While this may hold more significance for me than for you, I’ll spare you the sentimentality and get straight to the point.
Throughout this column, my primary goal was to mend the growing divide between the town and gown, a division that has unfortunately deepened over time.
Despite my efforts, I acknowledge that I have not fully bridged this gap. It is disheartening to witness the subtle forces that continue to drive a wedge between the members of our city, allowing student prejudices to surface to some extent.
As I prepare to leave, I ponder what the “student experience” will be like for the next generation, particularly for my sister who is embarking on her first year at the university, proudly representing Dunedin in the midst of enthusiastic revelers at Unicol.
What will the future students make of their time here? Will it surpass or fall short of my own experiences?
Let’s delve into this question by examining a few key aspects.
Undoubtedly, the university’s financial challenges will cast a shadow over the student experience, impacting everyone to some degree.
In these financially turbulent times marked by increased fees and course reductions, the university’s focus is shifting towards prioritizing core courses over providing a comprehensive education. The emphasis will be on students pursuing degrees rather than holistic learning.
Conversely, students will also narrow their focus due to the high stakes involved, making it difficult to dedicate time to building lasting connections, projects, or ideas on campus. However, a narrowed focus can sometimes lead one astray without a broader perspective.
Another significant aspect is the role of alcohol in student culture. While I may have voiced my concerns, I have no doubt that the next generation of students will have their version of a “student pub.”
However, drinking patterns have evolved, with drinking rituals becoming increasingly competitive, as evidenced by the initiations from the previous year. As Louisa Mason from Hold On To Your Friends aptly stated, “Drinking culture has overshadowed student culture.”
Alcohol companies are capitalizing on this trend, and we can expect a surge in alcohol advertising during O Week 2025.
Student culture and the potential “student pub” will need to navigate the entrenched norms around alcohol consumption among the new generation of students.
Furthermore, the shifting geography of studentville, particularly the gentrification of Castle St. by property managers, is reshaping the student experience. The decentralization of student culture will have a profound impact, potentially diminishing the sense of community and camaraderie that comes from easy access to friends and social hubs.
The decentralization poses a threat to the essence of studentville as a geographic entity, impacting the viability of student-oriented businesses and community spaces.
Despite these challenges, there is hope on the horizon. OUSA and DCC are slowly recognizing the disengagement of students and are taking steps to enhance the student experience. The upcoming local body elections present an opportunity for a strong student candidate to bring about meaningful change.
As I look ahead, I have confidence that the student community will rise to the occasion and create a vibrant and inclusive environment for future generations. The “student experience” is not just a phase but a transformative journey that nurtures critical thinking and innovation, essential for shaping a brighter future.
It has been a true pleasure to write about the remarkable student community I was fortunate to be a part of for three memorable years.
• Hugh Askerud majored in politics and religious studies at the University of Otago. Stay tuned for a new column from studentville starting in two weeks.
