Our History
University College is one of twelve residential colleges and halls affiliated with The University of Melbourne
Planning for the college's establishment began in 1917, when a group of women and men associated with the University of Melbourne organised a Provisional Committee to found a residential college for women, equal in status to the then existing four men's colleges of the University. In 1933, after a 16 year period of struggle and endeavour, the Provisional Committee was granted by Act of Parliament five and a quarter acres on which to establish a college for women attending the University of Melbourne. The foundation stone of University Women's College was laid in 1936 by Lady Huntingfield, wife of the then Governor of Victoria.
The first wing of the college (The Georgina Sweet Wing) had yet to be completed when the college opened for the 1937 academic year with nine students. A third storey was added in 1938, as was the Ellis Wing, which was opened in 1939. The full complement of residents was 42 students and four tutors. In the following years the College rapidly expanded and the wings of Syme (1953), Fraser (1958), Williams (1959), and Roper (1963) were added to the original building.
Over the past forty years there has been expansion of a more diverse population. A further three floors of student rooms were added to Fraser Wing (1985), one floor to Syme Wing (1987), the Head's Residence (1986), the Dr Greta Hort Memorial Library (1990), two free standing buildings comprising fourteen self-contained apartments for visiting academic research fellows (1996 and 1997). The Academic Centre and ensuite rooms for senior students were opened in 2001. A new Recreation Centre Wing linking the Fraser and Syme Wings was opened in February 2008. This centre has 26 ensuite rooms, the JCR, a large indoor recreation area, a studio, a gym and a band/music room.
Co-residential
University Women's College changed its name to University College in 1975. Men were enrolled as residents and today the gender balance is almost equal. In past years an average of 55 - 60% of residents have been women - which reflects both the applicant profile and the University's enrolment. University College still retains its founders' belief in equality and its early mission of ensuring that women have every encouragement and advantage to fulfil their potential.
