Arrival & Orientation
Arrival date
The College will be open for arrival from 9:00 am on Saturday, 14 February 2026. All Members must be in residence by 4:00 pm that day when we hold a special welcome reception and BBQ for Members and their families.
Some early arrivals (i.e. before 14 February 2026) may be allowed on an exceptional basis and they must be approved in advance by the Head of College. In such cases, the reasons for requiring an early arrival must be clearly stated; normally they will relate to University-related commitments. Please note that, should an early arrival be approved, an additional daily charge will apply.
Arriving at St Margaret’s
When you arrive at the College, the St Margaret’s College Leaders and returning Members will be looking out for you, help you with your bags, issue you with a key, and show you to your room. They will arrange to show you around the College and introduce you to others on your floor.
What to Bring (or Get)
Clothing, shoes, a towel (or two), crockery and glassware (for your personal use in your floor’s kitchen), clothes pegs, laundry powder/detergent and a bag/basket, coat hangers, drawing pins (for the pinboard in your room), toiletries, personal grooming devices (e.g. hair dryers and straighteners), and sensible wet/cold weather gear (jacket or parka, maybe an umbrella).
Regarding bed linen, please note that the College supplies sheets, blankets, bedspreads, and pillows. College-supplied sheets are changed and laundered weekly. Please note that if you bring your own linen (you are welcome to do so if you wish), you will be responsible for laundering it.
The College is a warm place with an excellent central heating system. There are heaters in every bedroom; you will not be cold inside our buildings.
There are power outlets in bathrooms for shavers and hair dryers. All electrical equipment, power cords, and chargers must comply with New Zealand safety standards. The College will arrange for electrical equipment to be tested and tagged for insurance purposes.
Things Not to Bring
Do not bring air fryers, rice cookers, toasters, electric jugs, heaters, grills, electric blankets, or irons. These items are banned from rooms for safety reasons. All floors have kitchens with fridges, ovens, stoves, microwave, instant hot water, and irons and ironing boards. Candles and oil/incense burners (including ultrasonic) are strictly prohibited for fire safety reasons.
Orientation
During the first week, a wonderful programme is arranged to help orientate new Members to the College and University.
You will also have completed an online induction programme prior to your arrival, so you will already be aware of the various policies and procedures within the College.
Please note that this College does not have initiation ceremonies. Rather, the Executive Committee of the Members’ Association (referred to as the Exec) and College Leaders organise various social and fun events where you will meet others in a friendly and non-threatening manner. You will also be given a tour of the University campus so that you know where to go for course advice, preliminary lectures, etc.
During orientation week, the College hosts a variety of fun events, including a toga dinner and party, Greek games & floor Olympics, a scavenger hunt, movie and quiz nights, and other social mixers.
On the more serious side, you’ll attend the University's UNIO101 talk, a healthly relationships workshop, and preliminary lectures (on the final Friday of Orientation Week). The College also volunteers for a community service project during the week.
The Otago University Students Association (OUSA) organises its own events during Orientation Week which you are welcome to attend if you wish.