University House, Australian National University

Content sourced from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

University House at the Australian National University (ANU) is the oldest residential college on campus. It sits on Balmain Crescent in Canberra, Australia. It is a self-catered, co-educational residence with Master Peter Kanowski and about 60 postgraduate residents. The building also hosts a faculty club, events, and functions, and operates as a hotel and home for postgraduate students. It is heritage-listed by ANU, the Royal Australian Institute of Architects, and the Government of Australia, and is a nominee for heritage listing by the National Trust of Australia.

In January 2020, Canberra suffered a destructive hailstorm that damaged University House and other Acton campus buildings, followed by heavy rain in February that caused further water damage. Repairs, along with planned refurbishments and building-code work, have meant a long repair period. Reopening is planned for late 2025.

University House was planned in 1947 and designed by Brian Lewis. It was originally intended to house the Schools of Social Sciences and Pacific Studies, a Faculty Club, a library, and offices, but it was later changed to primarily housing for faculty and students. The foundation stone was laid in 1949, and in 1950 it was decided to include modern art. The building was officially opened for occupancy by Prince Philip on 16 February 1954.

In its early years, the plan followed an Oxbridge-style system with regular seminars and a daily formal dinner at the hall. This tradition waned in the 1970s, and the formal dining practice was gradually discontinued. In 2001 parts of the building were turned into a hotel for academic guests and the general public. In 2002, Graduate House was incorporated into the University House system, though it retains its own routines and identity.

Traditional Oxbridge-style dinners are still available for members, students, and faculty every Wednesday evening during the semester, though dress is now relaxed. Notable residents include former Prime Minister Gough Whitlam, who lived there briefly in 1975 after leaving office.

The Great Hall was originally the Fellows’ dining area. It now houses a restaurant called Boffins. The hall features artworks by Leonard French, including Regeneration (1972) and The Journey series (1974).