Looking for a place to live and study? 25,000 scarfies agree that Dunedin is the place to be! More than a fifth of Dunedin’s population are students and most of them live in one area, North Dunedin, making a student-city within a city!

The best campus

Otago Polytechnic and the University of Otago sit alongside one another, making for an integrated greater campus area,  just minutes’ walk from the centre of town.

Sport

Sport is central to Dunedin life, whether that means getting involved in playing it or watching it at venues such as Carisbrook – the legendary “House of Pain”. Plus Dunedin has some of the finest surfing beaches in the south.

Music and arts

The arts pedigree of Dunedin is outstanding! Dunedin invented the sound of the Chills, the Clean and the Bats. Artists Colin McCahon, Ralph Hotere and Frances Hodgkins called Dunedin home, and the city continues to produce artists keen to push the boundaries of expression. This artistic vibe is reflected in the number of galleries and band venues around the city.

Fashion

Fashion is on the up-and-up in Dunedin, partly due to students and graduates of Otago Polytechnic’s Department of Design. And for the thrifty there are lots of bargains at the city’s numerous op shops.

Beauty

Coiled around the base of Otago Harbour, Dunedin is stunningly beautiful. The city lights as you arrive from the north at night, the countless beaches, pockets of native bush, the fantastic examples of Victorian architecture - it’s all here!

Heritage and culture

New Dunedinites will become aware of the city’s proud Scottish heritage whenever they hear the drone of the bagpipes, see the statue of Robbie Burns, or visit the pub that bears his name. Plus it’s home to three marae and thriving international communities.

Location

Many who arrive never want to leave, but if they do, there’s plenty nearby, from upward of 20 beaches and the native forest of the Silverpeaks within 20 minutes’ drive, to the tourist cornucopia of Central Otago, a mere three hours away.

People

Dunedin is a vibrant city with the heart and soul of a rustic village. That means people are friendly and  many value the contribution that students make to the city.

Cost

You don’t need lots of money to enjoy the lifestyle. Rent is generally cheaper than in other cities, transport costs are minimal and students enjoy discounts at many shops and businesses.

Discover more about the Dunedin lifestyle.