The group was created in response to the death of student Sophia Crestani in 2019, who was a close friend of founding member Louisa Mason.
Although the Sophia Charter was formed to help ensure the safety of students, the group felt the charter was missing a student voice.
They started by hosting Castle St cleanups and had recently begun "flat chats" for students to come along and have open discussions on student safety.
"It was hard trying to make safety not seem lame, because it’s not lame.
"It’s just about wanting to wake up the next morning with all your mates," Ms Mason said.
"It’s been as simple as just talking to them about what’s going on, in their culture, in their daily lives, about alcohol harm, drug use and everything, which is what we’re all about.’
Group member Hannah van Kampen said the group initially feared students would not want "to interact with a group that’s trying to ruin the culture".
"But it hasn’t been like that at all.
"Students are really happy to talk about it.
"It’s a step in the right direction."
Ms Mason described their initiative as the "tip of the iceberg".
"If you acknowledge what goes on in your environment, you make yourself aware of the fact that things that do happen in this culture actually can cause some serious harm, like losing a friend.
"If you’re just a little bit more aware of it, hopefully, subconsciously ... you can prevent a little bit of harm that may have otherwise happened ..."
The group planned to create a video series and a Castle St handbook to help new student navigate the sometimes chaotic environment.
"It makes students realise that they’re not alone.
"It’s been really cool talking to people.
"I think it helps them cope with stuff that happens because it can be pretty scary and isolating.
"Dunedin is known for this culture, but it’s not always a fun one."
The students had five goals — student safety, community connection, informed substance abuse, unpacking party culture and the impact the culture had on the student’s mental health.
The group kept students updated on their Instagram account for their weekly flat chats and events, open to all students.
