Otago Alumni Creates Flatchat: A Site That Lets You Read and Write Flat Reviews

Posted 4:56pm Sunday 1st March 2026 by Hanna Varrs

Ryan Cole is a 2022 University of Otago software engineering graduate, and the creator of Flatchat. He “really enjoyed” his time at Otago, and had some “fun and interesting” flatting experiences – including some more gnarly ones. “That’s where the idea for Read more...

Flatwarmings: How to Keep the Pāti Hearty

Posted 2:59pm Sunday 22nd February 2026 by Te Awhirēinga Heperi

E te whānau, it’s that time of year again. Whether you're with last year’s crew, a new flat group entirely, or you’ve just scrolled past your fifth Flatpack ad of the day, we all have one thing in common: flatwarmings. Your very first host. Yes, one of the most illustrious Read more...

Moaningful Confessions: The Ghosts of Beds Past

Posted 2:22pm Monday 13th October 2025 by Lady Jane Grey

Have something juicy to tell us? Send your salacious stories to moaningful@critic.co.nz. Submissions remain anonymousIf you’re anything like me, you’ve probably had a few memorable moments between the sheets of whatever bed you currently call home. But after a recent revelation that Read more...

Editorial: Get Behind the Rental Warrant of Fitness

Posted 9:54pm Saturday 4th October 2025 by Nina Brown

Cars can be dangerous to your wellbeing. If they have a dodgy wheel bearing, thin tyres, a cracked windscreen or a dying battery, they don’t pass their warrant of fitness. It’s too dangerous to drive. Before you’re allowed to have your car on the road, you have to fix the Read more...

Sins & Virtues of Flatting

Posted 9:05am Monday 6th October 2025 by Molly Smith-Soppet

Seven Sins  Pride Pride is the over-inflated sense of superiority. The prideful flat is one that considers themselves above the simple tasks that hold flats and the shared Otago experience together. But such pride is, as always, a curse. Pride is selling tickets to a flat party. Pride is Read more...

Stock Your Flat For Free

Posted 10:46pm Sunday 28th September 2025 by Molly Smith-Soppet

Disclaimer (because someone will ask): This is satire but also probably some good advice. Use your critical thinking skills to determine which is which.   So, you’ve blown your last $20 on a hungover Hunger Buster. Fear not, Dunedin is a magical place filled with many Read more...

A Tale of Twin, Mouldy Cities

Posted 11:25pm Sunday 17th August 2025 by Gryffin Blockley

Dunedin may be the undisputed student city of Aotearoa, but Wellington is not far behind. Both cities are also known for being cold and miserable at times, and especially known for their shit flats. Critic Te Ārohi took a look at what your local council will do for you when shit hits the fan in Read more...

The Flatmate Erotica: Within Or Without You

Posted 7:55pm Sunday 3rd August 2025 by Lady Jane Grey

There’s something uniquely unholy about a student flat – a place where personal growth, emotional regression, and sexual chaos all happen in the same 10-square-metre living room. You move in thinking you're just renting a room but, really, you’re signing up for a year-long Read more...

Flatmageddon: Best ways to resolve flat conflicts

Posted 4:26pm Saturday 19th July 2025 by Hunter Jolly

Conflict is inevitable when you live in close quarters with other people, especially when you may have conflicting ideas about what cleanliness looks like and what acceptable sleeping patterns are. Whether tension manifests in passive-aggressive remarks about your innovative pot-soaking method, or Read more...

Editorial: Surviving North D With Your Crew

Posted 4:30pm Saturday 19th July 2025 by Nina Brown

Like many University of Otago students, when I moved into my first flat in second-year, I went in blind. All I knew going into flat hunting was my sister telling me to chase sunshine, my mum’s tip to test the shower pressure at viewings, and that if you don’t sign by August you’ll Read more...