Moving to Dunedin to study? You’re in for one of New Zealand’s most iconic student experiences.
The city is famous for its student culture, and it helps that the University of Otago has one of the most accessible campuses in the country. With the campus just 10 minutes from the centre of town, student life and off-campus living tend to blend together pretty seamlessly.
In Dunedin, halls of residence, student flats, lectures, libraries, cafes, and late-night snack runs are all just a stone’s throw from one another. But to get the most out of the experience, you’ll need to choose the right house, the right location and, most importantly, the right flatmates.
Whether you’re a social butterfly looking to live on the best party street in town, or you’d rather live somewhere a little quieter and more study-friendly, this Dunedin student housing and flatting guide will help you figure out where to start.
Types of student housing in Dunedin
Not sure what type of accommodation will suit you best during your studies? Many students start off in a uni hall before moving into a multi-bedroom flat with friends or a smaller city-based apartment.
Year 1: University halls of residence
Halls of residence act as a stepping stone between life at home and the independence of moving into a flat. Most first-year students at Otago University choose to live in a university hall during their first year, for a few reasons:
- They ease the transition to independent living: Living in a hall gives you the comfort of coming home to cooked meals, with your own room and living expenses taken care of.
- They make it easier to make friends: The shared lounge and dining areas, as well as organised group activities, mean you have lots of opportunities to socialise and meet new people.
- They remove some of the risk of choosing a flat in Year 1: Instead of rushing into a tenancy with total strangers, it gives you time to meet people and make friends before signing a lease in Year 2.
Years 2+: Multi-bedroom student flats
Dunedin is famed for its flatting culture. You’ll find large, multi-bedroom flats that offer anywhere from 2 to 6 bedrooms throughout the city. This is the most popular option for students in the second year and beyond.
When moving into a student flat, you have 2 paths you can take. You can:
- Choose your crew: While it does take a lot more effort to set up your own flat with friends, it’s a great way to ensure you're living with people you get along with.
- Move into an established flat: This saves you the stress of buying furniture and setting up utility bills. It also gives you a group of people to connect with if you’re new in town.
Years 3–Postgrad: Small flats and apartments
While Dunedin is known for large flats, there are still plenty of smaller homes, townhouses, and apartments to choose from. They’re popular with:
- Students who value their space: If you’re more of a homebody or just prefer to party when you’re out, fewer flatmates means less noise and can make it easier to find flatmates who prefer a quieter vibe.
- Post-grads and older students: As 2-bedroom flats can be a bit more expensive, they’re ideal for those working part-time or anyone splitting costs as a couple.
Where to find student housing and live as a student in Dunedin
Where you live can play a massive role in your day-to-day student life, from proximity to campus to rental costs and social connections.
Check out our guide to the top university cities in New Zealand to learn the ins and outs of Dunedin’s student life.
North Dunedin
Home to the University of Otago, all Residential Halls and a large number of the city’s multi-bed flats, living in North Dunedin will give you that true scarfie experience. It’s ideal for students who want everything at their fingertips. But, be warned. This area is home to Dunedin’s most notorious party streets.
- Best for: Large, multi-bedroom flats and a party vibe
- Price: NZ$200–NZ$225 per bedroom per week
City Centre
Want to live close to everything but a bit further from street parties and noise? The city centre puts you in the middle of town, but still a 15–20 minute walk to class. While you won’t have on-street parking, you will have buses and an easy commute.
- Best for: Small flats and city living
- Price: NZ$200–NZ$230 per bedroom per week
North East Valley
This suburb is a 15-20 minute walk to university and comes with its own pros and cons. It’s quieter, there’s on-street parking and great buses that run to uni, plus you have a lot of amenities, such as shops and supermarkets. The cons are that it can be cold, especially on the flat side, as there isn’t a lot of sun, and if you live uphill, walking home can count as a leg day.
- Best for: Small-medium flats and a quiet vibe
- Price: NZ$188–NZ$230 per bedroom per week
South Dunedin
On the other side of town is South Dunedin. While you won’t be close to uni, you are close to bus links, supermarkets, and larger shops, which can make life easy. It’s also a quieter, cleaner part of town.
- Best for: Small to medium flats and cheaper rent
- Price: NZ$250 per bedroom per week
St Clair and St Kilda
These beach suburbs are further away but can be surprisingly popular locations for students in their final year. You’ll be close to cafes, restaurants, and some pumping surf. You’ll need a bus, bike, or car to get to campus.
- Best for: Proximity to the beach and students with cars
- Price: NZ$230 per bedroom per week
How to secure a flat as a group looking for a house
Most students go home over the uni holidays (November to February), so it’s important to secure a flat for the following year early on. If you’re looking for a flat for next year with a group, make sure you:
- Start looking early: June–August is always a good time – it’s before everyone knuckles down for exams and gives you a couple of months to search without feeling panicked.
- Don’t sign onto the first flat you see: Unfortunately, Dunedin is known for having some pretty notorious flats that are cold, damp, and mouldy. A cheap room loses its charm fast when your window doesn’t close properly and your socks feel damp in July. Starting early lets you take your time.
- Know your rights: The Healthy Homes Act requires all homes to have insulation (unless exempt) and heating in the main living area. It also needs adequate ventilation in the kitchen and bathroom. Unused fireplaces should also be closed off.
- Use the right platforms: TradeMe is the easiest way to find flats to view. While there are many different letting companies around (like Otago Flats and Prime Campus), the vast majority of flats are posted to TradeMe anyway.
How to secure a flat as a student looking for a room
Start looking for a room anywhere from 2–4 weeks before you need to move in. If you need a room at the start of the year, the best time to look is in September or October, as many students leave for their summer break in November.
- Start your search online: Use TradeMe or Facebook pages like Dunedin Flatmates Wanted or Roomie to search for flats. Roomie also lets you post a profile for people to find you.
- Don’t forget to ask around: Use university noticeboards or ask people that you know if they have friends looking.
- Take your time: It’s easy to feel panicked when looking for a flat, but Dunedin actually has plenty of accommodation to go around. It’s better to find a flat that you like than sign up for the first thing you see.
What to consider before signing a Dunedin flatting agreement
Dunedin flatting has its own unique quirks. Whether you’re looking at houses, friends, or sitting down for a flat interview with potential housemates, make sure you understand:
- The utilities: You’ll need to understand how much the utility bills are on average, and how they’ll be split. Are you paying into a flat account each week or splitting the bill when it arrives?
- Bedroom pricing: If you’re setting up a flat, you’ll need a plan for how you’re pricing each room. If you’re moving into a flat, ask what the total rent is or how each room is priced.
- Chores and cleaning: Make a plan, or ask about how you’ll share cooking or cleaning supplies and who is responsible for which tasks. A cleaning roster might not sound exciting, but neither does discovering a mystery pot in the sink during exam week.
- Heating usage: While your flat must have a heater in the lounge, make sure you understand how you and your flatmates feel about actually running it with the added electricity costs. It’s worth having this chat before winter, and not during the first electricity bill panic.
- Noise and socialising: Make sure you understand how your flatmates like to socialise. Everyone has a different idea of how often friends should come over and what constitutes a ‘party.’
- Moving out mid-year: Make sure you have a plan or understand the process for what happens when someone needs to move out before the lease ends. Are they responsible for finding a new flatmate, or do they simply give notice and leave?
Moving into your Dunedin student flat
Finding the right student flat in Dunedin is a big part of settling into uni life. Once you’ve worked out your budget, chosen your suburb, and signed the flatting agreement, the next step is getting your stuff there without turning move-in day into a group-project disaster.
That’s where Wise Move comes in. Whether you’re moving out of a hall, shifting into your first student flat, or bringing furniture down to Dunedin from another city, you can book trusted student moving teams who know how to handle the heavy lifting.
From boxes and bedding to desks, drawers, and second-hand couches, Wise Move makes it easier to move into your Dunedin flat and start the year feeling organised. Book your Dunedin student mover and get settled without the stress.
Want to live close to everything but a bit further from street parties and noise? The city centre puts you in the middle of town, but still a 15–20 minute walk to class. While you won’t have on-street parking, you will have buses and an easy commute.
These beach suburbs are further away but can be surprisingly popular locations for students in their final year. You’ll be close to cafes, restaurants, and some pumping surf. You’ll need a bus, bike, or car to get to campus.
Finding the right student flat in Dunedin is a big part of settling into uni life. Once you’ve worked out your budget, chosen your suburb, and signed the flatting agreement, the next step is getting your stuff there without turning move-in day into a group-project disaster.
