a 15-minute walk. Check the location of your classes and choose a residence that minimizes that walk, or factor in campus bus routes.

2. Bicycle accessibility. Given that the campus is bicycle-friendly, many students use bikes. If you plan to cycle, look for housing with secure bike parking (a lockable rack or indoor storage). Avoid street parking if possible; bikes are sometimes stolen.

3. Utilities and contract terms. Ask clearly: Are water, electricity, and internet included? What is the deposit? Is a guarantor required? For international students without a local co-signer, some operators accept a higher deposit or proof of enrollment.

4. Noise levels. Da’an is a busy urban area. Rooms facing Roosevelt Road or major intersections can be loud even on weekdays. Walk the area at different times of day before committing.

5. Proximity to grocery stores and laundromats. Most dorms and apartments do not have in-unit laundry. Locating a 24-hour supermarket (e.g., PX Mart or Carrefour Market) or laundromat within a 5-minute walk saves time.

6. International student community. Some buildings are known to host many foreign students, which can ease the transition. Ask the operator about the mix of tenants. On the other hand, living with local Taiwanese roommates can accelerate language learning.

Given the high Google rating (4.6) and the positive reviews about the campus environment, it is reasonable to prioritize a place that allows you to enjoy the campus amenities. Bo’s “wonderful afternoon walking” and Joseph’s “lots of spaces for students” suggest that on-campus recreation is a valued asset. Choosing housing within a short walk or bike ride will let you take full advantage of those green spaces and historic buildings.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it better to live in a student dormitory or a private apartment near NTU?

It depends on your budget and preference for privacy. Student dormitories (either NTU-run or affiliated) are generally cheaper (indicative range: NT$4,000–NT$8,000 per month) and include basic utilities, but you share a room and bathroom with others. Private apartments offer single occupancy and more independence, but cost more (NT$8,000–NT$18,000). Both options are available within a 10‑minute walk of campus. Verify with each operator whether the dormitory is open to international students, as some have limited spots.

2. How early should I start looking for housing for the 2026–2027 academic year?

Start searching at least two to three months before your arrival. The most desirable apartments near NTU (within 5 minutes’ walk, in newer buildings) are often booked by June for the September semester beginning. For the February semester, start looking in November. Many landlords and operators require a lease from August or September onward, so be flexible with move-in dates. Use online platforms that specialize in student housing, but always contact operators directly to confirm availability and view photos or video tours.

3. What is the typical process for renting as an international student without a guarantor?

Many Taiwanese landlords require a guarantor (a person with a Taiwanese national ID) to co-sign the lease. If you do not have one, some options exist: (a) offer to pay a larger deposit, such as three or four months’ rent; (b) use a student-housing operator that accepts international students without a local guarantor; (c) ask the NTU Office of International Affairs for a list of approved housing partners that do not require a guarantor. Always get the terms in writing and confirm that the contract is in both English and Chinese to avoid misunderstandings.

Data-date: 2026

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