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Otago Halls of Residence

Hey everyone it seems like it’s that time of year again.

I am currently looking to apply to Carrington
College as my first choice hall. But I have no idea what to put as my 2nd and third. Does anyone have any ideas.

Also what is the environment like at Carrington and what are the rooms like, unfortunately didn’t go to open day so I have no idea whatsoever.

Another question is what should my application be like in order to get into Carrington for 2020.
 
Hey everyone it seems like it’s that time of year again.

I am currently looking to apply to Carrington
College as my first choice hall. But I have no idea what to put as my 2nd and third. Does anyone have any ideas.

Also what is the environment like at Carrington and what are the rooms like, unfortunately didn’t go to open day so I have no idea whatsoever.

Another question is what should my application be like in order to get into Carrington for 2020.
Hi, I am currently at Carrington!
Carrington has a really lovely environment, everyone is friendly and easy to talk to. We support each other through our uni work but we also go out plenty, in weekends it's not hard to find a group to go with. But if you're not into that sort of thing, there's also plenty of people who feel that way too and we have alcohol-free houses. The HTs/RAs organise lots of events and house/floor activities if you're looking to get involved, but once again there's never any pressure if you don't want to. Just overall it's a fun, social, and supportive environment.
The rooms are really variable depending on which house you're put into. We have both multi-floor dorm-style buildings and smaller houses, which tend to have larger bedrooms. The dorm style rooms are really nice and a pretty decent size, with good light, a heater, lots of storage etc. The rooms in the houses are generally larger but might not have as much storage. The dorm living is more social in my opinion, as there's often people out in the hallway to chat to, whereas the houses have less of those types of encounters.
I think Carrington generally just looks for people with involvement in school and extra-curricular activities, there's a lot of people here that have 'specialised' in something e.g. music, sport, drama, art. Also good grades are a big plus.

For 2nd and 3rd choices any of the non-competitive ones is good. So don't put Arana, Knox, St Margs, and Studholme (it's almost a 1st choice hall now too). Hayward and Te rangi are apparently getting more competitive but they're not first choice only yet as I know of so I think they'd be safe as 2nds. I have a friend at Te rangi and they love it, and obviously there's the added bonus of the ensuites.
 
Hey everyone it seems like it’s that time of year again.

I am currently looking to apply to Carrington
College as my first choice hall. But I have no idea what to put as my 2nd and third. Does anyone have any ideas.

Also what is the environment like at Carrington and what are the rooms like, unfortunately didn’t go to open day so I have no idea whatsoever.

Another question is what should my application be like in order to get into Carrington for 2020.

Hey! I went to Carrington last year and I imagine it hasn't changed at all since I was there haha, so here are my thoughts.
I think the environment definitely depends a bit on what area of the hall you're in and the people who are in your cohort. Carrington is made up of multiple different buildings called 'Flouses' and so you tend to stick with the people in your flouse (although there is certainly some mixing).
In my experience I absolutely loved Carrington, and found it to be a really lovely environment. It certainly is quite a study hall (we got that reputation somehow!) but everyone was really down to earth and friendly. Yes it's a health sci hall, but, for the most part, everyone is really supportive and helped each other through the year. Also the staff are so lovely and really make the effort to get to know each student as well which is amazing. There can also be a really fun atmosphere around the study rooms (especially in some of the tutorials they run - definitely worth going to them where you can)
Although it's generally a HSFY hall, there is quite a mix of majors and degrees, and so you definitely get a fun mix of personalities. Because of that, and also all the activities Carrington organizes, it's really easy to find a group of people you will click with (and also you become so familiar with everyone else as Carrington isn't that large either!)
Like I said, the flouses can be really variable and you can either get placed in a villa style building (variable room sizes and shapes) or on a floor in one of the more dorm like buildings. Some rooms are a bit on the smaller side but for the most part they're really great. Each room tends to have a desk, wardrobe, dresser, some kind of storage space, a light, a noticeboard, and a heater (if I remember correctly). And trust me the heaters are fab!
In terms of your application, I agree with cereal in that I think Carrington likes people who are a bit well-rounded and do extra-curriculars. I knew tons of people who had a musical background which was a bit random, but I would just say to put as much on your application as you can. I think Carrington is pretty good at accepting people who put it as their first choice.
And with choosing other halls, I would say don't put any of the other first choice halls on just in case you don't get Carrington. I heard that Te Rangi is pretty nice, but other than that it's totally up to preference about where you want to go. Definitely would recommend checking out the websites and other forums like this to get a better idea of the other halls.
All the best :)
 
I know a lot of people from my high school who went to Carrington. Carrington loves the musical kids.
 
I know it is a little early to ask, but what did you guys pack for the residential colleges. And what was it like on move-in day for you guys?
 
Hi, I am currently at Carrington!
Carrington has a really lovely environment, everyone is friendly and easy to talk to. We support each other through our uni work but we also go out plenty, in weekends it's not hard to find a group to go with. But if you're not into that sort of thing, there's also plenty of people who feel that way too and we have alcohol-free houses. The HTs/RAs organise lots of events and house/floor activities if you're looking to get involved, but once again there's never any pressure if you don't want to. Just overall it's a fun, social, and supportive environment.
The rooms are really variable depending on which house you're put into. We have both multi-floor dorm-style buildings and smaller houses, which tend to have larger bedrooms. The dorm style rooms are really nice and a pretty decent size, with good light, a heater, lots of storage etc. The rooms in the houses are generally larger but might not have as much storage. The dorm living is more social in my opinion, as there's often people out in the hallway to chat to, whereas the houses have less of those types of encounters.
I think Carrington generally just looks for people with involvement in school and extra-curricular activities, there's a lot of people here that have 'specialised' in something e.g. music, sport, drama, art. Also good grades are a big plus.

For 2nd and 3rd choices any of the non-competitive ones is good. So don't put Arana, Knox, St Margs, and Studholme (it's almost a 1st choice hall now too). Hayward and Te rangi are apparently getting more competitive but they're not first choice only yet as I know of so I think they'd be safe as 2nds. I have a friend at Te rangi and they love it, and obviously there's the added bonus of the ensuites.

If y’all want insider thoughts about carrington. Hit me up 🤙
 
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Hey still deciding what to put for my preferences has anyone got any thoughts on studholme and Caroline freeman and what they are like?
 
What are you currently looking for in a hall and what are your top 4 options?
I’m looking for a good mix and a smallish hall close to uni. I like to drink and wanna have a good time but I also wanna be able to crack down, I kinda messed round in level 2 and got merit but got pretty good extra-curriculars. Atm I was thinking 1:studholme 2:Caroline freeman 3:unicol for a safety net.
 
I’m looking for a good mix and a smallish hall close to uni. I like to drink and wanna have a good time but I also wanna be able to crack down, I kinda messed round in level 2 and got merit but got pretty good extra-curriculars. Atm I was thinking 1:studholme 2:Caroline freeman 3:unicol for a safety net.

Alright got you ... btw dw high school really doesn't matter too much ... my mate didn't even do NCEA level 1 and is doing a professional programme right now so it's chill
Tbvh, I haven't heard too many news about those halls apart from studholme which apparently doesn't have that good of food. I have heard some positive things about Hayward at the moment since they did some renovations.

I haven't been in a hall for a few years now so I don't know the current changes aka sorry I can't help that much
 
My accommodation status says Completed. Does anyone know what that means?

Haven't seen these in years but I would assume your application is all set up and you only need to wait for the University to get back to you regarding accommodation. This usually comes out way later in the year and you get emailed if you've been accepted in the halls of your choice.
 
Hey, I'm a current HSFY student (20 years old atm) and was flatting this year but actually want to go into a residential college next year, any recommendations?
 
Hey, I'm a current HSFY student (20 years old atm) and was flatting this year but actually want to go into a residential college next year, any recommendations?

Most halls cater for first years. Only a few hold a base of older students/returners. If your fine with being around 18 year olds then any of the halls would be fine really, depending on what kind of person you are.

Te Rangi Hiroa can attract students who are older and each room has it's own bathroom and kitchenette which must be nice.
St Margs attracts older students as well, it seems pretty solid. They have specific areas for older students (Senior common rooms etc) from what I have heard. They get cooked breakfast a lot apparently.
I would say either of those two would be your best choice.

Knox and Selwyn also have a number of returners, but they have a 'particular' culture that suits 'particular' people.
 
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