University accommodation options (Dunedin only)
Residential colleges
Most first-year bachelor's degree, undergraduate diploma, and Foundation Studies Certificate students will stay in one of Otago's residential colleges (sometimes called dorms or halls of residence at other universities). A few colleges also accept postgraduate students.
College residents each have their own private, furnished bedroom, and share bathroom facilities with other residents on their floor. Some colleges have a limited number of ensuite rooms available at additional cost. All of the residential colleges are fully catered, located on or very near to campus, and offer pastoral and academic support and cultural, sporting and social opportunities.
Find out more about residential colleges
University Flats (UniFlats)
University Flats offers guaranteed accommodation for Study Abroad and Exchange students, who will live with a local host student as one of their “flatmates”. Transferring bachelors' students and postgraduate students can also apply to UniFlats.
UniFlats are shared houses, where residents have their own private bedroom and share a bathroom, kitchen and living areas with a small number of other students (usually 3 or 4), and arrange their own meals. The flats are furnished and within walking distance of campus and shopping areas.
Homestay
The Homestay programme matches students with a local host family in Dunedin. Students have their own bedroom in the host family's home, and are provided with all meals. Homestay accommodation is typically further from campus.
Homestay information is on the Pathway and English Language Centre website, but the programme is available to all students.
How to apply
Accommodation in Dunedin is in high demand, so it's a good idea to apply as early as possible for a place in a residential college or UniFlats.
Apply for residential colleges or UniFlats
Note: Study Abroad students may have a different process for accommodation application and payment – please check with your home institute or Study Abroad provider.
Application for Homestay is managed by the Pathway and English Language Centre.
Apply for Homestay accommodation
Private accommodation
Private rental accommodation in Dunedin is in high demand, and many students sign a tenancy agreement (a contract, sometimes called a lease) many months in advance. During peak demand in January and February, finding private accommodation in Dunedin may take weeks rather than days.
The most common choice of private accommodation for students in Dunedin is “flatting”. This means renting a house with other people (usually between 3 and 7) and sharing a kitchen, bathroom and living room, while having your own bedroom.
Another popular option is a studio room, where you have your own bedroom and bathroom, and possibly some basic kitchen facilities, while sharing a kitchen, living room and other common areas with other tenants.
For advice about finding rental accommodation, signing a tenancy agreement, costs and budgeting, visit:
Private rental accommodation advice for Otago students
NauMai NZ has more general advice for international students about living in New Zealand:
Living in New Zealand – NauMai NZ website
The quality of private accommodation in New Zealand varies significantly, and we recommend viewing your accommodation in person before signing a tenancy agreement, so it is a good idea to organise short-term (temporary) accommodation for when you arrive.
International students under the age of 18
The Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021 requires that all students who will be under the age of 18 at the time of enrolment live in one of the following options:
- in a residential college
- in a homestay
- with a designated caregiver
- with their parents
While under the age of 18, students will be required to meet with an International Student Adviser quarterly to discuss accommodation, academic progress, general health and wellbeing, and any concerns and complaints they may have.
Families and couples
A limited number of UniFlats are available for small families and couples, or you may consider private accommodation. Contact the Student Accommodation Centre for more information.
Need help or advice?
The Student Accommodation Centre can answer your questions about University-managed accommodation, and also offer some advice about private accommodation options.