Students bedding in

Thousands of tertiary students have begun arriving in Dunedin for  the start of the academic year and Orientation Week celebrations.

Student areas, including Hyde and Castle Sts, were a hive of activity yesterday, despite formal University of Otago lectures not starting until February 27.

Among those moving into a new flat on Castle St yesterday are (from left) Matt Allen (19), of Christchurch, Jordan Gant (19), of Christchurch, Daniel Bayly (19), of Auckland, Blaise Harkerss (19), of Christchurch, Joseph Oskan (19), of Christchurch, and Tom Fenwick (19), of Kerikeri.

Orientation events begin on February 20 with a convocation ceremony.

Festivities end on March 9 with a performance by electronic dance DJ Marshmello.