What kind of room will I have?
One of the unique features of our College is that we have a mix of residential blocks and historic houses – our rooms come in a variety of shapes and sizes. It can be quite fun exploring the 'Flouses' (floors/houses) as you meet new people – there are some quirky surprises behind some of our doors!
How much will it cost?
Our fees are set annually by the University and are the same in all University-owned Colleges.
What should I bring with me?
All bedrooms are fully equipped with everything you need to get started: wardrobe, desk, mirror, study lamp, study chair, single inner sprung mattress and base, mattress protector, duvet, duvet cover, sheets, extra blankets, heating, and multi-power box.
We do not provide pillows, pillow protectors, pillow cases, towels, bath mats or coat hangers. All electrical gear brought into the College needs to be certified as safe; please keep an eye out for our electrical certification opportunities during Orientation.
When do I send my application?
The application process is managed by the Student Accommodation Centre.
How far is Carrington from the University?
It takes about five minutes to walk from Carrington to the University campus on foot. We're also only minutes from Dunedin's main shopping area, George Street.
What is the food like?
The University's in-house central catering team develops menus of fresh, nutritional meals for all University-owned colleges. Special dietary issues are well-supported – when you arrive, please have a chat to our Executive Chef.
Where are the sports grounds and tracks?
Two major athletic fields are minutes from home. Moana indoor Olympic Pool is just minutes' walk away.
Will I be allowed to have visitors?
Absolutely! This is your home, and we are happy for you to have guests, provided you adhere to our policies and procedures (which can be found in your Resident Handbook). Please note, there are certain times of the year when overnight guests are not permitted to stay, including Orientation week, the first week of second semester, and during exams. When you arrive, you will be given a hard copy of our no-guest dates.
Will I be safe and secure?
Personal safety is everyone's responsibility – we all have a role to play in keeping our community safe. Our buildings are accessed via tracked key entry, our grounds are gated and outfitted with surveillance cameras, and our duty phone is answered 24/7 by rostered staff (professional Sub-Wardens (Kaiāwhina Whare), and security). There is always someone available to help.
Can residents swap rooms?
Rooms are allocated by Senior Management and may not be changed without their permission. Please note: Room changes are permitted in extremely rare circumstances and may incur additional fees.
What happens if I get sick?
If you are unwell, please ring the duty phone (+64 3 479 5533) so that staff can provide you with appropriate assistance (including arranging for meals to be brought to your room, academic support, check-ins, and emergency assistance). For more information, please read your Resident Handbook.
Who can help me with financial questions around accommodation fees?
Contact our Administrator on +64 3 479 5533
What happens if I miss a lab or assignment?
The Tautiaki Piki (Deputy Warden) is able to provide advice for all academic matters.
I have severe asthma. Does the College supply low-allergy duvets?
We do have some low-allergy bedding available. Please ensure your medical details are entered correctly in the student portal (Te Puna) and ring Reception (+64 3 479 5533) in January to register your interest in low-allergy bedding. Please note, some students elect to bring their own bedding (whether for allergy-related purposes or not) and you are welcome to do this; it is your responsibility to launder any bedding not provided by the College.
Are there extra blankets available?
Yes. Just ring the duty phone (+64 3 479 5533) to request one.
Are there car parks and bike storage areas available for resident use?
Carrington does not offer car parking on the grounds and unauthorised vehicles will be towed at the owner’s expense. On-street parking is available on Heriot Row and Queen Street, but this is at your own risk and can be competitive at certain times of the day.
We have several storage spaces for bikes, both indoor (locked and secure) and outdoor. Indoor storage at Tiro Moana is provided on a first-come, first-served basis by visiting Reception.
What does Alcohol-Free rooming mean?
Some students opt to have their sleeping space in an alcohol-free environment. There is an expectation and understanding that residents in this space will:
- Abstain from consuming and possessing alcohol in the designated area (you may consume alcohol elsewhere)
- Return to the Flouse in a quiet manner if alcohol has been consumed elsewhere
- Assist in holding others accountable to maintain this environment
- Take responsibility for any personal guests visiting the Flouse (as we expect in all areas).
All Carrington residents are asked to respect this living arrangement.
Is there an expected time to be home in the College at night?
As a resident, you are free to come and go as you please. If you plan to be away from College, even if just for a night, please log into Te Puna (the student portal) to record when you will be away. (The Sub-Warden (Kaiāwhina) can show you how to do this if you have trouble.) This information will only be used in the event of an emergency.