Police will take a ''zero tolerance approach'' to fire lighting and anti-social behaviour and the University of Otago says students can face fines of $500 or expulsion.
Firefighters will also visit student flats where parties are planned to warn the hosts firelighters will face the law.
East Otago fire risk management officer Michael Harrison said more than 300 miscellaneous fires were reported in North Dunedin from July 2013-June 2014.
''It is safe to say that the majority of miscellaneous fires we attend can be attributed to nuisance and furniture fires in and around the North Dunedin area,'' he said.
Emergency services and university heads will meet next week to discuss strategies for ensuring acceptable behaviour and safety.
Dunedin Clutha Waitaki acting area police commander Inspector Mel Aitken said students and others in the student quarter could expect to be charged if they broke the law.
''Lighting fires in public places ... is unsafe and illegal,'' she said.
''[The] Fire Service, together with Dunedin police, take a zero tolerance approach to this behaviour and people who light fires will be dealt with under the law.
''There is a human and economic cost to the fires that are lit in North Dunedin.
''People, including those present and emergency services, are put at risk of injury or even death - there have been instances in the past where young people have suffered serious burn injuries.''
University of Otago director of student services Karyn Thomson said students engaged in anti-social behaviour such as lighting fires could face fines and discipline from the university, including expulsion.
''The university has it made it perfectly clear through its code of student conduct that such behaviour will attract serious disciplinary consequences.''
The proctor and the deputy proctor could fine students up to $500 and impose up to 40 hours' community work and up to $5000 in reparation, she said.
Students could also be referred to the provost, with the recommendation of a higher penalty.
Fire Service East Otago area manager Laurence Voight said the Fire Service would work with other emergency services, the Dunedin City Council and the university to take a proactive approach to reducing nuisance fires.
Last year, firefighters had, on occasion, door-knocked those who planned large parties to tell them what was expected of them and that they would be liable for fires started as a result of the party, he said.
That approach was successful and one which the Fire Service would take again.
''We have all been young and enjoyed a good time but it's when it gets out of control that people could expect to be frowned upon,'' he said.
He accepted it was not just students who were involved in couch fires, but also those who went to the area to ''enjoy the environment''.
Insp Aitken said police also wanted students to enjoy O-Week and their time in the city.
''Over recent years, OUSA have put in some excellent planning work to ensure that O-Week runs smoothly and we expect that this year won't be any different,'' she said.
''Police want those attending to have a good time and socialise in a safe environment within the bounds of the law.''
Otago University Students' Association president Paul Hunt said a wide array of support services would be available so students could have ''a great and safe time'' at O-Week and throughout the year.
Otago University Students' Association Orientation Week runs from February 16 to 21.
