College Amenities

Recreation

Valentine Common Room (VCR)

This large room was built in 1995 and named in honour of the late Dr Jim Valentine, a Fellow of the College and former University Chancellor and College Council Member.

The VCR allows Members to relax individually and meet with others. It also houses the Canteen - run by the Exec - and a piano.

This is a multi-purpose room and Members are asked to respect this accordingly. For instance, if a Member is playing the piano in the room, other Members are welcome to use the room at the same time provided that courtesy, consideration for others, and common sense prevail. Members are permitted to use the AV facilities in the VCR for watching movies, sports, etc., provided that noise is kept to a reasonable level.

At times, the VCR and Games Room may be used for meetings and functions. Signs will be placed on the doors when it is unavailable for use by Members.

Games Room

The Games Room is adjacent to the VCR and contains a table tennis table, foosball, and a pool table. Please pick up pool cues and table tennis equipment and return them to the appropriate areas when you are finished. Any breakages/damage should be reported to the Exec Sports Rep or a staff member so that these can be fixed or replaced.

TV Room

The College pays for Sky television, Disney+, and Netflix on the 75-inch wide-screen TV in this room. Due to nearby rooms and study spaces, please keep the doors closed and ensure that noise in the room not be heard outside. Group bookings can be made on DiBS to watch a movie, sport, etc. The room is not to be used for playing games, but may be used for watching videos from a laptop via the HDMI cable.

The Atrium

This facility is available for coffee, tea, and hot chocolate from 7:00 am to 11.00 pm each day. Members are asked to keep the Atrium tidy, as staff and College Leaders may book the room for meetings or floor functions. The Atrium may also be used for other external functions from time to time.

Toast-time is also held in the Atrium on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 7:30 pm to 11L00 pm, with an assortment of spreads being provided for supper. Toast or other food must be consumed in the Atrium and not taken to other rooms.

Fellows and Seniors Common Room (FSCR)

The Fellows and Seniors Common Room is in the Thorpe House and available for Members in their third year and above of study, along with College Leaders and Exec Members. This room is available for purposes such as studying, quiet reading, having a chat with friends or a coffee. The room is equipped with a coffee machine and fridge.

When using the Room, Members are asked to:

• Keep it clean and tidy, including cleaning the coffee machine milk frother after use

• Be mindful of noise levels (Thorpe House also has bedrooms)

• Be respectful of others who may be using the room at the same time and do not enter if a “Meeting in progress” sign is on the door

Art Room

The Art Room is located at the back of the Study Centre. Members are welcome to tap into their artistic flair using the art supplies provided by the Exec. It is a great space to take a break from study and get creative. Like the Study Centre, the Art Room is open from 7:00 am - 11:00 pm. Members using the space are expected to tidy up after themselves — this includes washing brushs and paint trays, leaving the sink clean also.

Tennis Court

The College has a tennis court for Members to enjoy. It also doubles as a basketball and netball court, or a backyard cricket ground. Sports equipment is available to use, which is usually kept in the Wilson Wing entrance foyer. Please return all equipment after use and advise the Sports Rep or a staff member of any broken or lost equipment.

Courtyard

Tucked between the College’s buildings is a protected Courtyard with seating, benches, and a fountain. It is a pleasant place to sit and relax after a busy day. On arrival day in February, the Courtyard is used for our welcome BBQ for Members and their families.

Study Facilities

The study facilities are quiet areas for the exclusive use of College Members. All Members should have equal opportunity to enjoy these facilities, so any books or other personal material will be removed if left in study rooms. The study facilities are for Members only and not for others doing group projects.

While light snacks and water bottles (with lids) are allowed in the various study facilities listed below, Members are asked not to take other food and drink into the rooms.

Library

The Library has a growing collection of books, mainly for recreational reading, but some will help with courses. With its gracious environment, Members find that the Library is a facility that allows an alternative study area from their room.

Occasionally the Library is used for official functions, but it is normally available for use by Members between 7:00 am and 11:00 pm.

Study Centre

The Study Centre can seat up to 45 people, is equipped with an interactive projector, computer, whiteboards, and is used for tutorials in the evenings. With the permission of the Head of College, it may be used for other academic events during the day.

When not in use for functions or tutorials, it is available for private study. With the approval and presence of a College Leader, floor groups may use the Study Centre (including the projector) for some events. The Study Centre is open 7:00 am to 11:00 pm.

Tutorial Rooms

These are used for tutorials and for private and group study at other times. These are on the ground floor of Thorpe House and on the ground floor of the Main Building near the small northern staircase to B floor. Both rooms are open 7:00 am - 11:00 pm. The rooms can be booked for individual or group study via DiBS.

Academic Common Room (ACR)

The ACR is predominantly used for staff meetings, functions, tutorials, and Council meetings. At other times, the room may be available to Members for study or other quiet activities between 7:00 am - 11:00 pm. A sign will be placed on the door when the room is unavailable for Members' usage.

Guest Privileges

For the avoidance of doubt, please see the following table to check whether guests are permitted in a particular room or area when accompanied by a Member at all times.

Technology

The College provides excellent IT facilities including a College-wide wireless network and scanning/printing facilities.

Internet

You should be aware that aggregate internet usage may be monitoried and connection metadata logged. You must not access illegal material or download copyrighted works, nor engage in online bullying, harassment, abuse, or other illegal behaviour.

Bandwidth is shared amongst all users, bandwidth throttling may be used to prevent heavy users having an undue effect on others.

WiFi

WiFi is available throughout the College. Instructions will be provided at the beginning of the year to assist Members in configuring their devices to access the student network. Members are also able to wirelessly print to the two College multifunction printers. We have done our best to ensure that there is coverage in every room, however signal strength may vary. You should advise the Business & IT Manager if the reception in your room is particularly poor - this aids in the planning of future access point installations.

Ethernet Connections

Rooms on all floors except CA, CB, CC, and Clyde House have ethernet (wired) network ports, which Members may use to connect to the College network and internet. Cables may be borrowed from the Business & IT Manager.

Please note that some devices require a USB-C ethernet adapter, which the Member must purchase themselves and are available from most electronics retailers.

Media Computer

An Apple Mac is located in the Music Room for media creation. It has a midi keyboard and Sibelius, ProLogic, and Final Cut Pro software.

This computer is available for Members to help with coursework only. No additional software may be installed without the Business & IT Manager’s prior approval.

Please also note the following regarding the use of the computer:

• Refrain from consuming food and drink
• Guests may not use the computer
• Do not unplug the network or power cords
• Please do not play games
• Illegal/unethical behaviour is not permitted

Copying, Printing, and Scanning

Each Member is allocated $10.00 of printing credit at the beginning of the year. After this initial credit is used, Members may purchase more online. The minimum top-up is $5.00. Please note that print credit is non-refundable, but can be transferred to other Members.

Copying is charged at the same rates as printing, while scanning is free of charge.

DiBS

DiBS is the College's online system for booking rooms and study spaces, managing your laundry usage, and voting in Members' Association elections. Details on how to access DiBS are provided at the beginning of the year.

Privacy & Cyber Safety

Members must use all College-provided IT services legally and responsibly. Specifically, you agree not to engage in illegal activities, infringe copyright, or attempt to breach the security of the St Margaret's College network, any other devices connected to the network, or any external networks and devices. Unauthorized access to any device or service, or sending unsolicited electronic messages by email or other means, is prohibited.

Members must also comply with University of Otago guidelines on internet and communications usage as outlined in the Information and Communications Technology Regulations. All material on College computers or accessed through the St Margaret’s network must conform to good taste and align with the ethical standards of the College and University. Members must also adhere to the University’s Student Code of Conduct, which ensures students have the right to be safe and free from harm or intimidation in their interactions, including via electronic media.

Use is at the device owner's risk. Access to certain services, ports, and protocols may be monitored, controlled, or blocked for security and performance reasons. The College may cooperate with legal authorities and third parties in investigating any suspected or alleged criminal or civil wrongdoing. Violating these conditions may result in the suspension or termination of your access to this service.

Laundry

The Laundry has washing machines and tumble dryers for the use of Members only. There is an outside washing line for hanging clothes. No clothing is to be hung on sprinkler pipes and near sprinkler heads as this is a fire safety violation and will be treated as such. Please do not use the balconies or windows to dry clothes. Please use room radiators only for drying semi-dry clothing as water dripping on bedroom floors causes damage. Members are advised that underwire bras and other delicate items should be washed in laundry bags. Shoes must not be placed in driers as they cause damage and may get ruined (both the shoes and the dryer).

The use of washing machines and dryers is managed via DiBS. Once you've put a load of clothes on to wash or dry, use the tablet beside the Laundry entrance door to turn start the machine. This helps other Members know how busy the Laundry is at any particular time. You'll also receive reminder notification via the DiBS smartphone app when your clothes are ready to collect.

Please do not use the bathroom basins for soaking, washing, or dyeing clothes.

Cars, Bicycles, Motorcycles, and Scooters

Car Parks

Please note that the College does not provide nor hire any car parks for use by Members. On-street car parking is available on Clyde Street or Leith Street outside the University gates. Please note that the College’s front and rear driveways, the front of College service parks, and the College car parks on Clyde Street are tow-away areas. On short visits, Members may speak to a member of staff for permission to temporarily park on College grounds.

Bicycles

A bike storage area is provided under Clyde House, and, upon request, your key tag may be validated to access this. Access to the bike shed is only from Clyde Street (beside the service driveway) — Members need to walk around the block for access.

Please ensure your bike is also adequately locked, as the College does not take responsibility for the security of bikes. Our bike shed has limited storage space, so please only bring a bike if you are sure that you will often use it. The College is conveniently situated on the University campus and a short walk from the central city. Most bikes just gather dust.

Bikes can be parked for short times during the day along the rail at the front of the building but should not be left there overnight. Bikes cannot be parked on the front veranda or main entrance pathway and steps, and cannot be brought inside the building. Expensive bikes should be left at home. Please do not cycle on the College lawn.

Motorcycles and Scooters

As onsite parking is very limited, motorcycles and scooters are not encouraged. The College cannot guarantee a parking place for them.

Rental scooters must not be left within College grounds.