Claire Luis

About me

Kia ora! I'm Claire, and I moved from Auckland to Dunedin to study Law at the University of Otago. Looking back at my Year 13 self, I had absolutely no idea what university life would be like. I chose Otago without ever visiting the campus or seeing the halls in person. All I really knew about Dunedin was its cold weather and reputation for a chaotic student party culture. Everything felt like a huge leap into the unknown. Thankfully, I quickly realised that Otago was the perfect place for me. Whether you're wondering about halls, campus life, O-Week, moving away from home, studying Law in first year, or just what day-to-day student life is really like, I'm happy to share my experiences. I remember how reassuring it would have been to talk to someone who had recently been in my shoes, and that's exactly what I want to be for you.

My uni experience

Law is definitely demanding, especially in the first and second years. Those years can feel competitive and intense with a lot of content to keep on top of. However, once you get through those initial years, things become much more manageable. One of the biggest perks is that many upper-year law papers have open-book exams. Exam season can be challenging, but the good thing about Otago is that exam periods are relatively short, and once they're over, they're over. I stayed at Unicol in my first year, which is definitely known as one of the more social halls. Every hall has its own vibe, and while some are quieter, I had an amazing time at Unicol. One of my favourite things was the balconies: on a sunny Dunedin day, they were the perfect place to relax with friends and enjoy a drink or two. The social life in Dunedin is honestly one of a kind. There is always something happening, whether it's O-Week events, gigs, rugby events, themed nights, or student traditions like St Patrick's Day. One of the things I love most about Otago is the huge range of clubs and societies available through OUSA. Whether you're into sports, culture, volunteering, academics, the outdoors, gaming, or just meeting new people, there's probably a club for you.

Hobbies

I'm currently volunteering for Community Law, where I work alongside lawyers to help provide free legal information and assistance to members of the community.