Speed flatters put preferences on the line

Otago University students (from left) Juliette Nowak, Samar Khanna, Lielt Asfaw, Sam Guthrie, Xander Seymour, Denero Faialaga, Matthew Moore and Dan Power discuss domestic preferences during an Orientation speed flatting event at University College this week. Photo by Peter McIntosh.

Now in its third year, speed flatting is taking place this week at University College on campus.

About 30 students spent an hour discussing household preferences with potential flatmates during the first session on Tuesday, They had one minute to meet each fellow flat hunter and work through the basics - location, rent, food, and study.

Common interests, hobbies, social lives, backgrounds and plans for the year ahead were then discussed by those interested in getting to know each other better.

Contact information was exchanged and, in some cases, groups of speed flatters formed in search of an empty flat.

A mixture of nationalities, backgrounds and study paths made for interesting conversations.

Otago University accommodation office manager Adele Evans said the number of students interested in speed flatting had increased each year.

Arguably the most successful bunch was entering its third year of flatting together since meeting through the service, she said.

Although the majority of this year's speed flatters were seeking to rent, previously those with flat vacancies had turned up in droves seeking flatmates.

The service worked well for both groups, Mrs Evans said.

Each year, students who advertise their vacancies through the university's accommodation service are asked to participate.

The second and final speed flatting session begins at 3pm tomorrow, in Unicol's dining room, although a third might be held next week if demand warrants it.

Any students can register upon entry for the free service.