The city welcomes students, offering them a safe and friendly environment. University facilities are within a few minutes' walk of each other and of student housing areas. It is possible to start in either semester, although most courses can be commenced from the first semester only. The University helps students find suitable places to live. The majority of first year students at Otago choose to live in managed accommodation.
Houses are also available for students who wish to live on their own, or with a partner or family.
Student Services Low cost medical and counselling services. The University's libraries house over 1.3 million volumes, and have fully computerised online search facilities. Computer laboratories are available plus a range of services including computer-assisted learning and data entry. A well-equipped gymnasium and facilities for an enormous range of hobby activities. The Students' Association provides many social and sporting events, a newspaper, and a radio station.