Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I stay before my contract starts or after my contract ends?
Generally the College closes in the Christmas New Year period and we are not able to offer accommodation at that time, but we may be able to offer some residents accommodation over the summer holiday period prior to closing. Feel free to call us to talk about your accommodation needs.
What will my mailing address be?
For parcels and packages
Your name
Toroa College
8 Regent Road
Dunedin 9016
For letters
Your name
Toroa College
PO Box 56
Dunedin 9054
Can I bring my car or my bike?
Yes. We have some car parks on site; please call us to confirm the weekly costs. We also have an outdoor bike rack where residents can park and lock their bikes.
When are quiet hours?
Because we wish to provide an environment that is conducive to study we have quiet time from 9.30pm – 8.00am each day.
Is it ok for my friends or family to visit me?
Absolutely. Please check with us about our visitor and overnight guest policies. There will be some times throughout the year when we do not allow overnight guests to stay at the College.
What does alcohol free mean?
Alcohol free areas are just that – alcohol free. Residents cannot drink or store alcohol in those areas, although they are able to consume alcohol elsewhere in the College or in town.
What happens if I need help with my study?
All our staff, including the Head of College, are available to talk with you about your study needs.
What if I get sick?
We are here to help you so if you are sick, all you have to do is let us know.
What if I miss a lab or I am not able to hand in an assignment on time?
The Deputy Head and Head of College are available to talk with you about these academic matters.
What should I bring?
You need to bring:
• Personal items
• Toiletries
• Clothing
• Towels
We provide:
• Bed linen
• Study lamp
• Laundry basket
In your unit we provide:
• Tea towels
• Handtowels
• Cleaning products
Who would I talk with about payments and College fees?
During the year our Deputy Head and Admin Assistant are available to talk with you about your financial concerns.
How much will it cost to stay at Toroa?
Our fees are set by the University of Otago and can be found on our fees page.
Costs for food are extra as detailed in the food section.How secure is Toroa?
We take resident security very seriously. We have put measures in place to help us have a secure environment including security cameras and coded access gates at night.
How will I know where to go or what to do?
We understand that the settling in process and the first year experience can seem very confusing at the start of the year.
All Toroa staff are committed to helping residents settle in with as little stress as possible. To help you settle in we offer campus tours, information on how to complete registration and course approval, as well as assistance to gain access to the University of Otago network and blackboard systems.
What should I do when I arrive at Toroa?
We will ask you to tell us when you expect to arrive. When you get to Dunedin make your way to Manawa, our main administration building, located at 8 Regent Road.
Our friendly staff will show you to your room, take you on a College tour and introduce you to other residents. We have lots of events in the first weeks designed to help you settle in and meet your fellow Toroans.
I want to get into a professional course in second year – is Toroa the right College for me?
Yes. If you have academic ability and make a commitment to your studies we believe you have the same opportunity for entry to a professional course as you would get at any other College.