Otago Halls of Residence

[frootloop]

Hi everyone. This thread is getting incredibly self-repeating. The merits of every college have been discussed at length, so asking 'What does everyone think of my choices' is just cluttering the thread. If people could please at least have a quick read over the thread before posting, that'd be great

 

[Facebook]

so asking... XYZ... is just cluttering the thread.

Yeah, what do you think this is? A discussion forum?

 

[frootloop]

Sigh. Discussion is encouraged/welcomed. But asking questions which have been asked and answered countless times before, is not discussion.

As with pretty much every forum on teh internetz, the general idea is that we'd prefer people to read around before firing off questions. Not really an unreasonable request.

(Also, just to be pedantic, in your quote you've kind of cut out.... the point of my post. I have no problem with questions. I take issue with the constant 'What does everyone think of my choices'. For example, the person with a physical disability asking which hall would suit them best = valid question. Generic 'Should I put St Margs first or Carrington fist?' = sigh)

 

[ahsfan]

What kind of answers do they look for when they ask why this college is my first preference? and when they say list your interests what kind of interests do they want to know? thanks!

 

[inflow]

I think they are not so much looking for the right answer considering you only have a sentence to write in, they are more looking for the wrong answer - so just be honest. And in terms of interests, they are looking primarily at activities that you could contribute to hall life, namely sports and musical instruments - but add other things *if* you are actually interested in them.

 

[chaucolai]

Transfer student

Hey guys,
Just had a fun few hours reading through this full thread it's answered many questions, but raised a few others.
To start - I'm kinda intruding here as a Bcom student, however this has been a really handy thread and seems to have a lot of information on halls.
I'm in my first year at Auckland right now, but it's not for me and I'm looking at moving down. I've read accounts from one other second year student and the consensus seems to be that it's unlikely and that you're better off applying to the privately owned colleges (I can't find a list of what's privately owned and what's uni owned, though..)

Being honest - what are my chances at getting into a hall? I received good results in NCEA (excellence for levels 1 & 2, merit L3 but with 2/5 subjects exc endorsed) and have gotten good results so far at Akl (A+, A and 2 Bs - GPA of 6.75, so not fantastic but not terrible). I run my own small business and I'm heavily involved in the horse community, but I'm not particularly sporty and tbh I have nothing for 'community'.
I'm after probably the exact opposite of many on this thread, so I'm hoping that would help me - social, partying halls that town often and are close/able to walk to to places (sick of my hour+ bus ride in Akl).

On my 'positive' list include...

• CityCol - a friend lives there this year and when I went down, I really enjoyed staying there - though probably not first choice as I don't want to feel like I'm stalking her around haha
• Toroa - I like the idea of flat-style living (tbh I'm after something that can baby me while I make the transition to real-flats) and potentially near said friends flat next year.
• Hayward? All I really know about it is large rooms.
• potentially Te Rangi (although it seems less social due to the individual rooms?)
• Cumberland - apparently caters more PE/commerce, though doesn't matter as I won't be sharing many classes anyway - also someone on here said The only college I've ever heard of taking second-year non-returners is Cumberland" which gives me hope
• Studholme - apparently very friendly
• UniCol - appealed to me at first, but from reading this thread, I'll be unlikely to get in as it's university-owned and takes mostly first years

I'm definitely not interested in Knox, St Margs, Selwyn or probably Carrington - so hopefully that makes it a little less competitive as from what I can tell those are the popular ones!

If anyone could help me, I'd be forever in your debt!

Why halls not flats?
[OFFTOPIC] as no doubt someone will ask - as everyone who I've talked to already seems to have
I'm a scared little girl who's never lived out of home in her life. I have limited experience in living at home while my family has been away for several weeks, but I can't cook for shit and I can be terribly messy and if possible I don't want to force others to deal with me in the first year. I also like the whole idea of it and it seems more social. I'm hoping that (if I get in) the fact that I'm second year won't be as bad as I'll be around the same age (late Feb birthday) and from my mates experiences she didn't always go to uni classes with people from her flat as they were all these damn healthscis. I dunno, I'm willing to pay the extra amount to get catered food and a little bit of babying.[/OFFTOPIC]

 

[stevo140]

Hey guys,
Just had a fun few hours reading through this full thread it's answered many questions, but raised a few others.
To start - I'm kinda intruding here as a Bcom student, however this has been a really handy thread and seems to have a lot of information on halls.
I'm in my first year at Auckland right now, but it's not for me and I'm looking at moving down. I've read accounts from one other second year student and the consensus seems to be that it's unlikely and that you're better off applying to the privately owned colleges (I can't find a list of what's privately owned and what's uni owned, though..)

Being honest - what are my chances at getting into a hall? I received good results in NCEA (excellence for levels 1 & 2, merit L3 but with 2/5 subjects exc endorsed) and have gotten good results so far at Akl (A+, A and 2 Bs - GPA of 6.75, so not fantastic but not terrible). I run my own small business and I'm heavily involved in the horse community, but I'm not particularly sporty and tbh I have nothing for 'community'.
I'm after probably the exact opposite of many on this thread, so I'm hoping that would help me - social, partying halls that town often and are close/able to walk to to places (sick of my hour+ bus ride in Akl).

On my 'positive' list include...

• CityCol - a friend lives there this year and when I went down, I really enjoyed staying there - though probably not first choice as I don't want to feel like I'm stalking her around haha
• Toroa - I like the idea of flat-style living (tbh I'm after something that can baby me while I make the transition to real-flats) and potentially near said friends flat next year.
• Hayward? All I really know about it is large rooms.
• potentially Te Rangi (although it seems less social due to the individual rooms?)
• Cumberland - apparently caters more PE/commerce, though doesn't matter as I won't be sharing many classes anyway - also someone on here said The only college I've ever heard of taking second-year non-returners is Cumberland" which gives me hope
• Studholme - apparently very friendly
• UniCol - appealed to me at first, but from reading this thread, I'll be unlikely to get in as it's university-owned and takes mostly first years

I'm definitely not interested in Knox, St Margs, Selwyn or probably Carrington - so hopefully that makes it a little less competitive as from what I can tell those are the popular ones!

If anyone could help me, I'd be forever in your debt!

Hey Chaucolai,

I disagree that private Colleges are easier to get into and are better. The private Colleges are St Mags, Selwyn, Knox, Salmond, City Col. Salmond and City Col relatively easy to get into but the others aren't (though Knox is slowly becoming easier). I definitely wouldn't make your choices based on Private or Uni owned. Each Uni owned College has its own identity.

You've got very good chances of getting into a College with your grades. Just make your picks wisely.

If you want close to town and a party type of College then I would say Cumberland would be your best bet. 5 min walk to town. As long as you're not concerned about the quality of your bedroom, you'll be OK there. They probably have the smallest and crappiest rooms going round. Hayward is next door to Cumby but slightly harder to get into. If you want nicer rooms then you could go Hayward 1 and Cumberland 2. You should still get into Cumby with a #2 pick.

Hope this helps.

 

[chaucolai]

I disagree that private Colleges are easier to get into and are better. The private Colleges are St Mags, Selwyn, Knox, Salmond, City Col. Salmond and City Col relatively easy to get into but the others aren't (though Knox is slowly becoming easier). I definitely wouldn't make your choices based on Private or Uni owned. Each Uni owned College has its own identity.

Thank you! I was just basing that off the idea that the uni-owned ones apparently have caps on the amount of non-first-years that they take in.

If you want close to town and a party type of College then I would say Cumberland would be your best bet. 5 min walk to town. As long as you're not concerned about the quality of your bedroom, you'll be OK there. They probably have the smallest and crappiest rooms going round. Hayward is next door to Cumby but slightly harder to get into. If you want nicer rooms then you could go Hayward 1 and Cumberland 2. You should still get into Cumby with a #2 pick.

Thank you, that's really helpful. Will definitely put it in my list! While I'm trying my best to research (and heavily relying on bothering my mate to give me a general idea), it's kinda difficult when stuck up here in Auckland

edit: right now, I'm looking mainly at 1. Toroa 2. CityCol and haven't really thought of a third option here. Toss up between Cumberland (tho I hear that's competitive), Aquinas (not so fond of it being far away) or maybe Salmond (also far, apparently). Any thoughts, especially on Toroa?

 

[stevo140]

right now, I'm looking mainly at 1. Toroa 2. CityCol and haven't really thought of a third option here. Toss up between Cumberland (tho I hear that's competitive), Aquinas (not so fond of it being far away) or maybe Salmond (also far, apparently). Any thoughts, especially on Toroa?

- Cumberland is not competitive.
- Aquinas is far away (~15 min from Uni, 25 min from town) but they're the only College with a free shuttle service during the day. Aquinas have pretty good facilities and a balanced community.
- Salmond not as far away (~10 min from Uni, 20 min from town) but no shuttles. Rooms aren't great but amazing common areas, and i reckon one of the best locations (close to supermarket, right beside the botanic gardens etc)
- The downside with Toroa is you have to walk to Uni to get your lunches and dinners. Sucks if it's dark and raining. It also doesn't have the collegiality of some other Colleges due to their flats and not a dorm style accommodation.
- City Col would be a good pick for what you've talked about. Very social, good location albeit loud.

 

[zephyrm]

hi
im am really finding it hard to decide between Selwyn and Carrington as my first choice.
i am a school prefect, secretary of headmasters welfare committee, asian cultural group leader, play badminton, handball, librarian etc etc etc
i do CIE exams and have good A grades in AS Level
also i come from auckland grammar school which is quite traditional so thats why im really attracted to selwyn
i honestly dont know which one to choose, can anyone who has been to these colleges tell me a bit more about them and help me decide?
also i was thinking of putting Hayward 2nd and no idea what to put third...
is hayward one of the colleges who only accept 1st choicers?
Thanks heaps in advance

 

[inflow]

I can not tell you anything regarding Selwyn but I can about Carrington.

If you are mainly focused on academics, but still enjoy extracurricular activities then Carrington would be suited to you. It is made up of several different houses so it is not as "hall-like" as other residences. It is quite close to Uni (I'm not sure how far Selwyn is); and from what I have heard from friends at other halls the food is probably the best.

I'm not sure what else there is to say really, but if you want some specifics you can ask me some more questions or PM me

 

[stevo140]

hi
also i was thinking of putting Hayward 2nd and no idea what to put third...
is hayward one of the colleges who only accept 1st choicers?
Thanks heaps in advance

Hayward, most recently, has not accepted applicants beyond the first round. So it could be a wasted pick at #2 this year.
Selwyn is definitely one of the more traditional Colleges. Them and Knox. But Knox is going through a lot of changes so I'd lean towards Selwyn over Knox. Carrington is a good College also, except not as traditional as Selwyn.

 

[stevo140]

Which Colleges fill up in First Round?

I thought it'd be helpful to provide an updated list of what Colleges fill up in the first round as it seems the question gets asked many times. Naturally it's hard to find solid, statistical evidence, but word of mouth and anecdotal evidence can paint a pretty good picture. Feel free to suggest modifications to this list:

The reason this is important is so you don't waste your picks and put these Colleges down as #2 or #3 on your application.

- Note, this doesn't necessarily mean these first choice Colleges are better. What you see online doesn't always paint the best picture.
- Also note that this list can change from year to year (but not too much).
- Also note that this doesn't mean you need to choose one of these first choice Colleges as #1. They're not for everybody. A lot of the second list Colleges are actually pretty mean.

FIRST CHOICE COLLEGES:
Arana (I've heard they have 4 times the number of applicants to beds)
Carrington (well above the threshold also)
Hayward (a recent addition to this list)
Selwyn (partially because they have such a high returners rate)
St Margarets (though I understand their popularity is declining and they may drop from this list)
Te Rangi Hiroa (not popular last year, but I understand their ensuite factor has given them a surge in popularity this year)

OTHER COLLEGES:
Aquinas
Cumberland/Courts
Studholme (probably gets the closest of the remaining Colleges to the first choice list)
Unicol
Toroa
Salmond
Knox
City College

 

[frootloop]

[MENTION=17599]stevo140[/MENTION] , mind if I put a copy of that on the front page of the thread?

 

[chaucolai]

Okay, so I've made my choices - Citycol/cumby/toroa for my three. All of them fit within the 'other colleges' (not first-choice-only) category, so I'm happy with that! haha

Any tips/hints on the interests 'mini essay'? I know it's something we're meant to do but I really want to give it a great shot to hopefully overcome the fact I'm not a first year.

 

[hibuds]

hi
im am really finding it hard to decide between Selwyn and Carrington as my first choice.
i am a school prefect, secretary of headmasters welfare committee, asian cultural group leader, play badminton, handball, librarian etc etc etc
i do CIE exams and have good A grades in AS Level
also i come from auckland grammar school which is quite traditional so thats why im really attracted to selwyn
i honestly dont know which one to choose, can anyone who has been to these colleges tell me a bit more about them and help me decide?
also i was thinking of putting Hayward 2nd and no idea what to put third...
is hayward one of the colleges who only accept 1st choicers?
Thanks heaps in advance

Honestly go to selwyn! I'm there this year, you'll definitely get in! Its the best place to do HSFY, lots of returners in med for help this year! Definitely work hard play hard environment, you can get very good grades but still have a loose time! Not competitive at all amongst the HSFY's which carrington might be! also WAY closer to lectures!! Carrinton is a nice hall and everyone there seems lovely but selwyn really is the best in my opinion!!!

Put cumby before City col.

 

[chaucolai]

I would way prefer to be at citycol than Cumberland, tbh (atmosphere looks great and I enjoyed my visit to a mate there). Unless it seriously hurts my chances, then I might swap out Cumby with something else haha. (assume that was for me [MENTION=18337]gkat[/MENTION])

With the "Tell us about yourself, what you have been doing this year, your academic goals and list your interests." thing should I be mentioning my marks from this year? (so far quite good - ~7GPA)? How do you write it? Oh no so much pressure haha

 

[zephyrm]

Honestly go to selwyn! I'm there this year, you'll definitely get in! Its the best place to do HSFY, lots of returners in med for help this year! Definitely work hard play hard environment, you can get very good grades but still have a loose time! Not competitive at all amongst the HSFY's which carrington might be! also WAY closer to lectures!! Carrinton is a nice hall and everyone there seems lovely but selwyn really is the best in my opinion!!!

Put cumby before City col.

haha [MENTION=18337]gkat[/MENTION] youve sold me. definately putting selwyn as my number one
hopefully ill get in and if you return see you there!
yeah i wanna study hard but also have a good time doing it and selwyn sounds like the perfect place
i was quite worried about the number of hsfy guys at selwyn cause i heard there wasnt many in the past few years? but youve cleared all that up now hahah thanks heaps man

haha sorry [MENTION=18263]inflow[/MENTION] ive always had a soft spot for more traditional colleges but thanks for the info about carry
id really appreciate it if we could talk a bit about the scholarships (i heard you got one?) but still building up to my 10 post thing till i can PM

 

[stevo140]

@stevo140 , mind if I put a copy of that on the front page of the thread?

sure thing!

 

[inflow]

haha @gkat youve sold me. definately putting selwyn as my number one
hopefully ill get in and if you return see you there!
yeah i wanna study hard but also have a good time doing it and selwyn sounds like the perfect place
i was quite worried about the number of hsfy guys at selwyn cause i heard there wasnt many in the past few years? but youve cleared all that up now hahah thanks heaps man

haha sorry @inflow ive always had a soft spot for more traditional colleges but thanks for the info about carry
id really appreciate it if we could talk a bit about the scholarships (i heard you got one?) but still building up to my 10 post thing till i can PM

Which ones are you going for?