Most commonly asked questions by international students:
Question:
How do I get into my flat upon arrival?
Answer:
There is 24/7 access available to uplift your flat keys - no matter what time you arrive in Dunedin you should visit the University Flats Office, located at 100 St David St.
If you arrive outside these hours or when the Office is operating normal hours there is an instruction at the University Flats Office that will still allow your keys to be issued.
Question:
What sort of things do you recommend I should bring with me?
Answer:
The Dunedin climate can be very cold, so good warm clothing is essential. Our flats, although equipped with heaters are not centrally heated so you may find our inside temperatures cooler than at home. Whilst we supply linen/bedding we also recommend that you bring a good quality sleeping bag as this can be used when you are travelling around New Zealand and also supplements as additional bedding on those cooler nights! It is important too to bring any essential medications with you and if you have any queries about this please contact us.
Question:
What is the flat like?
Answer:
Lounge, dining/kitchen and bathroom are shared with the other students in your flat. They are furnished and have a basic kitchen set-up i.e. pots, dinnerware, cutlery etc. All bedrooms have a double bed, mattress, drawers, desk and chair. Bedrooms are allocated to one student only, there are no shared rooms. Couples and families are allocated their own flats.
Question:
What else should I know?
Answer:
- The flats do not have central heating.
- Most flats have a heat pump. If not, other electric heating is provided for the common area.
- Heaters are provided for each bedroom.
- You will be expected to take your turn to cook and do housework.
- If you have any problems, you should talk to the University Flats staff.
- You are required to pay for the full term of your residence contract irrespective of how many nights you actually stay. There will be no exceptions.
Question:
What is the price range for flats?
Answer:
Refer to the University Flats residential fees page
Question:
What is the term of the Residence Agreement?
Answer:
Refer to the Contract periods page
Question:
How do I pay?
Answer:
Refer to the Payment options page
Question:
Is there a Bond?
Answer:
No, there is no bond.
Question:
Is there a Deposit?
Answer:
There is no deposit.
Question:
How does the internet work and is there a monthly usage limit?
Answer:
Refer to the University Flats internet page
Question:
What furnishings are supplied?
Answer:
Flats are fully furnished. You must use the furniture UniFlats provided.
Common areas: lounge seating, table and chairs, oven (cooker), microwave, fridge/freezer, basic kitchen set up (e.g. cutlery, dinnerware, toaster, kettle), washing machine, dryer.
Bedroom: double size bed, mattress, set of drawers, desk and chair.
Question:
Are the flats in complexes or are they houses with their own grounds?
Answer:
There are a number of complexes (varying from 5 to 9 units) with the remaining properties generally houses, some with their own grounds.
Question:
Do we get to choose our international students?
Answer:
No - University Flats staff match students based on your completed accommodation application. So the accurate completion of this, especially the additional information page, is very important. Specify big "likes" and big "dislikes". The more information that you give us, will help match you to compatible flatmates.
Question:
How long do international students stay?
Answer:
Most of our international residents will be coming to Otago for just one semester. Kiwi Hosts will therefore have a new set of flatmates each semester – a small number of international students stay for two semesters.
Our international students are around 20 years of age and are often nearing the end of their undergraduate degrees.
Question:
Do I have a Kiwi Host?
Answer:
Whilst every effort is made to have a Kiwi Host in each commencing and exchange undergraduate flat, this is not always possible. So a small number of these flats may only have international students.
Question:
Is the bedding included in the rent?
Answer:
For all UniFlats students (including international students and Kiwi Host), the bedding pack hire is included in the semester charge and will be in your room upon arrival.
Prior to departure from your flat, please repack the bedding into the bag and leave it in your bedroom.
The bedding package contains:
- 2 pillows
- 2 pillow protectors
- 1 fitted sheet
- 1 flat sheet
- 2 pillowcases
- 1 duvet (comforter) inner
- 1 duvet (comforter) cover
- 1 lightweight blanket
All items are professionally laundered.
Question:
Do I have my own bedroom?
Answer:
Bedrooms are allocated to one student only, there are no shared rooms. For your safety all bedrooms can be locked with our secure unique key system, your main door key will also open your bedroom door only.
Question:
Is there a close off date for applications?
Answer:
For commencing first year residents, the close off date will co-inside with the Residential College close off date, which is normally late-September
For semester one exchange students all applications received before 1 November will be processed in the first round of placements
For semester two exchange students all applications received before 15 May will be processed in the first round of placements
Question:
Is there a Selection Policy?
Answer:
Yes – there is a separate selection policy for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
See the University Flats Handbook for full details.
Question:
How do I apply to be a Kiwi Host?
Answer: