Last-minute changes

I've been running around like a maniac all day trying to get everything squared away. One thing that's been worrying me a lot is finding housing when I arrive in Taipei. I've been following forums and blogs and keep reading horror stories about foreigners getting scammed or ripped off while apartment hunting.

I opened my email this evening and found a message from school saying a few dorm rooms have opened up. I replied immediately and yep, I'm moving into the dorms! I can't imagine what that will be like... Will I be sharing a bunk bed with someone? I laugh just thinking about it.

I called the lady who sent me the email tonight just to confirm she received my reply and I have a confirmed bed. She confirmed, but wanted to be sure I knew it would cost an extra NT$9,400. I agreed without hesitation even though I had no idea how much that was in USD. When I got off the phone I plugged the numbers into OANDA and found the dorm room costs $285 USD for 3 months! I guess I will have extra spending money this semester... Or I suppose if the dorms turn out to be too much to bear, I can move out.

I feel good about my decision since it's eliminated a lot of worries. I'm sure I'll meet a lot of people as well. I am sorry not to be staying at the hostel I booked (see the cute pic in my last post). I'll be sure to update the blog with a pic of my new dorm digs as soon as I arrive on August 30th.

Wan an!