As semester one looms, the Union of Students' Associations wants more clarity from providers

At the red setting, people will need to be vaccinated to be on campus.

Auckland University's decided to hold most teaching online until at least the mid-semester break.

Otago University will hold lectures online, but smaller groups like tutorials will happen on campus where possible.

Union President Andrew Lessells says institutions need to be up front about what Omicron could mean, in terms of moving online or self-isolating in student accommodation.

He says there needs to be real flexibility so students can delay their arrival, get refunds on hall fees and make personal risk based decisions.