Partying students urged to stay safe

Students Miro Hall-Jones (18, left), Ella Acheson (18) and Kristof Wypych (19), all of Wellington...
Students Miro Hall-Jones (18, left), Ella Acheson (18) and Kristof Wypych (19), all of Wellington, carry a new mattress into their Dundas St flat. Photo: Linda Robertson
As O Week anticipation grows among Dunedin’s students, they are being advised to drink responsibly and take care of each other.

The University of Otago’s Orientation Week starts on Monday.

The city’s population will grow by about 20,000 as students move to the city for the academic year.

Otago University Student Association president Caitlin Barlow-Groome said everyone was "incredibly excited".

"It’s my fifth O Week and I easily think it’s the best one."

Aside from the first-year highlight of the Toga Party on Wednesday, a social media awareness and kiwiana night for international students on Monday would be a great way for them to settle in, she said.

Students should "look out for each other" and help those who did not know their way around the campus, she said.

A safety team would be at events to help people who got too intoxicated, or were upset or needed help.

Otago Polytechnic Student Association president Kerry Rushton said it would be an interesting experiment holding its Orientation with the university for the first time.

"We’re hoping that’ll make it a bit different this year."

The polytechnic’s new student accommodation would also change the atmosphere, she said.

The institution also had a few events of its own, such as a welcome for students on Monday and its Hub City on February 27.

The Down the Rabbit Hole dress-up for returning students would be back this year, along with events such as Clubs Day, Tent City and the International Food Festival.

University of Otago Proctor Dave Scott said he encouraged students to be considerate of others, respect the wider community, and look out for each other.

"We share North Dunedin with other residents, businesses, schools and early childhood facilities. Think about them before you smash glass or have a rowdy party, and don’t be afraid to speak up, or intervene, if your friend is about to do something stupid, be a good friend, do the right thing and take care of them."

The Good One party register was also recently launched to give party goers the security of the university, Police and health services knowing about their parties.

Inspector Jason Guthrie, of Dunedin, said police advised people to drink in a responsible, safe and sensible way.

"If your friends are drunk at the end of the night, look after them and walk away from any potential confrontation ... it’s not worth the risk of becoming a victim.

"Travel home with your friends and only stay with people you know and trust."

St John Otago-Southland district operations manager Pauline Buchanan said students should look after each other.

"Drink responsibly, make sure everyone gets home safely after a night out, eat plenty of food if you’re drinking alcohol, but in an emergency don’t hesitate to call 111.

"Please help us make sure we can access people if they’re in trouble to keep the week safe for everyone."

jono.edwards@odt.co.nz

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