Student Bloggers

Kia Ora! The thrill of orientation is over. Classes will start soon. Or at least that’s what I thought. The week before classes is called O-Week and it’s nothing short of one longggg party where you meet loads of people and soak up the summer sun. I bonded with my flatmates over late morning groggy coffee and early evening makeup rituals. Indeed it was a week of bliss, but let me break it down for you.

I live with four other Americans: Abe from California, Amelia from Iowa, Miranda from Oregon, and Rachel from New Jersey. My Kiwi host is Chris from Auckland and he guides us all through the glass ridden streets of Dunedin to find the best beaches and cheapest grocery stores. He says things like “Right mate?” and “You keen?” Chris is awesome. My mates are AMAZING and I’m not just saying that. They’re so unique in their own way with special interests and great laughs. I’m truly looking forward to spending the rest of my semester in such sweet company. That being said, it’s only been a couple weeks. Maybe everyone is showing their good side. If that’s the case, then so be it. At least I have my own room.

The atmosphere of Otago is the real winner so far. People are open and kind; everyone’s door is left open for the wandering student. Couches sit in front yards, clearly worn down by weather and butts, yet still beckon to you and end up being the comfiest spots on campus. Music sounds from open windows and people wear whatever they want. I’d like to think that I fit right in, although I’m certainly nowhere close to getting the accent.

The real reason I’m here is because I’m furthering my academic career (I guess), so I’ll tell you about my classes. I’m taking Advanced Communication Theory, Media and Intercultural Communication, and Maori Culture and Society. So far I’m really enjoying the content of my classes and I can tell that they will be challenging in the right kind of way - not just a lot of work, but a lot of thinking. For me personally, that’s something I haven’t had in a while. I believe that what I end up learning will help me navigate my interests as well as the changing political and social climate back home. My favorite thing about classes is that the professors don’t have a dress code. It’s great to see them express themselves. It makes them more approachable and shows their “fun” side. Loving it.

I’ve also been exploring the city of Dunedin a little bit. Hiked up Signal Hill to the lookout point where you can see most of Dunedin and went downtown to see some street art, which is strewn about random streets in the city. The art is beautiful! There are many bars and cafes, all with their own quirk. My next stop: the world’s steepest street, right here in Dunedin!

Interesting miscellaneous bits: I’ve been eating tuna, plums, spaghetti, and eggs. There’s a St. Vincent de Paul thrift shop here, so let’s just say I’ve upgraded my wardrobe. I live right next to a huge botanical garden and I fed the ducks some of my oatmeal. Now we’re friends. I’m getting freckles. When greeting someone, say “Goodday.” They sell cheese by the kilogram. I bought lemon flavored toothpaste and have regrets about it.