March figures show an increase in equivalent full-time students (EFTS) of 322 compared to last year, and numbers are expected to climb a further 1100 EFTS by the end of the year.
Dunedin, too, should be relieved, because of the university's place as the backbone of the city. It is, by a vast distance, the number one employer. Take away the students and all the consequential jobs and Dunedin would be devastated.
What is especially encouraging, too, is the increase in the humanities numbers spread across most of its departments.They have taken a hammering with the likes of former senior National minister Steven Joyce promoting an emphasis on science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Yet, in an ever-changing world, a basic education should be broad and adaptable. It needs to be about researching, analysing and thinking and putting those results together thoughtfully, coherently and cleverly.
University for many students is a time of growing up and maturing, of making sense of the world. It can be argued that the humanities, taught well, encourage this process.
Most significantly, Otago, with its communal-life colleges and then the joys and trials of flatting, has the advantage of giving young women and men life experience they would not receive while at home.
University numbers, with the exception of one blip, have been tracking down since 2010. While tightened standards and changes to university entrance requirements contributed to the fall, the university seriously seeks stabilisation or modest growth. This is occurring this year, and the increased first-year numbers will flow through for the next few.
Although a falling role means more restructuring and job losses, a rise in numbers does not mean the end of reorganisation.
Within an organisation as huge as the university - more than 18,000 student EFTS - there will always be change. Some areas advance, others require restructuring.
The most widely-asked question is about the effect of Labour's free-fees policy for first-year students this year, as well as the increase in its student allowances.
These might have helped boost numbers at regional polytechnics but not necessarily at universities. While Canterbury is rebounding from the earthquakes, increases at other universities appear patchy.
In Otago's case, applications for the colleges - all full this year - come in during August and September, and that was before Labour was elected and the new policy went ahead. Perhaps, therefore, an additional surge will occur next year, although the university colleges have no more beds.
On the other hand, the cost of college board, about $14,500 a year, is (apart from dentistry) a lot more than the already heavily subsidised undergraduate fees. Arts and commerce come in under $6000 a year. For that reason, the free-fees impact might not be as large as some suspect for students who face moving to other cities for study.
Even with student allowances (parent means tested for those aged under 24) and limited accommodation support, weighty financial commitments are required to shift to come to university.
When it comes to cost, Otago's significant advantage over Auckland and Victoria is through Dunedin's cheaper rents, especially outside the core campus area. This is a selling point for Otago.
Tertiary rolls are also affected by the availability of jobs - why study when a well-paying alternative is available? - and by the size of the school-leaving cohort.
The success in drawing student numbers, and the best quality students, can also depend on marketing success and what is fashionable for young people. Scholarships are playing an increasing role in the inter-university scramble for A-grade students.
Those concerned about Dunedin watch the university with close interest. The city has a potent proxy stake in its success, and will be pleased at the material increases in its roll.
