Otago University Students' Association president Logan Edgar said he was pleased the Union building would again host live acts during Re-Orientation Week. Ladyhawke and the band Kora are the two headlining acts playing in the building.
He said the upgraded facility would be an "amazing" asset to students, with a better connection to the Link building next door and more space for students to study.
A University of Otago spokesman said the cost of the project was expected to come in close to its $5.7 million budget. Work had progressed enough for it to be used as a venue for exams last month, he said.
Mr Edgar said the live acts playing at the Union building during re-orientation were only part of a diverse range of entertainment to welcome students back to the city next week.
He said re-orientation was a "good chance" for students, especially those from out of town, to catch up with friends before getting back in to study.
After the success of events at Forsyth Barr Stadium during Orientation Week at the start of the first semester, OUSA was returning to the stadium for the comedy night, starring Heath Franklin (Chopper Read ) and Paul Ego next Friday night.
Mr Edgar predicted the comedy night would be one of the more popular events of the week after a similar event was "amazingly successful" during Orientation Week.
Another highlight was the international food festival, which would have food stalls from 15 cultures.
Members of the public were able to buy tickets for all events.
