Welcome to University House

University House has been part of the Australian National University community since February 1954. Originally planned as a residence for faculty and postgraduate students, it now serves as a function centre, faculty club, hotel and postgraduate residential facility.

The House is also very much the ceremonial centre of the University. The Hall, featuring the spectacular Leonard French mural, has been the venue for many important events in the life of the University, including degree conferral ceremonies for such important Australians as the First World War historian C.E.W. Bean and the noted artist Sir Sidney Nolan.

We hold a regular Wednesday evening dinner at University House for members and guests. Monthly there is a lecture following dinner, normally given by a Dean of one of the University's Faculties or a Director of one of the Research Schools or University Centres. The House maintains a broad academic program including dinners that celebrate the achievements of outstanding staff, such as Federation Fellows, and dinners to mark the commencement of the academic year and the new graduates of the University. It also holds an annual dinner for the University's postgraduate students in recognition of the importance of the House as a postgraduate residential facility and as a place where postgraduates can mix and meet with academic staff and academic visitors to the University.

Graduate House, which has been one of the residential colleges of the University for 30 years, was joined with University House in late 2002, giving University House responsibility for more than 200 of the University's higher degree students. University House and Graduate House, along with the accommodation across Balmain Crescent for the Postgraduate Research Students Association and the University's Graduate School, forms a postgraduate precinct for the University.

The Board of Fellows of University House, the membership of which represents a broad cross section of University and community interests, advises me on any matter to do with the operation of the House. The House is managed on a daily basis by a General Manager who has reporting to him the Manager of Graduate House and line managers at University House responsible for accommodation, functions, food and beverage and maintenance.

On 16 February 1954, His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh formerly opened University House. Twenty five years later His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales visited the House to mark that important anniversary. In 2004 we celebrated 50 years of University House and its service to the Australian National University.

Prof. John Richards
Master