Firefighters in Dunedin are worried about the tempting trail of trash left on student streets in the city as Scarfies "can't help setting things on fire".

A staff member found to have been unjustifiably dismissed by the University of Otago hopes working conditions improve at the institution as a result of her case.

Student numbers are expected to increase at the University of Otago next year, turning around three years of declining enrolments at the institution.

About 13 per cent of the country's 5-year-olds have such poor oral health it affects their eating, sleeping and school work, an oral health expert says.

The director of the University of Otago's marketing and communications division has been accused of bullying, and creating a 'toxic' environment.

The University of Otago has a responsibility to help students drink responsibly and this could include building a new pub on campus, vice-chancellor Prof Harlene Hayne says.

Student behaviour in Dunedin appears to be improving, with a significant drop in students being dealt with by the University of Otago for serious incidents.

A drunk man is alleged to have mistakenly smashed his way into a Dunedin flat causing 'thousands' in damage and scaring the student residents.

An Otago student who nearly died after swallowing his own vomit during a drinking game is among examples being used to put students off such practices.

The University of Otago needs to target international students more "aggressively" after having the largest decline in international numbers of any New Zealand university this year, Tertiary Education Minister Steven Joyce says.

An Otago University student who went missing after leaving a friend's flat on Monday night has been found in Alexandra.

A University of Otago building programme to the tune of more than $350 million will be "massively positive" for the Dunedin economy, Otago Chamber of Commerce president Peter McIntyre says.

Parasites that live inside humans could find life a bit tougher in future, thanks to the University of Otago and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The University of Otago boosted Dunedin's economy by $780.8 million last year, a new report shows.

Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull has apologised for his "slight" against the Dalai Lama after sparking a minor protest over comments about the spiritual leader's upcoming visit.

The University of Otago took a "very serious" look at the implications of hosting the Dalai Lama before opting to let him speak on campus during his visit to Dunedin next month.

All eight of New Zealand's universities are being taken to the New Zealand Copyright Tribunal for refusing to agree to an increased annual licence fee which allows lecturers to copy authors' work for students.

Two students who fell off the roof of the same Dunedin flat within minutes of each other say the incidents are a reminder for students to think before they act.

The annual migration of students back to Dunedin has begun, with the influx of young people providing a boost to local businesses.

Eating healthy

New Zealand universities have spent more than $250,000 dishing out honorary degrees to celebrities and visiting dignitaries, a Herald investigation into the eight institutions has found.

Elena Berg seems to be the most brushed up on clothing etiquette when it comes to dressing for University of Otago graduations.

University of Otago Prof Robin Taylor has spoken out against voluntary euthanasia, telling university graduates that arguments for this were "fundamentally flawed".