If you'd like to get a taste of Taichung student life, check out Tunghai University in Xitun District. It's also full of great shops and restaurants, so you can spend the afternoon having a wander.
Fengjia Night Market is a popular place to shop in Xitun District. It's also full of great shops and restaurants, so you can spend the afternoon having a wander. Splash some more cash at Shinkong Mitsukoshi Department Store, Top City Taichung, and Tiger City Mall.