Harvey Whyte

About me

My name is Harvey and I'm in my third year at Otago studying a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Management. I'm from Auckland and went to Saint Kentigern College. I think hearing from a current student is way more valuable than reading a brochure because it's more relatable and genuine. I've definitely made work-life balance and exercise a priority throughout my time at uni, and I want Year 13s to know that the stereotypes about uni life don't tell the full story. It's really what you make it, and it's easier than you think to keep doing the things you enjoy. Outside of study I run an events company called Summit Touring that brings international DJs into New Zealand, so I've had a pretty full few years!

My uni experience

A Commerce degree has a lighter workload compared to a lot of other degrees. It really depends on which papers you take though, as some require a lot more than others in terms of attendance and effort. Last semester I had a very relaxed timetable of only eight hours of lectures and tutorials across the whole week. I was in Selwyn Hall in first year, which was amazing. The food was really good and the social side was great considering it's a smaller hall. By the end of the year most of us knew each other pretty well, and I met some of my best mates there who I'm now flatting with. You hear a lot about heavy drinking at Otago, but it really isn't how it gets painted. It's easy to avoid if that's not your thing, and nobody is going to pressure you into it. What makes Otago great is the community. It's so easy to meet like-minded people through clubs and sport, and most people down here are genuinely balancing a good mix of work and social life.

Hobbies

Golf, tennis, football, running, and running Summit Touring, my events company.