If you are unsure about any aspect of your study at the University of Otago, there are dedicated advisers to help. Course advice aims to give you the information and guidance you need to get the most from your study. Course advice and degree planning are available to both new and returning students, and you can access advice as many times as you need throughout your time at Otago – even before you enrol.
Student Development student advisers can provide personalised support on a wide range of topics, including:
- Choosing the degree and papers that are right for your goals
- Exploring your career aspirations and how your study fits
- Making sure that your paper choices meet University regulations
- Planning what you want to study across semesters and years
- Understanding your options if you have failed a paper
- Developing personalised degree structures and changing your course of study, if needed
- Connecting you with other student support services to help you succeed
You can seek course advice at any stage, from before you enrol right through to your final year.
Who to contact for course advice
If you have not yet enrolled at the University, contact one of our Schools' Liaison Officers for course advice.
Once you are enrolled, you can seek course advice from Student Development. Experienced student advisers can help you check you are on the right track, explore changes to your study plans, and answer questions about your options.
Student Development advisers can provide support in a variety of ways:
- You can schedule a one-on-one, 30 minute course advice appointment by completing the form
- Visit the drop-in advice service in the AskOtago Central Hub (Central Library, ISB Building) – no appointment needed:
- Mondays: 1:00pm to 4:00pm
- Tuesday to Friday: 9:30am to 4:00pm
- If you are not on campus, or the available appointment times are unsuitable, you can submit an email or callback request. Responses are typically within 2 to 3 business days, depending on demand.
If you are a Postgraduate student, refer to the related article: Postgraduate course advice
Career advice
If you have broader questions about careers, such as which qualifications or majors align with your career goals, or how to change direction if your current course is not working out, you may also find it helpful to speak with a Career Development Centre adviser