I'll be flying out in a week for a quick stop-over in India before heading to Taipei. Here's my current checklist.
While I'm at home:
1. Book a hostel. I'm thinking of staying at Cat's Pajamas for a week while I try to find an apartment (it's near NTNU/Shi-da).
2. Find an apartment. Right now I'm looking at Tealit for apartment postings and have found a couple that look good. However, I don't want to decide on anything until I actually get to Taiwan and can see the apartments for myself.
Note: I'm hoping to find someone at the hostel or university to go apartment-hunting with me. Call me cautious.
3. Pack! I'm packing light (for fear of having to run around Taipei carrying all of my luggage), which means a few weeks worth of clothing, all of my toiletries and makeup, bed sheets (it just seems like a good idea), my laptop and a few school supplies. I'm also bringing an empty duffel bag for souvenirs. And yes, this is all going to fit in one suitcase and backpack.
When I'm in Taiwan:
1. Contact my embassy. There is no American embassy, but there is something called the American Institute in Taiwan that I think handles visas and other documentation.
2. Register for school.
3. Find an apartment (part two).
4. Explore!
