Dunedin emergency response commander Inspector Alastair Dickie said extra staff would be on patrol in and around the campus area to ensure things were "orderly and don't get out of hand".
With Dunedin getting busier and events under way, he had a simple message for students: "Engage the brain or experience the pain".
If students were going to be "silly" they would be dealt with through the courts and could breach the University of Otago code of conduct.
"They have come here to learn, but if they do get involved in silly behaviour there could be serious effects on how they progress in their careers."
The police would work in conjunction with the proctor and Dunedin District Licensing Authority agents to encourage responsible drinking.
Licensing authority co-ordinator Kevin Mechen said the agency would promote the responsible message.
"We want people to have a good time, but be responsible with it."
Licensing inspector Tony Mole had been talking with liquor licensees reminding them of their obligations and would keep an eye on them over the next two weeks to ensure promotions were within guidelines, he said.
