Dunedin's student flats really are as chilly as refrigerators during winter, according to a new report.
Although it may come as no surprise to hardened veterans of the flatting circuit, the report, by a visiting graduate student, showed that between August and October the average temperature of 91 Dunedin flats was 12.9degC, with one flat averaging just 2degC.
By comparison most refrigerators average between 4degC and 8degC.
The report's author, German student Jan Kohlmeyer, visiting from the centrally-heated and double-glazed haven of Hamburg, described the situation as "crazy".
"Basically, the students are freezing all the time - and they don't seem to mind," he said.
Mr Kohlmeyer's report, part of his graduate diploma in energy management, examined social behaviour in the face of thermal discomfort.
The report is based on measurements taken by other students in the university's Energy Studies Programme in a World Health Organisation (WHO)-funded study.
Sensors were installed in 91 student flats, primarily in the area close to the university, to record inside temperatures during the winter.
Most of the flats had no insulation, single glazing and were found to have insufficient heating.
Temperatures were measured between August and October, when the average outside temperature was about 8.3degC.
The optimum indoor temperature, according to the WHO, is 21.1degC plus or minus 2.9degC.
Mr Kohlmeyer found there was a culture of "roughing it" in Dunedin, whereby students expected some level of discomfort, and just "got on with it".
By comparison he said students in Hamburg usually enjoyed a similar standard of living to families or professionals.
"What's really crazy, is students here enjoy it, and celebrate it."
Although watching television wrapped up in sleeping bags and wearing woollen hats might not be everyone's definition of fun, Otago University Students Association president Nick Lanham said students tended to "just accept" their uncomfortable homes.
He said the association offered advice on flatting but students, especially those moving into their first flats, continued to move into houses of a "disappointing" standard.
"It's a bit of a trap for young players. They sign themselves up for a flat without even thinking about whether it will be warm enough."
The study found students tended to get out of the house whenever they could, and wrapped up warmly when inside, rather than combating the cold with heaters.
Mr Kohlmeyer pointed out that heaters were often ineffectual in the non-insulated houses.
Student Claire Sawyer, in the third year of her physical education degree, said she stayed at university as much as possible to avoid her cold flat, which she shared with three others.
"There's mould all over our clothes. It was so cold all through winter, I had to wear thermals and beanies - I had my electric blanket on 24/7 because my pillows were all damp."
- NZPA
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