The University Flats collegiate environment and community is considerably enhanced through a wide variety of sporting and cultural events and activities which the community support staff organise and co-ordinate.
Some of these activities are University Flats events, while others are part of the inter-college sporting and cultural competition. You can participate in individual pursuits through the many clubs and societies and recreations services on campus, as well as doing some volunteering.
Inter-collegiate sports and cultural competitions
University Flats participate in several different sporting and cultural competitions throughout the year as part of the inter-collegiate sports and cultural competition where they compete against other residential colleges. These events include a quiz night, chess, pool, gaming, poster and poetry competitions. There is also an instrumental jam event, an international concert and a Maori and Pasifika concert as well as inter college sports as netball, soccer, volleyball and basketball.
Social sports
University Flats can also arrange for residents to play in a weekly social sport competition with their friends and flatmates. Some of the sports on offer include netball, indoor soccer, volleyball, basketball and touch rugby.
Area dinners
Each flat has an opportunity throughout the semester to have a combined area dinner with their neighbouring flats. Residents get to enjoy a free hot meal and catch up with their local Resident Assistant at the same time.
Other University Flats events
Every semester the University Flats community support team run a series of events and functions that all residents are welcome to attend and participate in.
The year traditionally starts with the Inter College Sports Day and a week later we have a Speed Meet event so that our residents can get to know one another better. Throughout the semester, we participate in all Inter College Events as well as hosting our own in-house events. Our in-house events are many and varied. Some events on offer are volunteer outings, a visit to a local marae (a Maori meeting house), and themed dinners. Each semester there is also the opportunity to attend a rugby match at the Forsyth Barr stadium.
OUSA Clubs and Societies (Clubs & Socs)
If you have a hobby, or want to begin one, sign up for one of the huge number of short courses, clubs and events organised and run through the University of Otago Student Association (OUSA) Clubs and Societies.
Recreation Services and UniPol gym
The University's Recreation Services offer a huge choice of recreational activities and a gym. This includes cardio and weights, sports halls, group fitness, outdoor equipment hire, and social sports. A range of day and weekend outdoor adventures around Otago is also available. Use of the UniPol (University and Polytechnic) gym is included in your university fees, but other activities may incur a charge.
University Volunteer Centre (Unicrew)
Discover a new interest or passion while helping others. For any resident interested in volunteer/service activities, the University Volunteer Centre helps you find volunteer activities. They aim to make volunteering a part mainstream University of Otago culture. The staff there help promote, support and celebrate volunteering among our student (and staff!) population. Uni Flats also run a volunteering event each semester.
