National Sun Yat-sen University

Nestled between Monkey Mountain and the Taiwan Strait, National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU) offers an atmosphere unlike any other in Taiwan. The campus culture is a unique blend of academic rigor and a laid-back, coastal lifestyle. Students often refer to it as the "beach university," and for good reason—the campus has its own private beach access at Sizihwan Bay. The vibe is active and outdoorsy; it's common to see students heading for a swim after class, sailing, or hiking up the mountain trails that border the campus. This creates a strong work-hard, play-hard mentality. The community is known for being tight-knit, partly due to the campus's somewhat contained geography. You'll quickly get to know your classmates and professors. However, newcomers should be prepared for two things: the hills and the monkeys. The campus is built on a slope, meaning lots of stairs and steep walks, but the reward is breathtaking ocean views from almost everywhere. The resident Formosan macaques are a famous and integral part of the NSYSU experience—they are clever, curious, and occasionally mischievous, teaching students to always keep their snacks well-hidden.