SDG11
NCKU Unveils New Dongning Student Dormitory, Setting a New Model for Campus Living that Connects the Community and the City
With its minimalist and modern design, often likened to an art and cultural venue by the public, the newly built Dongning Student Dormitory at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) held its inauguration ceremony on July 21. This is the first new dormitory NCKU has constructed in over two decades. A one-month trial operation began on June 24, 2025, offering students an early experience of the updated facilities. Inheriting the educational spirit dating back to 2005, NCKU continues to innovate on a foundation of tradition, combining smart technologies, community integration, and diverse residential options to provide students with a high-quality living environment.
The inauguration was hosted by President Meng-Ru Shen, joined by several distinguished guests, including Tsung-Ming Chen, secretary to the Tainan City Mayor, and Hsun-Wu Huang, village chief of Daxue Village in the East District. Also in attendance were NCKU administrators and faculty members such as Vice President Yuh-Neu Chen, Assistant Vice President Ping-Sheng Wu, Dean of Student Affairs Liang-Yi Hung, Dean of General Affairs Jian-Hong Wu, and Dean of Research and Development Department Chuan-Pu Liu. The ceremony began with a traditional incense offering and prayer to express gratitude and blessings. The opening also featured performances by NCKU student clubs—the Chinese Music Club and the Extreme Martial Arts and Tumbling Club—whose energy and passion added vibrancy to the event and helped ensure its success.
In his speech, President Shen expressed deep gratitude, stating that the successful opening of Dongning Student Dormitory was made possible by the collective efforts of many, including past and current directors of general affairs and the architectural team. He emphasized the importance of continuing cooperation between the Office of General Affairs, the Office of Student Affairs, and the Housing Services Division to maintain and operate the dormitory. He noted, “When students live in a good environment, they learn better and are more likely to become capable professionals who contribute to society. That is one of the university’s most important responsibilities. Dongning Student Dormitory is a major milestone—it offers an excellent living environment and is unlike any traditional dormitory we’ve had before.”
The total construction cost for the Dongning Student Dormitory was approximately NT$1.2 billion. The complex consists of three buildings, each ranging from five to nine floors above ground, with two basement levels. These three buildings are connected by internal corridors and share public spaces on the first and second floors. The dormitory offers a variety of room types, including single, double, four-person, and six-person suites, with a total of 993 beds. Each room is equipped with a private bathroom and balcony, which are key highlights of the dorm’s design.
In an effort to provide a modern living experience that meets the needs of today’s students, NCKU has designed the dormitory with a focus on smart technology and inclusive community living. The first floor includes retail stores and a nursery center for children aged 0–2, which serve both university members and local residents, fostering interaction between the campus and the neighborhood. The second floor features discussion rooms, a kitchenette, a multi-faith room, and a green communal platform, all aimed at enriching students’ academic and personal lives. Smart access control systems and digital facility management have been implemented throughout the dorm, integrating security systems, surveillance, emergency alerts, central air conditioning, electricity, hot water, and parking. Some areas are designated as inclusive housing, open to all students regardless of academic program or gender identity, reinforcing the university’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Students already living in Dongning Student Dormitory have shared positive impressions. Student Chou, a resident in a six-person room, noted that he had previously lived in Sheng-2 and Sheng-8 dorms and had witnessed the entire construction of Dongning Student Dormitory from the beginning. He said he was eager to live there and has been impressed with the new facilities and clean, modern space. Student Lu, also in a six-person room, said her favorite part is the floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies in every unit, which offer expansive views. She hopes to see more recreational and sports facilities added in the future.
Student Huang, a doctoral student living in a single room, mentioned that he came from out of town to pursue his PhD at NCKU and valued personal space and a quiet environment for research. He remarked, “The bathroom is really well designed, and the surrounding greenery makes it feel like I’m living in a small urban park.”
As an integral part of the “University Town Development Plan” in Tainan’s East District, the Dongning Student Dormitory incorporates surrounding green spaces to create a vibrant and livable environment, strengthening the connection between campus and city. Through this new dormitory, NCKU demonstrates its forward-looking vision for the future of education—ensuring that every student can grow freely in a comfortable, smart, and inclusive space and begin their journey into a bright and promising life.
The inauguration was hosted by President Meng-Ru Shen, joined by several distinguished guests, including Tsung-Ming Chen, secretary to the Tainan City Mayor, and Hsun-Wu Huang, village chief of Daxue Village in the East District. Also in attendance were NCKU administrators and faculty members such as Vice President Yuh-Neu Chen, Assistant Vice President Ping-Sheng Wu, Dean of Student Affairs Liang-Yi Hung, Dean of General Affairs Jian-Hong Wu, and Dean of Research and Development Department Chuan-Pu Liu. The ceremony began with a traditional incense offering and prayer to express gratitude and blessings. The opening also featured performances by NCKU student clubs—the Chinese Music Club and the Extreme Martial Arts and Tumbling Club—whose energy and passion added vibrancy to the event and helped ensure its success.
In his speech, President Shen expressed deep gratitude, stating that the successful opening of Dongning Student Dormitory was made possible by the collective efforts of many, including past and current directors of general affairs and the architectural team. He emphasized the importance of continuing cooperation between the Office of General Affairs, the Office of Student Affairs, and the Housing Services Division to maintain and operate the dormitory. He noted, “When students live in a good environment, they learn better and are more likely to become capable professionals who contribute to society. That is one of the university’s most important responsibilities. Dongning Student Dormitory is a major milestone—it offers an excellent living environment and is unlike any traditional dormitory we’ve had before.”
The total construction cost for the Dongning Student Dormitory was approximately NT$1.2 billion. The complex consists of three buildings, each ranging from five to nine floors above ground, with two basement levels. These three buildings are connected by internal corridors and share public spaces on the first and second floors. The dormitory offers a variety of room types, including single, double, four-person, and six-person suites, with a total of 993 beds. Each room is equipped with a private bathroom and balcony, which are key highlights of the dorm’s design.
In an effort to provide a modern living experience that meets the needs of today’s students, NCKU has designed the dormitory with a focus on smart technology and inclusive community living. The first floor includes retail stores and a nursery center for children aged 0–2, which serve both university members and local residents, fostering interaction between the campus and the neighborhood. The second floor features discussion rooms, a kitchenette, a multi-faith room, and a green communal platform, all aimed at enriching students’ academic and personal lives. Smart access control systems and digital facility management have been implemented throughout the dorm, integrating security systems, surveillance, emergency alerts, central air conditioning, electricity, hot water, and parking. Some areas are designated as inclusive housing, open to all students regardless of academic program or gender identity, reinforcing the university’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Students already living in Dongning Student Dormitory have shared positive impressions. Student Chou, a resident in a six-person room, noted that he had previously lived in Sheng-2 and Sheng-8 dorms and had witnessed the entire construction of Dongning Student Dormitory from the beginning. He said he was eager to live there and has been impressed with the new facilities and clean, modern space. Student Lu, also in a six-person room, said her favorite part is the floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies in every unit, which offer expansive views. She hopes to see more recreational and sports facilities added in the future.
Student Huang, a doctoral student living in a single room, mentioned that he came from out of town to pursue his PhD at NCKU and valued personal space and a quiet environment for research. He remarked, “The bathroom is really well designed, and the surrounding greenery makes it feel like I’m living in a small urban park.”
As an integral part of the “University Town Development Plan” in Tainan’s East District, the Dongning Student Dormitory incorporates surrounding green spaces to create a vibrant and livable environment, strengthening the connection between campus and city. Through this new dormitory, NCKU demonstrates its forward-looking vision for the future of education—ensuring that every student can grow freely in a comfortable, smart, and inclusive space and begin their journey into a bright and promising life.
An aerial view of the courtyard at Dongning Student Dormitory.
President Meng-Ru Shen, accompanied by administrative officials, offered incense and prayers in gratitude to Heaven and Earth.
Ribbon-cutting and inauguration ceremony.
The dormitory is furnished almost entirely with wooden furniture, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere.
The living environment of multi-person dormitory rooms.
The single room may be small, but it has everything one needs—small yet complete.
A double-height common lounge area.
Group photo of honored guests taken after the inauguration ceremony.
