Kia Ora!
It is March 3rd here in Dunedin and I have officially wrapped up my first week of classes. These past two weeks have gone by so fast. O-week welcomed in the international and first year students. O-week consisted of back to back concerts, meeting people from all over the world and settling in at our flats with our flat mates. I live on Cumberland Street which is in the heart of the campus, so everything is really close to my flat. Dunedin is such a walkable city! It’s nice to not have to take a car… much different than life in Orlando.
Campus sign on Cumberland Street across from my flat!
My flat mates and I get along really well. Uni flats (International Student Office) did an awesome job with selecting people that were most compatible with our personalities. We are all pretty musically inclined, so often we jam out in our living room over a nice glass of merlot. If you are planning on coming to Otago, be very detailed in your preference of roomies! Uni flats can connect you to some pretty wonderful people.
Flat mate bonding with face masks and chai tea!
In the middle of O-week, TEAN took the group hiking at Sand Fly Bay. Hands down one of the most breathtaking hikes! We started the hike in a forest above the clouds, ran into a herd of sheep in the rich green pastures and descended into a crystal clear bay. The weather here definitely fluctuates more frequently than Florida because I tell you, I experienced all the seasons in 3 hours. I started in a fleece rain jacket, thermal pants, gloves and a beanie and ended up in my swim suit.
Felt like I was heading to Narnia! 42 degrees.
Half way mark of the hike definitively needed documentation. 74 degrees. These two photos are 1 ½ hours apart. I cannot stress enough… LAYERS, LAYERS, and more LAYERS!
TEAN, uniflats and the Uni has helped make this transition a smooth experience. With the first week of classes finished, I’m ready to conquer another week of adventure and study.
Ka Kite!