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University of Otago

University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand
3.95 / 5 based on 102 reviews.

Reviews
International Partners
Programmes
Accreditations
91% of students recommend
102 reviews
Housing
4.0/5
 All experiences (102)
Student life
4.3/5
 5 stars (30)
Academic
3.9/5
 4 stars (54)
Languages
4.2/5
 3 stars (12)
Expenses
3.8/5
 2 stars (0)
Overall
4.2/5
 1 star (6)
“My advice would be to get involved at the school, whatever your interests, there is somwthing for you. There are tons of clubs and societies, and activities to participate in. Some international students can get into a habit of only associating with other international students, but you should make the effort to meet the Kiwis, even if it seems a bit difficult.” Read Review
jillianjiggs, Canada

University of Otago review by Jill

Review by Jill, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Literature, University Agreement
HOUSING    
Personal assessment
Cost
KEY:
Couldn't have asked for more.
Pretty good.
Could've been better, but didn't lessen the overall experience.
Disappointing.
Facilities
Location
Cleanliness
Space
Type of housing: On campus
Arranged by: Host university
If returning, I would choose: On campus
Why? As an exchange student it is important to be fully immersed in the university environment, and this is the way to do it. Living on campus is great for getting involved in things and meeting new people!
Personal comments:
Housing was great here. I lived in a housing area of other international students in a flat with four others. All the housing was near the university and was in good condition.
This review is the opinion of an iAgora member, and not of iAgora itself
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STUDENT LIFE    
Personal social experience
Activities
KEY:
Amazing! Hardly had time to study.
Plenty to do when I had the time.
So-so.
Did not get involved.
Nightlife
Travel
Overall
Describe host city: Student life dominates the city
Activities, Nightlife: Takes place mostly within the university/student environment
Travel: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment
Personal comments:
Dunedin is truely a student town. There are so many great cafes along George St that can't be missed. For a good time at night head to Robby Burns for a quiet jazz night, or The Bowler for a few drinks and a dance. There is always some event going on in this town, from live bands to school-wide toga parties ... there is never a dull moment.
This review is the opinion of an iAgora member, and not of iAgora itself
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ACADEMIC       3.0 / 5
My academic experiences
Quality of courses
KEY:
Fantastic.
Pretty good.
Could've been a bit better.
Disappointing.
Variety of courses
Availability/access to resources
Interaction with teachers
Interaction with other international students
Interaction with local students
Course recommendations:



My opinion of the university assessment
Exams at end of course
KEY:
Liked it.
It was alright.
A bit annoying.
Didn't like it.
Exams throughout the course
Essays and/or projects at the end of course.
Essays and/or projects throughout the course
Overall
Personal comments:
none

This review is the opinion of an iAgora member, and not of iAgora itself
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Language difficulties
Social
KEY:
No problems.
I coped pretty well.
Sometimes it was difficult.
It was a constant struggle.
Educational
Administrative / Institutional
Overall
Language of instruction: English
Was learning English a key decision factor?
No, it wasn't.
Personal comments:
I had no problems with language at my host university because it was the my native language
This review is the opinion of an iAgora member, and not of iAgora itself
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EXPENSES    
The accessibility of student needs
Second-hand text books
KEY:
Very easy.
Minimal effort.
Accessible but required effort.
Almost impossible.
Second-hand household items
Computers / Internet
Administrative
Money from home
Main source of funding:
Government assistance
Other sources of funding:
Personal savings
Work opportunities:
It was not legal for me to work
Personal spending habits:
The only main difference was traveling expenses. I spent this money because I was in a different country and wanted to explore and see it for all it offered.
Travel, Housing: was more expensive than at home.
Nightlife, Overall, Telephone: was the same price as at home.
Food: was less expensive than at home.
Personal comments:
Try to find other international students who are leaving when you are coming, they will always have cheap furniture, bedding, and other stuff that you need.
This review is the opinion of an iAgora member, and not of iAgora itself
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OVERALL    
Important to choosing this university...
Academic reasons
KEY:
Very Important.
Important.
Not really important.
Unimportant.
Culture
Costs
Activities
Campus life
Party / people
Weather / Location
I wish I had known...
That it is very cold in Dunedin. Bring lots of warm clothes.
In my opinion:
Most people loved it.



During my experience abroad, I ...
Became familiar with another culture
KEY:
Happened all the time.
Happened quite a lot.
Happened a bit.
Didn't happen.
Traveled
Improved language skills
Met people from other countries
Became more independent
Partied a lot
Experienced a change in life
Advanced my studies/career
Personal recommendation:
Otago is great if you're looking for a good time and enjoy the social life. It is also very beautiful and plenty of opportunities to get involved. If academics is the important thing to you, it may not be the place for you.



FINAL COMMENTS

My advice would be to get involved at the school, whatever your interests, there is somwthing for you. There are tons of clubs and societies, and activities to participate in. Some international students can get into a habit of only associating with other international students, but you should make the effort to meet the Kiwis, even if it seems a bit difficult.
This review is the opinion of an iAgora member, and not of iAgora itself
Was this review useful?   Yes · No


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