Quick Historic Facts

Back in 1869 one hundred thousand acres of pastoral land was set aside with the intent to establish the very first university in New Zealand. The University of Otago as it is now known was subsequently authorized to grant educational degrees in Arts, Medicine, Law, and Music when it opened on 5 July 1871.

Originally housed in a building on Princes Street, the University moved to the Maxwell Bury’s Clocktower and Geology buildings in 1878 and 1879. These original buildings now make up the heart of the present-day Dunedin campus. Various new faculties were developed over the years which included Dentistry, Home Science, Accountancy, Theology, and Physical Education.

The University of Otago awarded the first woman in Australasia, Ethel Benjamin, a law degree in 1897. She later went on to be the first woman in the British Empire to appear as counsel in a court of law.

Student Accommodation

A variety of student accommodation options are available to suit different requirements. There are fifteen affiliated Residential College accommodation facilities that offer catered and non-catered services, single or double rooms, and shared or ensuite bathrooms.

All of the Residential Colleges are dotted around the University within easy walking distance. Some options are specifically designed for graduate and post-graduate students while others are aimed at international students.

Rental accommodation is also available in the wider community, with a wide range of rental homes, studios, and rooms in flats available. Flatters usually have the option of either partly furnished or unfurnished rooms. Flats will generally include curtains, floor coverings, a stove, and sometimes a fridge and washing machine.

The majority of houses in Dunedin use electric heaters or wood burners as methods of heating, central heating is not common. Flatting requires the students to be responsible for all of the household bills and expenses. See here for more information on the costs of flatting and flatting in New Zealand.

University Of Otago Campus Locations

The University of Otago has its main campus located in Dunedin but also operates several satellite campuses across New Zealand.

• Dunedin Campus – 362 Leith Street, Dunedin
• Wellington Campus – 23A Mein Street, Newtown, Wellington
• Christchurch Campus – 2 Riccarton Avenue, Christchurch
• Auckland Campus – Level 3 & 4, 385 Queen Street, Auckland Central
• Southland Campus – 100 Nelson Street, Georgetown, Invercargill

University Resources And Facilities

The University of Otago provides students with an array of academic and personal support services, some of these include:

• Language Centre. Aiding English language and study skills.
• Disability Information and Support. For students who have a disability, impairment, injury or medical condition that affects their ability to study.
• Student Grievances. Enabling students to resolve issues by a process of discussion, cooperation and conciliation.
• Scholarships. Assisting students with applying for scholarship grants.
• Student Health Centre. Providing students with a reduced healthcare option.
• Childcare. The university provides various on-campus early childcare centers offering a range of childcare options.
• Religious Facilities. These include a Chapel, Mosque, Muslim Prayer Space, and Synagogue.

As well as the above facilities the University provides excellent support for international students. Aimed at providing information, support, and advice to future or current international students the University runs pre-arrival information, campus orientation, student visa, and immigration requirements, accommodation assistance, and support with seeking insurance and US Financial Aid.