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Find out what information you need to provide, what happens after you submit your application, and when you will know if you have been offered a place.

Before you start your application

You will need the following information:

  • The contact details for your guardian (does not apply to postgraduate students)
  • National Student Number (if you are under 20 years old and have attended high school or previously studied in New Zealand)
  • Your NCEA Level 2 results or equivalent (if you are under 20 years old)
  • A 300-word statement about yourself
  • Your college preferences (optional)

Take time to complete the application in full. Missing information will cause delays in your application being processed or accepted.

Choosing your college preferences

As part of your application, you will have the option to list up to three colleges, in order of preference, that you would most like to live in. You will also need to briefly explain your reason for your first preference.

You are not guaranteed to get a place in one of your preferred colleges, but your application will initially be sent only to your first-preference college. If they are unable to offer you a place, it will then be sent to your second-preference college, and if they also cannot offer you a place, it will be sent to your third-preference college.

If none of your three preferred colleges make you an offer, other residential colleges that still have vacancies will consider your application.

You do not have to choose any preferences. If you don't prefer any college(s) over the others, you can select “No college preference”. Your application will then go directly into the general candidate pool, for consideration by all colleges.

You need to request a reference

In addition to your online application, you need a reference to support your application for residential colleges.

  • If you attended or are attending a New Zealand secondary school in 2025 or 2026, you need to submit an online request for your school to complete a Common Confidential Reference form (CCRF) on your behalf.
    Make an online request for a Common Confidential Reference
  • If you have not attended a New Zealand secondary school, but attended or are attending school elsewhere in 2025 or 2026, you need to print the Common Confidential Reference form PDF file and complete section A, then send it to your school for completion.
    Common Confidential Reference form (PDF)
  • If you last attended secondary school in 2024 or earlier, you need to provide two character references. These should be emailed directly to the Student Accommodation office, and we will attach them to your application.
    Email accommodation@otago.ac.nz

The reference requirement does not apply to postgraduate students.

What we want to know about you

Each residential college has its own way of choosing students, based on what kind of community they’re trying to create. They’re looking for a mix of people with different interests, backgrounds, and experiences – there’s no one “perfect” type of student.

Things like doing well in school, helping out in your community, or being involved in sports, arts, or leadership roles can all help strengthen your residential college application, but no single thing will guarantee you a place.

Colleges also want to get a sense of who you are – your personality, what you’re passionate about, what you’ve learned from your experiences, and what you hope your residential college experience will be like.

Application and offer timeline

  1. Request your reference, and submit your application

    Full-year and semester 1 accommodation applications open on 1 August.

    You should submit your request for a Common Confidential Reference to your school by the end of August. Your school will then need to complete it before 15 September.

    The application due date for consideration in the first round of offers is 30 September.

    Applications can still be made after 30 September.

    International students applying from outside New Zealand should apply by 1 December.

    FAQs about the general waitlist

  2. Receiving an offer

    The first round of offers-of-place will be sent out in the first week of October.

    Offers-of-place will continue to be made until mid-February, as more spaces become available.

    If you are still on the waiting list in mid-February, contact the Student Accommodation Centre.

    Residents move in from mid-February. Spaces can still become available within the first four weeks after the semester begins.

    Rejecting an offer

    If you receive an offer from a residential college that is not your preference, you can choose to reject the offer and go back onto the general waitlist, but there is no guarantee that you will receive another offer.

    Please reject your offer as early as possible if you decide not to study at Otago or no longer require accommodation in a college. There are other students on the waitlist awaiting an offer.

  3. Accept your offer, and pay your fees

    If you receive an offer of place, you will need to formally accept it in your accommodation portal.

    If payment of fees or a deposit is requested, be sure to pay by the deadline.

    Note that the deposit and initial payment are not covered by student loans/allowances.

Ready to apply?

Find out how to start your online application.

Apply for accommodation
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