
Housing Type
Move-in & Move-out
Tenancy
Compare
Wishlist
Didn't find what you were looking for?


best accommodation
Find the Best Student Accommodation near University of Otago
How Can Students Find University of Otago Accommodation?
Letâs be honestâif youâre moving to Dunedin for uni, figuring out where youâll live isnât just a practical taskâitâs everything. Most students say the hunt for accommodation kicks off the moment they get that offer letter from the University of Otago. Makes sense, right? A cozy place near campus with solid Wi-Fi and a half-decent view? Yeah, thatâs the dream. Now hereâs the thingâUniversity Living makes that dream surprisingly easy to lock in. Theyâve got a whole bunch of fully verified student accommodation in Dunedin. All the accommodations listed come with the stuff you actually need:
Fast Wi-Fi (obviously)
Laundry on-site
Quiet study lounges
Secure entry and maintenance teams who actually show up
Chill communal areas where you can eat, nap, repeat
As for the rent? Youâre looking at NZ$992 per week and up, depending on the setup. Most places bundle in utilitiesâwater, electricity, internetâwhich is a win. No messy bill-splitting arguments with flatmates. University Living also throws in stuff like cashback offers and seasonal discounts.
What Are the Benefits of Living in Off-Campus Accommodation Near the University of Otago?
Thinking of skipping the campus halls and going off-campus while studying at the University of Otago? Yeah, thatâs a move a lot of students makeâand honestly, for good reason. Off-campus accommodation in Dunedin isnât just about saving a few bucks (although letâs be real, that helps); itâs also about comfort, control, and living on your own terms. Letâs break down why going off-campus near Otago might just be the smartest choice you make all year:
Affordable Rent Options: Off-campus student housing near the University of Otago tends to be way more wallet-friendly than living in official campus halls. Some properties even throw in utility bills, whichâtrust meâmakes monthly budgeting so much easier.
Flexible Lease Terms: Youâre not stuck with one-size-fits-all contracts. Most off-campus places offer leases that match your uni scheduleâwhether it's a semester or full academic year. Wanna move in a bit earlier to settle in? Or bounce out after exams? Totally doable.
Prime Locations Near Campus: Most student accommodations are located right where you need them to be. Hot spots like North Dunedin, Opoho, and The Gardens put you near uni, cafes, takeaway joints, libraries, and yesâeven that late-night kebab place everyone ends up at after a night out.
More Freedom, More Privacy: Letâs be honestâdorm life isnât for everyone. Off-campus living gives you the space to breathe. Want to stay up late binge-watching Netflix? Cool. Need a quiet zone to cram for finals? You got it.
How Many Campuses Does the University of Otago Have?
The University of Otago isnât just based in Dunedin. Itâs actually a bit more spread out. While the main campus sits proudly in North Dunedin (right by the Leith River and minutes from student hotspots), Otago also has a few other centers across New Zealand. That means more flexibility for students in different regionsâand more options when it comes to picking your perfect place to stay.
Whether you're heading to the main campus for that classic university vibe or studying at one of the satellite locations, knowing where each campus is can really help when you're shortlisting student accommodation near Otago. Plus, some campuses are closer to local hospitals or business districtsâespecially handy for med and commerce students.
Following is the list of University of Otago Campuses:
University of Otago â Dunedin Campus
University of Otago â Christchurch Campus
University of Otago â Wellington Campus
University of Otago â Auckland Centre
University of Otago â Invercargill (Southland Campus)
What Are the Best Off-Campus University of Otago Student Housing Options?
Letâs be realâwhere you live during uni makes a huge difference. Whether youâre pulling all-nighters, binging Netflix on weekends, or hosting friends over for takeaway and laughs, your accommodation shapes your experience. And when it comes to finding the best off-campus housing near the University of Otago, University Living has done the heavy lifting for you.
Theyâve got a range of handpicked, verified student properties across Dunedinâclose to campus, safe, and fitted with all the essentials (plus a few unexpected perks). Below are some top picks that Otago students swear by:
1. 181 Dundas Street: This place is the definition of âclose to campus.â Itâs furnished, secure, and student-ready. Wi-Fi? Check. Heating? Essential in Dunedin wintersâalso check. Plus, thereâs a communal lounge for low-key hangouts or impromptu study sessions.
- Location: 181A Dundas Street, Dunedin North, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
- Room Types: Non Ensuites (NZ$992/week)
- Commute: Just a 5-minute walk to the University of Otago
2. 114 St David Street: Super modern interiors and great for students who want privacy without being isolated. You get on-site laundry, a fully equipped kitchen, bike storage, and swipe card entry for peace of mind. Oh, and the supermarket? Basically next door.
- Location: 114C Saint David Street, Dunedin North, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
- Room Types: Non Ensuites (NZ$1,250/week)
- Commute: Just a 7-minute walk to the University of Otago
What Should You Know About the University of Otago?
So youâre thinking of studying at the University of Otago? Good call. Whether you're knee-deep in applications or already daydreaming about your Dunedin flat, knowing a bit more about the uni itself will definitely help. From academic reputation to lifestyle perksâitâs got quite a lot going for it. And if youâre already browsing student accommodation near Otago? Even better.
Letâs dig into what makes this place such a popular pick for students from all over the world:
Founded in 1869, the University of Otago is New Zealandâs first and oldest university.
Located in Dunedin, Otago offers that rare mix of rich history and modern campus life. Think historic buildings, cutting-edge labs, and streets full of student cafĂŠs all in one place.
Ranked among the top 1% of universities globally, Otago shines in health sciences, humanities, business, and environmental studies.
According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, it holds a solid position at #234 globally, with an especially strong reputation in research and student satisfaction.
Home to over 21,000 students, including thousands of internationalsâitâs one of the most student-centric cities in the country. Youâll feel it the moment you walk around North Dunedin.
The university is also known for its world-class medical school and research-led teaching, which gives students plenty of opportunities to get involved in real-world projects and fieldwork.
What Is the Average Cost of Living for Students at the University of Otago?
Letâs cut to the chaseâDunedin is one of the most affordable student cities in New Zealand. Compared to places like Auckland or Wellington, youâre looking at noticeably lower rent, food, and transport costs. That said, donât let the word âaffordableâ fool you. It still takes smart budgeting to make your dollars stretch the whole semester.
Most Otago students spend anywhere between NZ$1,200 and NZ$1,600 per month, but that totally depends on your lifestyle. If you're sharing a flat in North Dunedin and cooking at home, youâll easily land on the lower end. If you're dinning out three times a week and hopping over to Queenstown every other weekendâwell, yeah, costs creep up fast.
How Much Are Tuition Fees at the University of Otago?
Now onto tuition. This really depends on what youâre studying, but hereâs the list:
If youâre an international undergrad, youâll be paying somewhere around NZ$29,000 to NZ$37,000 a year.
Masterâs programs (especially those that are coursework-heavy) can range between NZ$32,000 and NZ$41,000 annually.
Hereâs the cool bitâPhD students pay domestic-level fees, even if theyâre from overseas. That means just around NZ$7,500 a year, which is pretty unbeatable for a globally ranked university. Itâs one of the reasons Otago attracts so many doctoral candidates.
What Is the Total Yearly Cost of Living at the University of Otago?
Letâs do a quick estimate here. If you combine tuition, accommodation, food, and everything in between, youâre probably looking at:
Around NZ$43,000 to NZ$60,000 per year if youâre an undergrad or doing a Masterâs.
Roughly NZ$18,000 to NZ$26,000 per year for international PhD students, since tuitionâs much lower.
Of course, those numbers arenât set in stone. You could spend less if youâre a budget ninja or way more if youâre living large. Sharing a flat, meal prepping, walking everywhere, and taking advantage of Uni student discounts? Thatâll keep your costs in check. Living solo in a posh studio and eating out five days a week? Yeah, youâll feel it.
What Are the Best Areas to Live Near the University of Otago?
1. North Dunedin: Letâs be realâNorth Dunedin is the student zone. It's practically part of the university, with lecture halls, libraries, cafĂŠs, and supermarkets all within walking distance. It's ideal for students who donât want to waste time commuting and love being in the heart of the action.
- Vibe: Social, student-packed, and full of energy
- Rent Range: Typically between NZ$239 and NZ$320/week
- Commute to Campus: 5â10 minutes on foot, max
2. The Gardens: Want something close to uni but a little more laid back? The Gardens area is your sweet spot. It's named after the Dunedin Botanic Garden (yep, itâs beautiful), and itâs perfect if you like a more relaxed, green environment. Itâs still super student-friendly but has a more chilled-out vibe compared to the chaos of North D.
- Vibe: Quiet, green, slightly residential
- Rent Range: Around NZ$250âNZ$330/week, depending on the flat
- Commute to Campus: 10â15 minutes walking
3. Opoho: If youâre into views, hills, and quieter streets, it might be your spot. Itâs located a bit higher up, so yes, youâll get those Instagram-worthy sunsetsâbut be ready for a bit of a walk.
- Vibe: Peaceful, scenic, mostly residential
- Rent Range: From NZ$230/week and up, often cheaper for shared housing
- Commute to Campus: Roughly 15â20 minutes walking (or a short bus ride if itâs raining... again)
How Do Students Commute to the University of Otago from Nearby Student Accommodation?
The University of Otago is smack in the middle of Dunedinâs student zoneâmeaning youâre never far from campus, no matter where you stay. Most students live in nearby neighborhoods like North Dunedin, The Gardens, or Opoho, and the good news? Getting to class doesnât require a car, a complicated metro map, or a transit app with 20 filters. Honestly, commuting here is so easy that some students make it from their bed to a lecture theatre in under 10 minutes. (Yes, even with a coffee stop on the way.) Hereâs how most students get around:
- Walking: Letâs be realâwalking is the #1 way students get to Otago. The majority of off-campus accommodations are within a 5â15 minute walk from campus. No traffic. No delays. Just throw on a hoodie and youâre good to go.
- Biking: If you're staying a bit further outâlike in Opoho or South Dunedinâbiking is a solid option. Otago has decent bike paths, and most student flats have space to store your wheels.
- Bus: Dunedinâs local buses are reliable and affordable. If youâre living in places like Mornington, Andersons Bay, or South Dunedin, you might need to hop on a bus to get to campus. Most routes drop you off along George Street or near the central library, just steps from lecture halls. Fares are student-friendly, and thereâs a Bee Card you can top up for cheaper rides.
- E-Scooters: E-scooters (yep, the Lime ones youâve seen around) are gaining popularity with Otago students. Just unlock with an app, zoom to campus, and park it safely outside your building. Super convenient if youâre running late.
- Driving: Can you drive to uni? Sure. Should you? Eh, probably not. Parking near the University of Otago is limited, often paid, and honestly more hassle than itâs worth.