From Eh to NZ
Otago is recognized as a leader in education, sustainability and subject excellence.
The main campus is located in Dunedin, which is the major city within the province of Otago, and is close to all of Dunedin’s cafés, music venues, designer boutiques, stores, museums and galleries. The vast majority of courses are offered here, including the only dental school in the country.
What to Expect
Like Australia, New Zealand’s seasons are the reverse of those in the Northern Hemisphere. The warmest months are December, January, and February, while the coldest are June, July, and August. In Dunedin, spring and summer days can become quite warm with temperatures ranging from 14°C to 26°C. It is generally cool in the winter months, averaging 11°C from June to September. There are sometimes frosty mornings, usually followed by clear sunny days, and occasional snowfalls, so be sure to take a jacket!
On the Otago Boarding Pass, you’ll find everything you need to know about getting ready to go to The University of Otago, including how to accept your offer and accommodation tips.
Accepting Your Offer
Congratulations on receiving your offer!
Here are some important tips to ensure your acceptance process is as easy and smooth as possible.
Important Information
Congratulations once again on receiving your offer!
Please take time to read your offer email and letter of offer carefully and make sure all the information is correct.
Acceptance deadline/offer lapse date: Make sure to complete your acceptance process prior to this date. If a lapse date is not indicated on your letter of offer, we have provided a lapse date for you in your offer email.
This date will give you enough time to submit your acceptance documents, apply for and obtain your student visa, kiss your family and friends goodbye at the airport, and hop on a plane bound for New Zealand!
Check your name: (As on your passport), birth date, and student (applicant) ID number, campus location
Commencement and completion dates: Plan to arrive in New Zealand at least two weeks prior to your class start date.
Acceptance deposit amount: Your offer letter gives you the deposit amount required to hold your place.
Tuition fees: Your offer letter will list the total tuition fees.
University’s tuition fee policy: Please note that Otago reviews all fees annually and these fees are subject to change without notice. It is important to factor this into your financial plan.
Understand Otago’s refund policy.
Specific admissions requirements/conditions (if applicable), including vaccination info and certificate requirements.
Declining Your Offer?
In case you choose to decline your offer, please let us know as soon as possible. Let us know by emailing your OzTREKK team outlining your decision and reason for declining your offer. We will then advise the university on your behalf. This is important because it can potentially open a spot for another student!
How to Accept
Step 1 – Read Your Entire Offer Letter
Ensure that you have read and understood your Offer of Place.
Step 2 – Respond to Offer
Use the login information provided by OzTREKK, to log in to your to review and accept your offer online
Email us to confirm that you have accepted your offer.
Step 3 – Pay Acceptance Deposit
Your acceptance deposit will be on your offer letter. The total includes your tuition fee deposit, Student Services fee, and medical and travel insurance.
Payments must be made through Otago’s Convera account by credit card or via telegraphic/wire transfer. Save a copy of your payment receipt. See Paying Via Convera for information about the process.
Step 4 – Receive Final Payment Receipt from University
When your acceptance and payment are processed, the university will create your final payment receipt, which you can request here. This receipt will be used when you apply for your New Zealand student visa.
Step 5 – Confirm Acceptance with OzTREKK
Once you have accepted your offer and completed your payment, please email us and attach your receipt. Otago will send you instructions on how to apply for your student visa.
Visa Details
Once you have completed the University of Otago’s acceptance process and have received your deposit receipt directly from the university, you are ready to apply for your New Zealand student visa.
You will complete your New Zealand “Fee Paying Student Visa” application online through the New Zealand Immigration office.
This website provides a detailed checklist of documentation required to complete the application process. We suggest reading this listed in advance and compiling these documents before you start the application process.
Have more questions?
As OzTREKK is not a migration agent, we cannot answer specific questions regarding your student visa. For questions or concerns, contact New Zealand Immigration.
Accommodation
About Accommodation
Before you get into the nitty gritty about your university-specific accommodation options, it’s important to review the basics of securing long-term accommodation in NZ, which is often the number one predeparture priority of OzTREKK students. If you aren’t living on campus or pre-arranging accommodation before you leave Canada, we highly recommend that you understand how renting a property in New Zealand works, so you’ll be prepared to hunt for a place to live when you arrive. There are many benefits in arranging housing after you arrive. You can
- physically inspect the property before accepting the terms and conditions of the lease;
- decide whether you will be comfortable in your new neighbourhood;
- assess the noise levels, both by day and night. Remember, you need to be able to sleep and study in your new home;
- check whether it is well-lit at night.
This process still requires preparation. Consider the following when thinking about accommodation:
- Ensure you have temporary accommodation arranged.
- Be prepared financially for the time you may need to spend in temporary accommodation.
- Make housing your first priority.
- Avoid rushing your house hunting. Feeling rushed can hinder your ability to make wise choices.
- Be informed. Before you arrive, read as much as you can about the various housing options and how to arrange them. Then you can get straight into house hunting after you arrive, rather than trying to figure out where to go and what to do.
Things to consider when comparing options
- Location – Take a look at Google Maps when comparing accommodation options!
- Amenities – Kitchen, meal plan, gym, A/C, etc.
- Cost/price range – This will be dependent on the location and amenities, typically the closer to campus and the most amenities offered the higher the price.
Short-term Accommodation
It’s important that you find the right accommodation for you. Ensuring that you inspect a property, meet your housemates, and feel comfortable is important to making sure you have a good experience.
OzTREKK recommends that you book temporary accommodation prior to leaving home, so you can take your time finding the right long-term home for you.
The Dunedin official website has a great searchable list of accommodation including hotels and backpacking options.
If you are interested in exploring other options for temporary accommodation, you can visit the following websites for hotel and backpacker information:
University Flats “UniFlats” Short Stay
A Post Graduate Landing Pad option for International Post Graduate Students who need a place to stay while they orientate themselves to life in Dunedin is available. The Landing Pad option allows for a stay for 12 weeks, UniFlats offers 4 intakes a year on set dates. Find out more at UniFlats FAQ.
On Campus
“Flatting” is an important part of university life, offering both responsibility and independence, and Otago is famous for its residential college communities. They have 15 diverse colleges catering mostly for first-year students, but there are a few available for grad students.
Residential colleges on campus with postgraduate wings or houses
All residential colleges provide fully-furnished and equipped accommodation. They have a strong community ethos, with academic support, cultural, sporting and social activities. Some colleges also offer the option of female only accommodation as well as alcohol free accommodation. Students wishing to live in university-managed accommodation need to submit an online application.
Get more information about living on campus at the University of Otago.
Off Campus, Managed
University Flats “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.
The University of Otago has let us know that the team at University Flats (commonly referred to as Uni Flats) manage approximately 160 flats that house mainly single-semester international students; however, if several OzTREKK students are interested in living together, they may be able to provide this option! Please contact your admissions officer for more information.
Guaranteed Accommodation Offer
Otago dental students are eligible for a guaranteed offer of accommodation in a UniFlat (private bedroom, shared living space) so long as applications are submitted by November 1, 2025.
More info and how to submit your application can be found here: UniFlats.
Learn more about finding accommodation near the University of Otago.
Private Rentals
Dunedin has a wide range of rental accommodation from historic houses to multi-unit, purpose-built complexes The University of Otago rental accommodation site can help you find information about tenancy, budgeting, and other support that is available to you when you go flatting.
The Student Accommodation Centre can provide you with lists of available flats, and neighbourhoods as well as assistance to help you find privately owned accommodation that suits your needs. The Otago University Students’ Association (OUSA) Student Support Hub has advice for things to consider when choosing who to live with and where you will live. To find off-campus accommodation providers, rental tips, property advice, etc., visit
Look for a Place and a Roommate
You can also look for property management agencies in the area where you want to live. The New Zealand Government’s Tenancy Services website is an excellent resource for helping you understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.
The Burbs
The centre of Dunedin lies within a circle of hills broken only by the Otago Harbour and the Ocean Beach, (better known as St Clair and St Kilda beaches). Here are the closest suburbs to the University of Otago:
- Dunedin North (Otago Uni is here)
- North East Valley
- Dunedin City
Get Around Town
- Bus
- Driving (get your NZ driver’s license)
- Cycling rules
Airport Pick-ups
Dunedin Airport is located 30 minutes’ drive from the centre of the city.
If you are a new international student, you can arrange a subsidized airport transfer with Airport Shuttles Dunedin Ltd. and be taken to your accommodation. To arrange a transfer from Dunedin airport, book via their online form.
Get more airport pick-up info!
Advice from OzTREKK Students
Each year we send a survey to the students in their first year of studying in Australia or NZ, then we compile the info.
Read our University of Otago Students’ Advice to get all the insider tips (copied directly from the survey!) for a smooth transition to studying at Otago.
- University
- Program
- Adjustment to living in Australia/NZ
- Accommodation (Where? How much? How long did it take to find?)
- Work outside the classroom
