Blair and Anna Ramsay, of Hamilton, were in Dunedin yesterday to drop off their daughter, Ella, and help her move into her hall of residence, St Margaret's College, for her first year of university.
Mrs Ramsay said returning home without her daughter and leaving her in Dunedin was just starting to hit home.
"I studied here for five years, so I know what she’s in for, but I think it could be the making of her, a real chance to get out and find herself."
The trio had spent the weekend taking in the sights, checking out St Clair Beach, exploring the city and getting Ms Ramsay ready for the year.
Ms Ramsay, who will be studying health sciences, said she was excited, but mainly nervous, to start her first year at university.
This will be Ms Ramsay’s first time living away from her parents, but everyone in the family was super-excited for her.
The group of seven had spent Flo-Week doing the usual activities and were going into O Week to do it all over again.
Harrison Morton said if he had any advice for incoming first-year students, it was to never regret a night out and "take the L [loss] and do what you need to do".
"We’re approaching our second week now, but the body is showing the signs of old age, but that’s all right, you just gotta do it."
The flatmates have trickled in over the past three weeks, but they were all officially moved in and on their own.
The group was excited to be all back together, but starting the studying side of the student lifestyle was not something they were looking forward to as much.
Flatmate Millie McHugh said the past week had been the "best week of her life".
Ms Guns said they arrived in Dunedin last Tuesday and were "loving it".
"I’m excited to learn about the different education system, but I’m also excited to just kind of explore New Zealand and explore the area."
Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich said the students were an integral part of life in Dunedin.
"Locals appreciate the diversity and vibrancy that students bring to the city as well their sporting and intellectual energy."
