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FAQ

1. How do I apply for a place at City College?

Applications for a place at City College are accepted from Otago Polytechnic, and University of Otago Students. All applicants should apply using the Otago University Accommodation Application form available from your careers teacher; or applications can be made on line at: www.otago.ac.nz/about/accommodation/application/index.html
We require a confidential school reference from every applicant.

2. How much does it cost to stay at City College?

The fee for 2009 is NZ$290.00 per week for the length of your course.

3. Can I bring my own TV, Stereo or Computer?

Yes. Each bedroom has a TV aerial point. Computer ports in bedrooms are available at a small extra cost. You must bring earphones with your stereo.

4. What are the meals like?

City College has a policy of providing an interesting and varied menu encompassing styles from all over the world. We try to expand residents' food horizons by selecting dishes from all cultures. Our core food philosophy is based around the Heart Foundation Food Triangle with an emphasis on fresh produce, prepared on site.

5. What happens if I get sick?

We expect that you will mostly take care of your own health needs, let your RA know if you are not well and they can arrange meals for you in your room.

6. What time do the doors get locked, can I get in at night?

The electronic gates lock at 9pm this stops non-residents from entering City College and keeps us all safe. Residents have an electronic "Sil' key" which they can use to enter the grounds and buildings at any time.

7. Can I have a friend to stay? How much does it cost?

Visitors are welcome but their behaviour is the responsibility of the resident they are visiting, they must obey our rules. They must be out of the building by 10.30pm Sunday to Thursday and midnight on Friday and Saturday, unless permission has been granted. Visitors are not to bring alcohol into the college. Friends and family can stay one night for free:

8. Are the rooms cleaned?

Residents are expected to keep their own bedrooms in a clean and tidy condition. Vacuum cleaners are provided in each apartment for resident use. Rubbish is collected from outside rooms on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

At the end of each semester we expect residents to leave rooms tidy so that we can clean windows and rooms. Each apartment has a lounge/kitchenette. Kitchenettes, Bathrooms and laundry areas in apartments are cleaned on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, students are expected to keep these areas tidy. Residents are supplied with a basket to hold toiletries, (eg shampoo and soap etc); anything not in a basket will be thrown out.

9. Can I drink alcohol at City College?

The use of alcohol is subject to the maintaining of a good standard of behaviour. Alcohol is allowed only within strict limits based on ALAC guidelines which are:

Half a dozen cans of beer or
1 litre of cask wine only or
3 cans of premixed spirits

The following items and actions are prohibited at City College

This list is not exhaustive and we reserve the right to add to the list at any time
Noisy gatherings will result in visitors being asked to leave and alcohol confiscated.

City College has a policy of ZERO TOLERANCE of breaches of the alcohol rules.
If bottles are found in an apartment, the apartment will be placed on an automatic alcohol ban.

Gatherings where there are bottles will be immediately closed down.
Individuals caught with bottles will have an instant fine of $100.00.
Repeat offenders will be placed on individual alcohol `contracts.

There will be times of the year, e.g. exams, when a total alcohol ban will be imposed.
Irresponsible behaviour may result in an alcohol ban being placed on individuals or apartment groups.

10. Can I stay at City College over the holidays?

Residents usually leave the college during vacation times; those who intend to stay must give notice of their intentions in advance. All rules and conditions of residence apply during holiday breaks. Residents who go away at holiday times get a food rebate of $49.00 per full week.

We reserve the right to use any or all of the rooms at City College during the vacation periods. If rooms are to be used you will be advised and all personal effects will need to be locked in the wardrobe. If we use a room the usual occupant will get a full refund for that week. Keys and sil’keys must be handed in before holidays.

11. Can I lock my room?

Residents are issued with one key which opens all of the areas which they have access to plus their apartment AND bedroom, however no other resident has a key which can open their bedroom. A sil' key is also issued which allows access to the college after 9pm, when the college is made electronically secure. We advise residents to keep their bedroom doors locked at all times.

12. Can people phone me at City College?

Each apartment has a telephone for local calls. Telecom Calling Cards, Clear Cards and 0800 numbers can be used on these phones to make toll calls. Each apartment has a number, which your friends can dial direct.

13. Are there computers at City College?

City College has a computer lab which has 16 computers. The computer lab is networked to Otago University making access to the internet and email available to all City College students.

14. What is in my room at City College?

The bedrooms are large and furnished with divan bed, study desk, ergonomic chair, wardrobe and large notice board. The rooms are warm, heaters maintain a constant temperature. All rooms are single, and modern.

15. What do I need to bring with me to City College?

Bring

Optional

DO NOT bring electric blankets, heaters, kitchen appliances or electrical multi boards.

You MUST NOT bring firearms or weapons of any type.

16. Do you run tutorials?

We run tutorials for students in subjects where there is sufficient demand and we work with other halls to cater for subjects where there are smaller numbers.

17. What are the traditions of City College?

City College is very new and is developing new traditions. City College is modern, co-ed' and co-institutional and we are developing a culture which reflects those things.

18. Can we choose who we live with at City College?

No. We place students in apartments. All apartments have students from each institution and reflect the make-up of the College.

19. Are bedrooms shared?

All of the student bedrooms at City College are singles.

20. What Happens if I leave during the year?

City College contracts are for 38 weeks (University Students) or 41 Weeks (Otago Polytechnic Students) or the length of your course which ever is greater, if you leave you are liable for the fees for the rest of the year.

21. How are fees paid at City College?

$750.00 is payable upon signing the accommodation contract.

The deposit is made up of:

Payment of accommodation fees is by quarterly instalments, being the annual fee divided into four equal instalments.

Payment Options
There are two payment plan options available:

1) On Invoice, payable quarterly in advance.

2) By weekly automatic Payment. If you choose this option, a lump sum first instalment payment is required, followed by automatic payments of $150 per week. Please contact the Finance Manager BEFORE your starting date.

With each option the first instalment includes the Student Club and Computer Lab fees.

Fees for 2009
Please click on the links below to view the appropriate fee schedule
University of Otago Residents
Otago Polytechnic Residents

Other costs:

Student Club fee $175.00 paid with the first instalment, this fee is used to fund resident activities.

Internet Charge $55.50 Paid with the first instalment, (applicable only to Otago Polytechnic students), this fee covers Internet access through the University Computer Network.

Car Park (optional paid in advance) $400.00
Telephone Connection in own room (optional) $80.00 set up fee
Telephone Monthly Rental (optional) $25.00 Please note there is a free telephone in each apartment. All phones are toll barred.
Computer Port connection in own room (optional) $80.00 set up fee
Computer Port Monthly Rental (optional) $25.00

There is access to the University Network from all computers in the computer lab.

22. Are rebates available

Absence - No rebate of fees can be made for the absence of a resident during the academic session, except in the case of prolonged serious illness, evidenced by a medical certificate.

Food Rebate - Where a resident is absent due to semester holidays or course requirements and we have received three weeks notice, a food rebate of $49 per week will apply for each full week of absence. Residents must fill out the required form to qualify for food rebates, the form is available from reception.

End of Semester One - At the end of semester one there will be no refund for departure before the end of semester. The Head of College reserves the right to require the immediate departure of anyone not abiding by the Conditions of Residence, particularly with regard to quiet hours and use of alcohol.

End of Year – Each resident is required to check out no later than the day following his or her final examination or final course day. No resident may remain in residence beyond this day, other than by prior consent with the Head of College.

Rebates will only be paid by direct credit into a NZ bank account. Overseas students need to keep bank accounts open.

23. Student contract

An online version of the Polytechnic student contract is available by clicking here.

An online version of the University student contract is available by clicking here.

24. City College Handbook

An online .pdf version of the City College Handbook is available by clicking here.

25. Information for parents

Our relationship with Residents and their families is very important to us. We have prepared a pamphlet for Parents/Guardians. Download the .pdf pamphlet here.