Students new to the school and those who had not been at the university for some time enjoyed lunch at the university commerce building and then attended a orientation session, where university organisers outlined the services and resources being provided.
Through the summer school, students can gain credit for courses with six weeks of study, instead of about 13 weeks usually required to complete equivalent papers during the main university study year.
At 2239, the final enrolment figure is just one short of last year's 2240 enrolments.
Since 2010, the university has had to impose continuing restrictions to avoid carrying too many students beyond the funding level agreed with the Tertiary Education Commission.
School director Dr Elaine Webster said Otago summer school systems had become a "well-oiled machine" over the years.
Dr Webster, who recently took up her appointment as director of the Otago school and of continuing education, paid tribute to her predecessor, former director Dr Claire Matthewson, for the smooth way the 12th annual school was running.
The latest school is offering 73 papers, up from 68 last year.
Fourteen new papers are available, including on bioethics and film, as well as on social media and online communities.
Dr Webster said it was important to keep offering fresh options for students.
Both well-established and new papers have attracted positive interest, with some of the most popular options including forensic biology (135 enrolments), management and organisations (89), introduction to the wine business (78) and effective writing (66).