The Dunedin climate can be very cold during winter, with overnight temperatures often falling to below zero. Many houses in New Zealand are not as well insulated as what you will be used to, and are not centrally heated. It is therefore essential that you bring plenty of warm clothing with you.
To help keep you warm in the University Flats, the living areas (lounge and kitchen) are equipped with a heat pump (air-conditioner) or another form of electric heating. If used correctly, heat pumps are 50 per cent more efficient to run than a normal space heater.
All bedrooms have individual heating – either a portable space heater or a wall-mounted unit. These provide a good amount of heat, but they may struggle to heat some of the larger bedrooms. Wheat bags and hot water bottles are a good way to keep warm at night.