Law and science student Jack Bisset was found dead at City College on Cumberland at 2.45pm on Saturday, after suffering complications from an epileptic seizure.
His father, Donovan, who spoke to the Otago Daily Times and shared a statement, said the family - he, his wife Angela, and Jack's two younger brothers, Henry and James - were shocked at the news.
''He was a very special boy and it's a very sad time,'' Mr Bisset said.
The family travelled from Auckland to ''bring him home'', arriving in Dunedin yesterday afternoon.
Jack had recently been diagnosed with epilepsy and the coroner yesterday confirmed he died after a seizure.
''He was only 17 and was having an absolutely wonderful time and loving Dunedin,'' Mr Bisset said.
Rather than going home for the mid-term break, Jack had stayed at the college over Easter to work on assignments.
Mr Bisset thanked the university, City College and police for their support, saying they had ''all been fantastic''.
In a statement on behalf of the family, Mr Bisset said they received the ''horrific news'' on Saturday that Jack had died in his sleep while in his dorm room.
''He had just started on his next great life journey at Otago studying conjoint law and science.
''It was going well, he was loving Otago and all the challenges of first-year university.
''We are absolutely devastated that our loving and caring son who had so much potential and life yet to live has been taken from us so soon.''
The funeral would be held in Albany, north of Auckland, on Saturday.
Student services director Karyn Thomson said the university was offering support to students at the college and expressed the university's condolences to Jack's family.
''We are saddened by the early death of a young man with such promise and offer our deepest sympathies to his family. Our thoughts are with them.
''We held a meeting today with residents at City College to offer ongoing support,'' Ms Thomson said.
Head of college Andy Walne personally contacted students closest to Jack and contact had also been made with all other residents.
Fellow students mourned Jack's death on social media, one person saying he was a ''quiet guy, but a great one''.
