Clubs and events
So many ways to get involved
Whatever you're into, there is always something going on at St Margaret's. From friendly sports tournaments to quiz nights to formal dinners, there is something for everyone. Being located on the University of Otago campus gives members easy access to the numerous clubs and events available through the Otago University Student Association (OUSA). You certainly won’t be bored!
Arts and culture
St Margaret's College has a proud tradition of cultural achievement.
We compete annually with Salmond and Studholme Colleges for the Iona trophy. In its long history, we have won it more times than anyone else! We compete for it through debating, choir, and public speaking.
The College's choir is of a very high standard and is often asked by the University's chaplain to perform for graduation Thanksgiving ceremonies.
The University’s Intercollege Cultural Competition runs throughout the year and provides many opportunities for members to participate in different types of activities.
Sport
Each year, we compete for the Southgate trophy with Salmond and Studholme colleges and participate in the University’s Inter-College Sporting Competition in a variety of sports, including men's and women's soccer, volleyball, and netball. During Orientation Week, the entire College also participates in the Inter-College Sports Day.
We have an onsite tennis court for members to enjoy that also doubles as a basketball/netball court or backyard cricket ground.
UniPol, the University's well-equipped gym and recreation centre, is just a five-minute walk away and is free to use for all University students
Social events
While the highlight of St Margaret's social calendar is, without a doubt, the annual ball, the College hosts many events throughout the year, with various theme dinners, sock tag, mystery bus tours, and a ski trip, to name a few.
Each floor also organises their own social get-togethers, such as pizza and movie nights, dessert evenings, laser-force, 10-pin bowling, quiz nights, and inter-floor competitions. Members also enjoy celebrating fellow floor members' birthdays by baking cakes (some better presented than others, but always delicious!).
Sunday formal dinners
Our formal dinners occur monthly throughout the year, and with Norris Dining Hall set elegantly with tablecloths and adorned with flowers and a strict formal dress code, they are always a beautiful occasion.
Each formal dinner features a guest (or guests) of honour, invited by the Head of College. These may include academic and professional staff from the University, the Mayor of Dunedin, the Chief Executive of the Dunedin City Council, visiting academics, College Fellows, business people, or community members.
After dinner, guests are asked to talk briefly about their professional experiences, followed by a question-and-answer session.
Formal dinners provide a fantastic opportunity for members to meet interesting people in a more social environment, develop their communication and networking skills, gain valuable insights into what it takes to succeed in a vast range of careers, and learn new things from guests with different backgrounds.
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Expert breakfasts
Fortnightly on a Wednesday morning, the College holds expert breakfasts in the atrium, where prominent local academic and business people are invited in to discuss what they do and why they do it over a delicious, freshly cooked or continental breakfast.
Members are often eager to attend, and seats fill up fast as residents look to take advantage of the opportunity to hear from and chat with the invited guest.
Expert breakfasts are a great way for members to meet some fascinating people and broaden their thoughts on potential career paths. The only downside is getting up for the 7:30 am start time, but members are quick to tell you that it's worth it!