Life at Salmond College: Four Weeks In and Already Full of Stories.

Life at Salmond College: Four Weeks In and Already Full of Stories

Move-in day already feels like a distant memory, yet it has only been four weeks since residents first arrived at Salmond College. In that short time we have packed an incredible amount into our days and evenings, balancing the excitement of settling into classes with social events and opportunities to connect as a community.

The start of the year is always a special moment as we welcome new residents and their whānau to Salmond. One of the highlights of the opening week was our Mihi Whakatau, where we formally welcomed residents to the college and to the year ahead. It was a meaningful occasion that set the tone for the supportive and inclusive community we hope to continue building throughout 2026.

O Week Highlights

Monday saw the college head out together for a walk to Baldwin Street, where the brave (and slightly crazy!) took on the challenge of racing up the steepest street in the world. The reward? Bragging rights and a place in Salmond legend.

Congratulations to our Baldwin Street champions:

Women
1st – Grace Brydges
2nd – Chanel Gao
3rd – Jess Baverstock

Men
1st – Jaxon Hogg
2nd – Lukas Wallis
3rd – James Hay

Later that evening we hosted the first of our hall only parties, where residents came dressed as something beginning with the first letter of their name. From creative costumes to plenty of laughter, it proved to be a great way for residents to meet new people, build friendships, and start learning names. 

Tuesday’s Intercollege Sports Day unfortunately fell to the wet weather that had been forecasted. However, with a quick turnaround we were able to offer a range of alternative activities including bowling, ice skating, mini golf, and laser tag. The change of plans turned into a fantastic day out across the city and ensured the fun continued despite the rain.

Wednesday brought another hall-only event, this time with a cowboy and cowgirl theme. With “Bucky” the mechanical bull in residence, residents had the chance to test their bull-riding skills. There were plenty of laughs, some impressive rides, and a lot of enthusiastic spectators cheering from the sidelines.

Our top bull riders were:

Women
1st – Emily Cooney
2nd – Aria Ameka
3rd – Isla Stewart

Men
1st – Lucas Beck
2nd – Eli Palmer
3rd – Aston Redgewell

Thursday afternoon shifted the focus from socialising to giving back to the community. Our volunteering afternoon saw nearly 70 residents sign up for a range of opportunities. From pest control initiatives around campus, to helping the community orchard with riparian planting, to baking for the Dunedin Night Shelter and children’s organisations across the city, it was fantastic to see residents eager to contribute their time and energy to the wider Dunedin community.

Later that evening was the much-anticipated Toga Night. Residents swapped a can of food for a toga sheet, and through this initiative we were able to donate more than 200 cans of food to the Dunedin Night Shelter. While some residents braved the cold to attend the event, others chose to stay in and enjoy a more relaxed evening back at the college making slime together.

By Saturday, the weather had finally cleared just in time for our first Salmond Garden Party. Residents gathered outside to enjoy the sunshine and some fantastic live music from our very own talented performers. A huge shout-out goes to Noah, Lucas, Hunni, Nia, Molly, and Jay for sharing their music and helping create such a great atmosphere. For some residents the evening continued with their first experience of the famous student section, “The Zoo,” at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

Looking Ahead

Four weeks in, it is already clear that Salmond College is buzzing with energy. With friendships forming, classes underway, and a strong sense of community developing, it has been wonderful to see residents settling into university life.

We are excited to see what the rest of the year will bring.