Student Life
Housing and Meals
As a BCA student at the University of Otago, you will have four housing options:
Homestays
You can choose to live with a New Zealand family and take breakfast and dinner in their home. We recommend this choice if you want to become immersed in the New Zealand way of life.
University flats
Most BCA students live in the university flats. Usually three or four international students live with one or two New Zealanders. The flats range from houses right next to campus to some new townhouse-type facilities a bit farther away. Each flat has individual bedrooms, shared bathroom(s) and a kitchen/common area.
Toroa International House
To ensure a diverse student population, Toroa accepts no more than one student from each study abroad organization, so they will place only one BCA student per semester. Individual apartments are similar to flats, with single bedrooms, shared bathrooms and a kitchen/common area. Located close to campus, Toroa House has a common room, computers, free laundry and activities for students.
Residence halls
Some BCA students stay in the various residence halls, but spaces are limited and usually reserved for University of Otago freshman. Relatively few international students live in the halls.
Meals
Each residence hall has a cafeteria and a full meal plan. If you live in the flats or Toroa House, you will receive a monthly meal stipend to purchase groceries. Please be aware the stipend only covers food - it will not be enough to cover miscellaneous expenses such as laundry and personal items.
Trips & Activities
Each semester, BCA offers an excursion for our students. All costs are included in the program fee. BCA will notify you about excursion details shortly after your arrival in Dunedin.
Excursions are likely to change from year to year, but past students have enjoyed the following adventures:
Student Experiences
Student Association
Student Name: Eric Sader, McPherson College, Fall 2008
Organization: Student Association
Contact Information: http://www.ousa.co.nz/
Description: I signed up for a couple activities through the student association on campus. One I particularly enjoyed was a Kava ceremony acquainting one with the Fijian community. This and many, many others were offered.
Mentor Program
Student Name: Eric Sader, McPherson College, Fall 2008
Organization: Mentor Program
Contact Information: http://www.otago.ac.nz/international/otago005588.html
Description: A mentor program pairs you with an established Otago student. It gives you a local contact and a few activities, especially early on. Movies, food, and other get-togethers were offered at no charge.