A large number of students spend their first year at Otago University living in a residential college. Emily Menkes went to find out why.
The University of Otago is famous for its halls, with roughly 15% of the overall student population living in residential colleges.
The students have a choice of 13 fully catered halls, along with Toroa International House, a self-catering hall.
Each residential college has its own reputation, merit and appeal to varying types of students.
"The people make the hall, so it depends on the type of people you identify more easily with" said Margaret Wixon (18), a Salmond College resident.
The hall's appeal can depend on its atmosphere (usually social or studious) and its proximity to university. Some allow both university and polytechnic students, giving an even wider variety of people.
"Everyone loves their hall, no matter what one they go into, because they don't know any different," says Ms Wixon.
Each of the people interviewed admitted being slightly intimidated when they first moved in. Some found it easier to adjust than others.
"At first, everyone is in the same boat." said Sharlotte Mackenzie, (18), of University College.
Even those who went to a boarding hostel in high school said they had no advantage, as the rules and the atmosphere were so different.
"At Tolcarne (the St. Hilda's Collegiate hostel) we weren't allowed guys anywhere near our room, and to go from that to stepping outside your room and seeing guys everywhere was really weird," Hannah Lemon, a Salmond College resident admitted. Don't get her started on the uni-sex toilets.
The first day was described as the worst, particularly at meal-times. "I'm not a very outgoing person, but in those types of situations you have to be," said Scott McKnight (18), an Arana student.
A month in, students found life in a hall could still have its disconcerting moments. Mr McKnight said he still meets new people that he lives with everyday.
Halls are among the best places at university for networking and making new friends. The way they are designed seems to encourage this.
"My room is the size of a box. It forces me to go out and mingle" said Ms Mackenzie.
Aside from the social aspect, the idea of 'baby steps' toward independence is one that students consider very appealing.
"You are more or less looked after," said Emily Donald (18), an Arana College student. "No need to worry about bills, lack of food, being cold, not having enough money. You can put that off for a year."
It can be an advantage academically also, with the amount of resources, libraries, prep and personal or group tutoring given exclusively to students within a hall.
Because the halls are actively monitored, with matrons and residential assistants on constant rotating shifts, a balance of fun and study is, more often than not, attained, students said.
And the idea of leaving home behind? As Ms Wixon put it, "You're either having too much fun to miss your parents or feeling a strong sense of gratitude and fondness for them in a hall full of strangers."
Apparently everyone gets homesick whenever they fall ill, students said. Nothing beats having Mum look after you.
Everyone interviewed professed that they were hugely enjoying their time at their respective residential colleges. It certainly seems like a smart way to start off your education at Otago.
"These are going to be the years I remember, " said Mr McKnight.