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Summer Student Accommodation
Studying at Otago over the summer of 2026?
St Margaret's is one of the few Colleges open for accommodation for the 2026 summer school period.
If you are considering brushing up on your physics or chemistry before starting Health Sciences First Year or taking a summer school paper, we can accommodate you.
We provide:
- 3 daily cooked meals, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
- Clean and comfortable rooms (including linen) right on campus
- Helpful and caring staff, available on-site 24/7
- Wireless internet in all rooms
Moving in
Students may arrive at the College at noon on the Sunday.
Upon arrival, you will be met by one of our student staff who will show you to your room and give you a tour of the College. You will be issued with a key to your room and a key tag to allow you access to the College after hours. On your first or second evening, there will be a brief orientation session for all summer students in residence at the College. This will familiarise you with the summer student staff and give you time to ask any questions.
Moving out
All students must vacate their rooms by 9 am on Friday, 13 February 2026 (this is not negotiable, except for students remaining at the College for the year), although bags may be stored at the College until 5 pm. If you are moving to another College for the full year, we will arrange with the other College for you to move in on 13 February 2026. You will need to organise your own transport; however some Colleges do make transport available. We will provide further details during your last week at St Margaret’s.
Facilities
All rooms at the College are single rooms with shared facilities. Bedding is provided but students may wish to bring their own. The College has a laundry available for students at no charge.
Internet
WiFi is available in all rooms and is included in the cost.
College Policies
Guests
You are welcome to have guests at the College during the day, but all visitors must leave by 11 pm. No visitors may be taken into the dining hall for meals.
Alcohol
Alcohol consumption is not permitted in the college building or grounds at any time during the summer accommodation period.
Fees and dates
Fees are charged upfront for the duration of your stay. The cost is $95.00 per night for full board (3 daily meals), with payment due in full no later than 2 weeks before your arrival. Please note that we are unable to offer weekly payments.
Note: The above fee is only for students enrolling in an official University paper during the summer; other summer guests should consult our Accommodation page for the applicable information.
Total fees are dependent on the course you are studying. As an example, below are the fees for the three most common courses:
| Course | Dates (subject to confirmation) | Cost (NZD) |
|---|---|---|
| Summer School | Sunday, 4 January 2026 to 9 am on Friday, 13 February 2026 (40 nights) | $3,800.00 |
| Jumpstart Physics | Sunday, 25 January 2026 to 9 am on Friday, 13 February 2026 (19 nights) | $1,805.00 |
| CHEM150 | Sunday, 1 February 2026 to 9 am on Friday, 13 February 2026 (12 nights) | $1,140.00 |
Please note: Students remaining at the College for the 2026 academic year may remain in the College for the night of Friday, 13 February 2026 at no extra cost.
Payment
Payment must be made directly to St Margaret’s College (not the University). Fees may be paid by direct credit, Eftpos, or credit card (a surcharge applies on credit card payments).
Any student who leaves St Margaret’s College before 13 February 2026 shall receive a pro-rated refund (subject to any deductions for any damage caused or contributed to).