Ideas for changing city's student image

Letter of the week 

This week's winner is Bernice Armstrong, of Dunedin, for her letter suggesting ways for the city to improve its student image. Bernice receives a copy of No Wall Too High, by Xu Hongci.  The winning letter was published on Wednesday.

Students at this year's toga party. Photo: ODT

The students (some as young as 17) are back in the city and some North Dunedin residents and visitors have been disturbed by shouting, loud parties and stereos. Broken glass and rubbish has also been evident.

The majority of Otago students are excellent people, who come to Dunedin to further their education in our first-class teaching facilities. However, there are always a few immature students (and also local non-students) who choose to misbehave, in the campus area, when any opportunity arises. Youth and alcohol are not a good mix and most anti-social activities are caused through excessive alcohol consumption. All young people need boundaries.

How can Dunedin stamp out the image, often created by the media, that Dunedin is a city where young students can "do as they please?'' A combined effort is essential, by the university, DCC, police, campus watch, all landlords and property managers. Owners of liquor outlets - especially supermarkets, where cheap alcohol flows freely to 18-year-old youths and girls must also be involved. The age for purchasing alcohol cannot be changed, at this time, but sensible drinking habits and acceptable behaviour must be stressed.

Flat and street parties are never totally safe and not acceptable at any time of the year. The DCC and university should provide a large, safe, supervised (students-only) building far away from residential houses and motels. Student ID cards would be required for admission and only sober students would be admitted. Drunk people would be sent home by taxi, at their own expense. Local school pupils and local anti-social youth would not be admitted to any student functions. Several musical and other activities, chosen by students and suited to this age group, should be available. A food and drink voucher could be purchased. This voucher could be renewed at the discretion of a supervisor.

• Orientation Week could be Orientation weekend, from Thursday to Sunday.

• All landlords (especially out-of-town landlords or their managers) should provide a set of health and safety rules and each flat should be visited when students move in, as well as throughout the year. Rules should stress no parties, candles, fires, smoking, drugs, gas heaters, loud stereos or pets.

• Campus Watch and the campus cop should keep a close eye on students. If any flats are unruly, landlords and managers should be told to front up and sort problems out.

Young students need safe places to live, study, socialise and enjoy themselves. If Dunedin is to be known as "Education City'', changes must be made immediately.

Bernice Armstrong
Dunedin