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Otago Halls of Residence

MeepMop

Lurker
heyyoo

For people who have gone to St Margs before, how did you find the rooms and the food? I did peep into the rooms during a visit but have unfortunately forgotten how it looks now (I didn't take any pictures as there were people's personal belongings and stuff inside).
Also how did you feel about the overall atmosphere? I've heard that St Margs tends to be competitive and intense when it comes to studying, was it difficult making friends or getting used to your surroundings? I'm heading over next month so it's probably around time to start thinking about stuff like this now.

Thanks!
 

AoEAoC

Member
heyyoo

For people who have gone to St Margs before, how did you find the rooms and the food? I did peep into the rooms during a visit but have unfortunately forgotten how it looks now (I didn't take any pictures as there were people's personal belongings and stuff inside).
Also how did you feel about the overall atmosphere? I've heard that St Margs tends to be competitive and intense when it comes to studying, was it difficult making friends or getting used to your surroundings? I'm heading over next month so it's probably around time to start thinking about stuff like this now.

Thanks!

Hi, I went to St Margs in 2019. So maybe I could provide some insight.

Rooms: The rooms are quite spacious and have very good heating. You get a desk, wardrobe and drawers, pretty standard stuff. As a bonus everyone receives a complimentary bible ( If you're doing health sci, you'll need this as you'll be praying harder than you've ever prayed before ). All jokes aside, the rooms offer everything you need, some rooms were even renovated last year so that's a bonus. But not all rooms are made equal, some are bigger than others, a rare few have couches in them too, but in general, the typical room at St Margs is plenty enough so I wouldn't worry about that at all.

Food: I'm a picky eater, so I'm probably not the best person to answer this, however from my observations people generally tend to enjoy the food, there is a wide variety to select from and the kitchen staff try their best to cater to everyone's diet/needs.

Atmosphere/making friends: This entirely depends on you, St Margs attracts people from all walks of life not just "nerds" who study 24/7. Both at the beginning and throughout the year they hold college and floor events so everyone can become better acquainted, there are honestly so many opportunities to make friends you'd have to try even harder to not make friends in comparison to the opposite. There are also many rumors in regards to the atmosphere at St Margs, yes its competitive, but I can assure you there are plenty of opportunities to have fun and socialise, there are a wide spectrum of people there ranging from those who study 24/7 to those who party 24/7, find the people who best suit you and stick with them. I personally met some of the most amazing people at St Margret's college, People that I now consider lifelong friends.

Getting used to surroundings/being away from home: This one again really depends on the person. Moving away from home is usually hard, I personally found it difficult in the beginning and there were nights that I couldn't sleep because of it. Again, this depends on the individual and as I mentioned the college holds many events in order to get you to socialise and "mask" the homesickness.


I hope this helps and if you have any more questions about St Margs or health science feel free to pm me.
 
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Ortospoon

Member
Hi, I went to St Margs in 2019. So maybe I could provide some insight.

Rooms: The rooms are quite spacious and have very good heating. You get a desk, wardrobe and drawers, pretty standard stuff. As a bonus everyone receives a complimentary bible ( If you're doing health sci, you'll need this as you'll be praying harder than you've ever prayed before ). All jokes aside, the rooms offer everything you need, some rooms were even renovated last year so that's a bonus. But not all rooms are made equal, some are bigger than others, a rare few have couches in them too, but in general, the typical room at St Margs is plenty enough so I wouldn't worry about that at all.

Food: I'm a picky eater, so I'm probably not the best person to answer this, however from my observations people generally tend to enjoy the food, there is a wide variety to select from and the kitchen staff try their best to cater to everyone's diet/needs.

Atmosphere/making friends: This entirely depends on you, St Margs attracts people from all walks of life not just "nerds" who study 24/7. Both at the beginning and throughout the year they hold college and floor events so everyone can become better acquainted, there are honestly so many opportunities to make friends you'd have to try even harder to not make friends in comparison to the opposite. There are also many rumors in regards to the atmosphere at St Margs, yes its competitive, but I can assure you there are plenty of opportunities to have fun and socialise, there are a wide spectrum of people there ranging from those who study 24/7 to those who party 24/7, find the people who best suit you and stick with them. I personally met some of the most amazing people at St Margret's college, People that I now consider lifelong friends.

Getting used to surroundings/being away from home: This one again really depends on the person. Moving away from home is usually hard, I personally found it difficult in the beginning and there were nights that I couldn't sleep because of it. Again, this depends on the individual and as I mentioned the college holds many events in order to get you to socialise and "mask" the homesickness.


I hope this helps and if you have any more questions about St Margs or health science feel free to pm me.
Can someone do a similar one for Te Rangi Hiroa College. It would be highly appreciated.
 

Nala

Lurker
Can someone do a similar one for Te Rangi Hiroa College. It would be highly appreciated.

Hey, I went to TRH in 2019.

Rooms: brilliant. You get a queen bed, ensuite and a small kitchenette with a sink, cabinets, mini-fridge. Some rooms are bigger than others but I'd honestly say the worst Te Rangi room is better than the best rooms at some other halls (I mean the comfort of your own toilet, shower, being able to stock cold snacks and drinks, and a queen bed will make your year a breeze). It also makes transitioning into hall life easier, as you get to hold onto your privacy and own space.

Food: Pretty good, but got really sick of it by the end of the year. Hate the 'Momma Mia Meat Sauce' - basically the same meat sauce they use for a few meals but put it on spaghetti, with potato, in tacos and you will get sick of it. Also stay away from the Teriyaki chicken, as well as some of the pasta. I avoided dodgy meals luckily since the hall is very close to the mall and food places.

Though, the desserts are always good (sticky date pudding, icecream, loads of different slices, brownies, cake). My favourite meals were the Won Tons, classic burgers and fries nights, and I got a caffeine addiction thanks to the coffee machines that serve everything. There's also a pancakes night which is very popular.

By far the best thing about the food is we were able to poach our own eggs in a fancy little machine they had, so I was having eggs on toast most breakfasts :) I loved it.

Atmosphere/Making friends: This is exactly what you make of it (this goes for pretty much any hall). Everyone is in the same boat, you will easily be able to find a group of people for you even with this hall being the smallest. There are 4 floors, and most of my friends were on the same floor as me. Oddly TRH has a reputation for being anti-social, though I found it to be quite the opposite. It isn't a sporty hall, but there's a theatre, there was a nintendo wii in the lounge, and we had dogs coming in to visit frequently. It's a fun year, and you're able to get involved in anything you like (e.g. we don't have many people participating in most things just due to being the smallest hall, so if you're interested you'll be welcomed with open arms - no try outs).

There's a neat study room on the bottom floor I spent a lot of time in throughout the year. This only gets busy before exams. If you're looking for somewhere comfortable and quiet to study, this is the place.

Getting used to surroundings/being away from home: Really just depends on the person. No matter what, you'll come out at the end of the year as a more independent person. Some people did stay holed up in their rooms, others were always hanging out in the common rooms, or going to craft nights. It really just depends on what you want to do. Office lady is lovely, she will always welcome everybody home.

Best of luck for 2020 :)
 

flooghost7255

BMedSci (Hons), Otago MBChB IV
Hey, I went to TRH in 2019.

Rooms: brilliant. You get a queen bed, ensuite and a small kitchenette with a sink, cabinets, mini-fridge. Some rooms are bigger than others but I'd honestly say the worst Te Rangi room is better than the best rooms at some other halls (I mean the comfort of your own toilet, shower, being able to stock cold snacks and drinks, and a queen bed will make your year a breeze). It also makes transitioning into hall life easier, as you get to hold onto your privacy and own space.

Food: Pretty good, but got really sick of it by the end of the year. Hate the 'Momma Mia Meat Sauce' - basically the same meat sauce they use for a few meals but put it on spaghetti, with potato, in tacos and you will get sick of it. Also stay away from the Teriyaki chicken, as well as some of the pasta. I avoided dodgy meals luckily since the hall is very close to the mall and food places.

Though, the desserts are always good (sticky date pudding, icecream, loads of different slices, brownies, cake). My favourite meals were the Won Tons, classic burgers and fries nights, and I got a caffeine addiction thanks to the coffee machines that serve everything. There's also a pancakes night which is very popular.

By far the best thing about the food is we were able to poach our own eggs in a fancy little machine they had, so I was having eggs on toast most breakfasts :) I loved it.

Atmosphere/Making friends: This is exactly what you make of it (this goes for pretty much any hall). Everyone is in the same boat, you will easily be able to find a group of people for you even with this hall being the smallest. There are 4 floors, and most of my friends were on the same floor as me. Oddly TRH has a reputation for being anti-social, though I found it to be quite the opposite. It isn't a sporty hall, but there's a theatre, there was a nintendo wii in the lounge, and we had dogs coming in to visit frequently. It's a fun year, and you're able to get involved in anything you like (e.g. we don't have many people participating in most things just due to being the smallest hall, so if you're interested you'll be welcomed with open arms - no try outs).

There's a neat study room on the bottom floor I spent a lot of time in throughout the year. This only gets busy before exams. If you're looking for somewhere comfortable and quiet to study, this is the place.

Getting used to surroundings/being away from home: Really just depends on the person. No matter what, you'll come out at the end of the year as a more independent person. Some people did stay holed up in their rooms, others were always hanging out in the common rooms, or going to craft nights. It really just depends on what you want to do. Office lady is lovely, she will always welcome everybody home.

Best of luck for 2020 :)

Daaaaaaamn had no idea about the kitchenette and mini fridge and stuff
 
Hey guys, I didn't apply for student accom back in august thinking I'd be studying somewhere else, but eventually decided to study dent at Otago. Bit of a dumb question, but are there no more uni accommodation options available if I were to apply right now? If that's the case, can I get some advice looking for general accom near the uni ? (where to look for flats/rents other than trade me etc...)
 

Fili

Dentist 🦷
Moderator
Hey guys, I didn't apply for student accom back in august thinking I'd be studying somewhere else, but eventually decided to study dent at Otago. Bit of a dumb question, but are there no more uni accommodation options available if I were to apply right now? If that's the case, can I get some advice looking for general accom near the uni ? (where to look for flats/rents other than trade me etc...)

Imo just go to Otago Flatting Goods or the many other Dunedin Rental facebook pages.

Living in Halls as a graduate isn't really my thing. Idk about you but the whole uni culture with first years isn't my thing so yeah + doubt they have any spots left.
 
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Fencess

lil doggo
Hey guys, I didn't apply for student accom back in august thinking I'd be studying somewhere else, but eventually decided to study dent at Otago. Bit of a dumb question, but are there no more uni accommodation options available if I were to apply right now? If that's the case, can I get some advice looking for general accom near the uni ? (where to look for flats/rents other than trade me etc...)

They might have some spots as a kiwihost with uniflats still. They usually have a few people drop out. It's seemingly a bit of a different experience to living in a hall. You have a flat that you share with international students who are usually only here for one semester at a time. Bonus is that you are close to uni and you have unlimited power and internet.
 

kittyx

Member
Hey Kittyx,
I was at Margs this yr and am returning next yr as a 2nd yr. I def get what you're saying - I'm a really shy person too. Going to most (if not all) of the orientation events is a great idea as this is where most people start making friends. Everyone's super friendly and the college leaders will def make an effort to get to know you and make you feel at home. Also don't panic if you don't find your niche by the end of O-week: some people end up being floaters and they like it, and some people don't find their groups till later on throughout the yr, e.g. I had friends throughout the year but I only found my proper group at the beginning of Sem 2. Also something I'd recommend is making an effort to sit next to people at meal times, even if you don't know them. Ik this can be really daunting, but actually most people will try make conversation at meal times even if they don't know you well or at all, so it'll turn out ok. I found mealtimes was a great way to make new friends, and it was how I made most of my friends. :)

Have a great holiday and feel free to msg me any qs :)
Hey Classic Baguette,
I'm here now haha, and I'm so happy! I feel like I shouldn't have been so nervous previously bc as soon as I arrived here, everyone has been so super nice and welcoming, especially the RA's. I haven't made any close friends, but I'm fine with that. I just float around at mealtimes and so far its been pre good. Thanks so much back then for easing my nerves; just wanted to let you know that I've settled in well :)
 
Hey guys, I've been looking at options and now I'm tossing up between Carrington, Te Rangi Hiroa, Hayward and Caroline Freeman - I'd love some insight into how each one is with food, academic focus, partying/noise and general atmosphere. Also, I'm thinking that those four should all be pretty safe and secure, but it'd be nice to confirm that too.

I'm a pretty quiet person, so it's a lot easier for me to make friends in quieter, chiller environments. I'm mainly looking for somewhere that will enable me to make good friends. It'd be awesome if anyone who is/was at any of those 4 halls could tell me what they thought. I'm open to some suggestions too!
 

March

Lurker
Hey, I went to TRH in 2019.

Rooms: brilliant. You get a queen bed, ensuite and a small kitchenette with a sink, cabinets, mini-fridge. Some rooms are bigger than others but I'd honestly say the worst Te Rangi room is better than the best rooms at some other halls (I mean the comfort of your own toilet, shower, being able to stock cold snacks and drinks, and a queen bed will make your year a breeze). It also makes transitioning into hall life easier, as you get to hold onto your privacy and own space.

Food: Pretty good, but got really sick of it by the end of the year. Hate the 'Momma Mia Meat Sauce' - basically the same meat sauce they use for a few meals but put it on spaghetti, with potato, in tacos and you will get sick of it. Also stay away from the Teriyaki chicken, as well as some of the pasta. I avoided dodgy meals luckily since the hall is very close to the mall and food places.

Though, the desserts are always good (sticky date pudding, icecream, loads of different slices, brownies, cake). My favourite meals were the Won Tons, classic burgers and fries nights, and I got a caffeine addiction thanks to the coffee machines that serve everything. There's also a pancakes night which is very popular.

By far the best thing about the food is we were able to poach our own eggs in a fancy little machine they had, so I was having eggs on toast most breakfasts :) I loved it.

Atmosphere/Making friends: This is exactly what you make of it (this goes for pretty much any hall). Everyone is in the same boat, you will easily be able to find a group of people for you even with this hall being the smallest. There are 4 floors, and most of my friends were on the same floor as me. Oddly TRH has a reputation for being anti-social, though I found it to be quite the opposite. It isn't a sporty hall, but there's a theatre, there was a nintendo wii in the lounge, and we had dogs coming in to visit frequently. It's a fun year, and you're able to get involved in anything you like (e.g. we don't have many people participating in most things just due to being the smallest hall, so if you're interested you'll be welcomed with open arms - no try outs).

There's a neat study room on the bottom floor I spent a lot of time in throughout the year. This only gets busy before exams. If you're looking for somewhere comfortable and quiet to study, this is the place.

Getting used to surroundings/being away from home: Really just depends on the person. No matter what, you'll come out at the end of the year as a more independent person. Some people did stay holed up in their rooms, others were always hanging out in the common rooms, or going to craft nights. It really just depends on what you want to do. Office lady is lovely, she will always welcome everybody home.

Best of luck for 2020 :)

Hey, could somebody do this but for comparing Hayward and Arana instead, please?
 

Bulgogi

Member
Hello, halls apps are starting tomorrow and I think I’ll apply for Carrington as my top choice. Just wondering what the good non first choice halls are, that I can apply to?
 

Fili

Dentist 🦷
Moderator
Hello, halls apps are starting tomorrow and I think I’ll apply for Carrington as my top choice. Just wondering what the good non first choice halls are, that I can apply to?

Halls have most likely changed back when I went to Carrington in 2017, but at the time I chose Cumberland as one of my other choices. I didn't have a third option so I just chucked in Arana, knowing it's a first choice hall tbh.
 

harleyy

Lurker
Hiya,

Just wondering, does it it matter when I submit my application or can I submit it anytime before the final deadline in September?

Thanks :)
 

Jay75

Member
Hello! Can anyone check my Hall preferences! Would it be wise to put Hayward, Te Rangi, Cumberland as 1st, 2nd, 3rd choice halls respectively? Doing HSFY and so I am looking for good academic support but also somewhere that has a good hall community and social vibe.
Thank you!
 

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Hi guys! I was placed on the waitlist for halls a week or two after the first round of offers came out. I originally had a place at studholme through a foundation year scholarship that I decided to turn down as I didn't think a foundation year was right for me. Over the past few months I have reached out to many halls with no success as they are full.

I am still on the waitlist now but Ive heard more offers are made after ncea exam results come out. I have a list questions for anyone with similar experiences or any advice.

1. How likely is it to receive an offer between now and move in day
2. When do these offers start being sent out (the day results are released, a few days later, weeks later)
3. Do all halls usually have places to fill
4. Is it worth contacting halls or the accommodation office once results have been released
5. Is it possible to find out about free spots in the uniflats
6. Or is there anyone on here in there first or second year looking for a flat mate
 

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