Where do you live?
Most of the exchange students live at the dormitory. You can rent an apartment
outside the campus also, but in the beginning it's a more difficult option. The
dormitory area is in a peaceful place next to mountains, so there are no noises
of a metropolis. Exchange students usually live in KELI house (Keimyung English
Language Institute House) which is an English speaking building. Everyone has a
Korean roommmate. He/she is a great help in the beginning.
The rooms are very small for two people. There are only two desks, a bunk bed
and a wardrobe. The dormitory fee was 700 000 won in the fall 2003, which was
580 euros at that time. In the spring the price was 710 000 won, which was only
500 euros because of the strong euro. This includes a room and food for the
whole semester, 3.5 months.
There are strict rules at the dormitory, but they are not always valid for
exchange students. In week days you have to come back to the dormitory before 11
pm. This is not very strict, because the gate is still open and the guards don't
say anything if you come late. The first two floors are for boys and the rest
for girls. Boys can't visit girls' rooms or the other way round. You are not
allowed to cook, but you can get hot water for noodles. It's a good option if
you miss the meal time. Smoking or drinking alcohol is forbidden. You are
allowed to speak only English in KELI house. If Koreans are caught speaking
Korean they have to pay a fine.
Our dormitory
A room in the dormitory