As long as there has been a University, there has been a need for student accommodation. Independent Colleges were the first to meet the demand for hall-style accommodation at Otago. Since their inception, Independent Colleges have sought to marry this demand with a collegiate style of learning.

The collegiate model that IUCNZ Member Colleges strive to implement involves senior students aiding and assisting new students with their studies and with adjustment to University life. Independent Colleges frequently accept returning students, recognising that returning students provide an additional dimension and coherence to College life. Students making the choice to return to these Colleges for a second or third year of study is no accident.

Member Colleges emphasise:

• strong tutorial support
• community values and pastoral care
• quality of food and accommodation

A different spirit exists within each College; prospective students are encouraged to find out about the individual Colleges so that a good fit can be achieved. A good start is by following the links to each College's website on the right of this page.

Students have asked what else they can do to strengthen their applications to a particular College. Recognising that competition for places in Independent Colleges is fierce, Heads of Colleges provide opportunity for students to submit complementary material alongside the information required as standard in the University accommodation application process. Provision of this additional information is an extra opportunity for students to explain why they have chosen a particular College, and what it is that they hope to contribute to the life of that College.

Collection of additional information means College Heads can learn more about new members of their College so that a warm and full welcome can be provided to successful applicants when they arrive to take up residence in College.

Applicants to independent colleges are encouraged to download the form here, complete it and send it directly to their college of preference. Addresses for the Independent Colleges are listed on the form.