Accommodation Options
Part of the "real" student experience involves living near the main university campus, either in a student flat or in a residential college. The University of Otago is the only university in the country that can offer the complete campus experience because most of the student population is accommodated within minutes of the university. This gives the North end of Dunedin a thriving subculture. Living close to the university has practical, as well as social advantages - if you live near the campus you will not have to worry about transport costs and you will spend less time getting to your lectures. The other great advantage is that the campus is near town, so shops and other facilities are close by.
Which Accommodation Option best meets my needs?
Being able to live close to campus and town can be especially important to a person with an impairment. If you require accessible transport to get around, are easily fatigued, have difficulty walking long distances, or finding your way around, living close to campus could be the solution for you.
Other factors you may need to consider are, for example size of bedrooms, main roads without pedestrian crossings or traffic lights to be crossed, curbing in streets, or proximity to a bus stop.
If you have an impairment and are interested in staying at a university owned flat or residential college, you need to check that the accommodation you are interested in will meet any particular requirements you may have.
Residential Colleges
Many first year students choose to live in one of the residential colleges because these provide the comforts of home (e.g. cooked meals, laundry service, and a wide range of facilities) as well as the independence of flatting. They also provide computer suites, which have a direct link to the university computer system, and learning assistance.
If you have an impairment, there may be additional things you need to consider when choosing a college.
Residential College Guide
This residential college guide may assist you in determining which colleges you wish to apply for. As each person is different, it is imperative that you check that the college can meet your specific needs before accepting a place. It is a good idea, if you can, to come and look around the residential college of your choice, check out the facilities and meet the Head before making your final decision. Remember Disability Information & Support Staff are happy to assist you at any time.
University owned flats
The University owns a number of flats, some of which have been adapted to meet the needs of people with physical impairments. Currently there are five properties which are fully adapted for students who use wheelchairs. These flats are close to campus, have wet area showers, low benches, and other adjusted kitchen facilities. The university also owns two properties which have been adapted for students who are blind. Adaptations include hand railings and high fences for guide dogs.
If you are thinking about going flatting, it may be possible to adapt one of the university owned flats to meet your needs. In this case you must express your interest to the Head of Service, Disability Information & Support as early as possible the year before you wish to go flatting.
For further information about accommodation, contact the Accommodation Office or the Head of Service, Disability Information & Support.
Do you require assistance to live away from home?
Personal care and home help
If you have an impairment or have difficulties with day to day activities outside your university study, you may be entitled to personal care and/or home help. Personal care and home help are schemes that provide assistance for people with disabilities to assist them with daily tasks. Workers for personal care organisations will come to you wherever you are and assist you with personal tasks that you find difficult, such as showering and toileting. A home help worker can come into your home (whether it be a residential college, a flat, or your own home) and assist you with household tasks such as washing, ironing, cooking, and cleaning.
For more information on these schemes and regional contracts, contact the Head of Service, Disability Information and Support.
Please note: these services are not provided by or paid for by the University.
