Students were welcomed to the University of Otago’s latest summer school this week with Japanese drumming, free ice blocks and backyard cricket with the Otago Volts.
More than 120 students flocked to the grassy area near the University Union building for the noon welcome, which initially featured a performance by a piper and the roar of the O-Taiko Japanese-style drumming group.
During a welcome ceremony, Otago University Students Association president Jack Manning urged students to ‘‘reach out’’ and take part in a planned series of social activities throughout the school.
They could also seek help, if it was needed, through the association, including from the student support centre.
A series of noon activities, including barbecues, was planned for Wednesdays throughout the school.
He also urged students to make themselves known to their fellow students and said this was a good time to get to know people.
Second-year geography student Jean Smith (22), who had queued for bread and a barbecued sausage, was enjoying the welcome event — ‘‘it’s good, a free lunch’’.
By taking papers at the school, students can gain credit for courses with six weeks of study, instead of about 13 weeks usually required to complete equivalent papers during the main university study year.
About 1650 students are attending the latest school — up about 50 on last year — and the school’s 52 paper options in a wide range of subjects have attracted about 1890 enrolments, up on about 1850 last year.
The school was ‘‘looking really good’’ and the atmosphere was positive, school director Dr Elaine Webster said.
Student surveys had consistently shown strong support for social activities that helped them connect with fellow students and take a break from their studies, Dr Webster said.
