There are almost no differences between houses people live in Taiwan now and then. There are old houses and new houses in every city in Taiwan. It is necessary to note that one-storeyed buildings prevail over multi-storeyed ones. If you are going to study in Taiwan, you will have to decide where to live: on a university campus or in some other place. In Taiwan houses do not differ greatly from average houses in Europe. The modern houses are seen near old ones. It is necessary to point out that the mixed architecture styles can be found everywhere in Taiwan.
Taiwanese architecture is composed of variety of styles. The old traditional architectural model of houses in Taiwan still exists here. However, traditional architectural features of Taiwanese style become unimportant when entertaining and commercial institutions, such as shops and theaters, are built. We should emphasize that modern Taiwanese architecture unites traditional Taiwanese and European architecture styles. There appear buildings in European style, such as buildings of foreign consulates, foreign concessions, banks, hotels and clubs in big cities. Consequently, the houses people live in Taiwan now and then are constantly changing with the development of international contacts. There are many modern houses which include the elements of traditional Taiwanese and European architecture styles. Please, keep in mind that if you are not going to live on campus, it can be difficult for you to find off-campus housing due to high prices. Besides, heavy traffic in Taiwan may complicate your living arrangements. Summarizing, there are one-storeyed buildings that prevail over multi-storeyed ones. The old and architecture styles can be found in every city in Taiwan.
First of all, any visit of a house in Taiwan starts from a meeting and a greeting. In Taiwan people, as a rule, shake hands with each other when they meet. Bows are a popular tradition in Korea and Japan, but not in Taiwan. Some very official cases are exceptions from this rule, where people bow when they meet. For example, at the rewards presentation or appeal to a large audience. According to the rule of politeness, when people in Taiwan hand in a present, money or a document, they offer a gift holding it with both hands. This tradition symbolizes that a gift is the continuation of your ‘self'.
When you enter somebody's house in Taiwan you should remember to take off your shoes. There are usually special slippers for guests in any house. This is a tradition in Taiwan to welcome one's guests. It is considered as the rule of good behavior if you prepare good slippers for your guests beforehand. However, it is very indecorous to take off shoes in public places. The exception is visiting some traditional restaurants, where it is necessary to take off shoes. Moreover, sandals are considered as foot-wear of rural people, and thus, they are not popular in cities because most places would not let you in. A cultured person does not walk the city in sandals, and more than that, he would never go at work in sandals. In the morning people can wear sandals in order to go to a market to buy vegetables or fruits.
Consequently, if you are going to visit Taiwan remember what foot-wear to take. Sandals are not the best choice for you to wear to a library or other institutions.