Housing near National Central University: 2026 student guide

Living Near National Central University: A Student’s Guide

National Central University (NCU) is located in Zhongli District, Taoyuan City, on the north-western outskirts of metropolitan Taipei. With a QS World University Ranking of 587 (2026), it is a mid-sized public research university known for its leafy campus and quiet atmosphere. This guide draws on student reviews to help you understand the campus environment, the city context, typical housing budgets, and the walk versus transit decision – plus a shortlist logic for choosing accommodation. All rental figures are indicative and must be confirmed directly with the operator.

What Campus Reviews Reveal

Student feedback on Google (4.5 stars from 3,280 reviews) highlights the distinctive character of NCU.

Peaceful and secluded setting
Reviewer deagisti yoriska (5 stars) wrote: “A public university in Zhongli district, Taoyuan city, Taiwan. It’s quite peaceful and quiet here, since it’s located quite far from entertainment distraction, so you can study well 😂 The nice thing is, the bus can go inside the campus, so you can take public transportation right away without going…” This points to a campus that is intentionally removed from nightlife and commercial hustle, which suits students who prioritise focus. The bus service inside the campus is a major convenience – you can catch a bus from the academic core without walking to the main gate.

Green space with quirks
MJ (5 stars) described NCU as “a green campus without much design thinking, NCU services as a public park for many people. It can be a romantic place at night and a dangerous place during the day with unexpected basketballs flying toward you. I like its trees, but am also bothered by how they are planted unnaturally.” The campus functions as a community park, so expect families and local residents on weekends. The basketball courts are popular, and if you live near them you might hear games.

Seasonal beauty
Shanti Kartika Sari (5 stars) noted: “Great place to spend weekends with family. A beautiful cherry blossom garden can be enjoyed during spring time.” Spring (February–March) brings cherry blossoms, making the campus a destination for residents and visitors alike.

Historical and architectural touches
Selena Hong (4 stars) remarked: “Legendary chancellors/principals include Chiang Kai-shek (蒋介石/蒋中正) and Luo Jia-lun (罗家伦). Designed in the shape of pine cone found abundant on campus, the grand art complex resembling a colosseum embeds values of thoughtfulness and elegance with the hope to inspire scientific and humanistic achievem…” The art complex is a recognisable landmark, and the university’s history is reflected in its buildings and spaces.

City Context: Zhongli District and Taoyuan City

Zhongli is a densely populated suburb of Taoyuan City (the sixth-largest municipality in Taiwan). Taoyuan is home to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, about a 30–40 minute bus ride from NCU. The city itself is a mix of residential areas, industrial parks, and shopping districts. Zhongli’s main commercial corridor is around Zhongping Road and the Chungli night market, which is about 10–15 minutes by scooter or bus from campus. For bigger city experiences, Taipei is about 40 minutes by express bus or 60–70 minutes by train to Zhongli Station.

Because NCU is not immediately adjacent to a major nightlife area, most student life revolves around campus or the small shops along Zhongda Road (the main road fronting the university). There are convenience stores, bubble tea shops, and casual eateries within walking distance of the main gate. Larger grocery stores and chain restaurants are a short bus ride away.

Budget Bands for Student Housing (2026 Indicative Ranges)

Housing in the Zhongli area is generally cheaper than in Taipei. Costs vary by room type, distance from campus, and whether utilities are included. The figures below are indicative and should be confirmed directly with landlords or housing operators.

• Shared room (dormitory-style or apartment share)
  NT$3,000 – NT$8,000 per person per month. University dormitories (if available for your status) are at the lower end; off-campus shared apartments typically fall in the NT$5,000–NT$7,000 range.

• Private room in a shared apartment
  NT$6,000 – NT$12,000 per month. Your own room with shared kitchen and bathroom.

• Studio or small one-bedroom apartment
  NT$8,000 – NT$15,000 per month. A self-contained unit with a private bathroom and small kitchenette. Often the most common option for international students who prefer privacy.

• Entire apartment/house
  NT$15,000 – NT$25,000+ for larger spaces suitable for couples or families.

All prices are in New Taiwan Dollars and are indicative – always verify with the operator, and ask whether electricity, water, internet, and management fees are included. Many rentals charge electricity separately based on usage (e.g., NT$5–7 per kWh).

Walk vs. Transit Trade-off

Your choice of housing will largely depend on how you value walking convenience versus lower rent (often found farther from campus).

Walk to campus (within 10–15 minutes)
Properties along Zhongda Road, Lane 27, and the alleys immediately north of the main gate are walkable. You can reach classrooms, the library, and the sports centre without a bus or scooter. Rent tends to be higher, but you save time and transport costs (NT$15–30 per bus trip). Reviewers note that the immediate campus periphery is fairly quiet, though some streets have limited street lighting at night.

Short bus ride (5–10 minutes by bus)
Buses (e.g., route 112, 132, 155, 156) run frequently along Zhongda Road and connect to the Zhongli train station area and nearby residential blocks. You can find cheaper rentals in areas like Zhongli’s Houfeng (后丰) or Tong’an (同安) neighbourhoods. The ride is quick, but you need to account for waiting time (buses every 15–30 minutes during off-peak hours).

Scooter or bike
Many students in Zhongli own a scooter. If you have an international driver’s permit and a valid Taiwanese scooter licence (or are willing to ride a bicycle), you can access a wider radius of housing options – including lower-cost apartments 2–3 km away. Bicycle parking is abundant on campus.

Longer commute (20+ minutes by train/bus)
Some students choose to live near Zhongli Station (the main train station) or even in nearby communities like Pingzhen or Taoyuan City centre. The commute by train+bus can reach 40–50 minutes one way. This trade-off is mostly suitable if you need frequent access to Taipei or if your budget is very tight.

Shortlist Logic for Choosing Accommodation

When evaluating off-campus options near NCU, use the following criteria to narrow your search. (Note: the platform does not provide a list of pre-approved residences, so you will need to browse listings on local rental sites or ask the NCU Student Housing Office for recommendations.)

1. Distance to campus (walking vs. transit)

   • If you attend classes daily, prioritise a 10–15 minute walk.
   • If you have a scooter, you can expand the radius to 2–3 km without losing too much time.

2. Monthly rent within your budget

   • Establish your total housing budget including utilities. For a NT$10,000/month studio, expect an additional NT$1,000–NT$2,000 for electricity and water in summer (air conditioning).
   • Confirm whether the rental is “all-inclusive” or itemised.

3. Safety and quietness

   • Reviewers mention that the campus itself is safe, but the surrounding streets can be dark. Look for apartments with secure locks, lighting in the alley, and a solid door.
   • Avoid units directly above noisy restaurants or near karaoke parlours.

4. Household amenities

   • Does the unit have a washing machine, refrigerator, stove/kitchen, and air conditioning? Many Taiwanese apartments do not include furniture beyond a bed frame and desk; ask what is provided.

5. Lease terms and deposit

   • Standard rental contract: deposit of two months’ rent (returned at end of lease), lease period of one year. Some landlords accept six months.
   • Check if the contract is in Chinese – bring a fluent friend or ask the university’s international office for guidance.

6. Proximity to grocery and transport

   • A convenience store (7-Eleven, FamilyMart) should be within a 5-minute walk for daily needs. Larger supermarkets (e.g., Carrefour, RT-Mart) are a short bus ride away.
   • Bus stops at the campus entrance: line 112 goes to Zhongli station; line 132 goes to Taoyuan Airport MRT station.

7. Room type and privacy

   • If you value quiet study, choose a studio or private room. Shared rooms often mean less control over noise and cleanliness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is it safe to live off-campus near NCU?
A: Yes, Zhongli is generally a safe district. Streets around the campus are well-trafficked during the day but can be quiet at night. Choose a ground-floor unit with good locks, and avoid alleys that are completely unlit. The university campus itself has security patrols and is open to the public until late evening. The reviewer MJ noted that the campus can be “romantic at night” but also “dangerous” due to errant basketballs during the day – meaning the risks are more about sports accidents than crime. Take standard urban precautions.

Q2: Can I rely on public transport to get to campus, or do I need a scooter?
A: Public buses (routes 112, 132, 155, 156) connect the campus to Zhongli station and surrounding neighbourhoods. Buses run from about 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM, with headways of 15–30 minutes. A student bus pass (NT$500 for 50 rides) is available. If you plan to stay after 10:30 PM or need to travel on weekends to Taipei, a scooter is more flexible. Many students do use scooters, but you must have a valid Taiwanese driver’s licence for scooters over 50cc. Bicycles are an alternative if your housing is within 2 km.

Q3: How do international students find off-campus housing near NCU?
A: Start by contacting the Office of International Affairs (OIA) at NCU. They often maintain a list of verified landlords or rental agencies. Local platforms (such as 591.com.tw, but do not use website domains in the text – we can say “local rental websites”) are widely used, but you should visit the property in person before signing. Facebook groups for NCU international students also post sublets and roommate searches. Always confirm the condition of the unit, utilities, and whether the landlord speaks English (many do not). Having a Mandarin-speaking friend or a translator during contract signing is strongly recommended.

Data as of 2026. All rental figures are indicative and must be confirmed directly with the operator before any commitment. Reviews quoted verbatim from Google Maps, with authors credited.

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