And support centre staff were ready to help, he said.
Centre staff avoided telling students what to do, but they did offer a little advice and tried to help students resolve what was worrying them.
Most Otago University students were "good and happy" and usually had few problems, but some people approaching the centre were "very unhappy" and had been having "a really bad time".
Seeking help early meant any problems or misunderstandings were more easily resolved.
"If it carries on the way it is, it's going to get worse."
The centre employed advocates, who could help communicate with organisations such as the university, and also gave budget advice.
One big demand for help involved the OUSA food bank, which was run by the centre, at 5 Ethel Benjamin Pl, near the OUSA Clubs and Societies building, in Albany St.
More than 600 student food packages were provided last year, well up on 318 in 2010.
The food bank did not offer sumptuous fare - much of it, such as noodles and soup mix, was clearly the stuff of survival.
The growing demand for food support told him that some students were struggling to cope on their current levels of financial support.
Problems with flats - including their physical condition, such as unrepaired holes in the roof - were also often raised by students.
And problems could arise between flatmates, including personality conflicts and misunderstandings.
Academic issues included concerns about the way assignments were being marked.
"A lot of things come down to communication issues."