What is a college?

Unless you know someone who has lived at a residential college, chances are you may not understand what it's all about and how it's different to other types of student accommodation

At the University of Melbourne there are 10 residential colleges and each one has its own history, sense of identity and style

We believe that a College experience is not only great for the opportunities it provides, but also for all of the support that you receive while you are studying and transitioning into adulthood

A college experience isn't just about having somewhere to sleep and eat while you are at uni Yes, you'll have a room and we'll make sure you're fed, but college life is so much more than that!

At College, you will become part of a community that is full of young people who, like you, are embarking on their post-secondary studies. Living together, you will gain lifelong friends and learn from one another You will celebrate one another's successes and support each other through the inevitable challenges that come with leaving home, studying your chosen degree and finding yourself

Not only will you have a community of peers behind you, you'll also have a dedicated team of college staff whose job it is to make sure that you are set up for success Not only will they provide 24/7 wellbeing support but you will also be supported through extensive academic programs designed to give you an edge at university and beyond Plus, you'll become part of an amazing alumni community!

College opportunities at a glance

No matter which college you attend, the range of opportunities and services available to you is comprehensive They include:

Sports Competitions

Arts and Cultural activities, events and competitions

Volunteering programs and events

Social events

Special-interest groups and clubs

Leadership opportunities and programs

Proximity to the university campus

Fully-catered meals

Academic tutorial programs designed to supplement your university subjects

Wellbeing support from dedicated college staff

Entry into the alumni network

Access to communal social spaces, study spaces and music spaces

Security systems

24/7 onsite staff for peace of mind

A college experience means that your university educational journey becomes truly well-rounded

Our Principal, Jimmy likes to use an ice-cream analogy when talking about choosing a college. Most people like ice-cream, but not everyone has the same preference of flavour and it's by testing different ones that we decide on our favourite

We think you should adopt a similar approach to choosing the best college for you Look at all the websites, visit the ones that stand out to you and chances are you'll get a feel for which one you think will be your best fit! Whichever one you choose, we know you will be well-supported.