International House
International House is ideal for students who seek a catered, quiet, independent living experience while maintaining a sense of community. Its residents from diverse backgrounds provide a global perspective and foster cross-cultural exchange, making it ideal for postgraduates focused on academic and professional growth.
- Overview
- Student support
- Testimonials
- Meet the team
Overview
The first International House was established in New York in 1909 after a meeting between Harry Edmonds, a YMCA secretary, and a Chinese student at Columbia University. This inspired Edmonds to promote cross-cultural understanding and address the lack of accommodation for foreign students. He presented his vision for a multicultural college to philanthropist John D. Rockefeller, leading to the opening of the first International House on Riverside Drive in 1924. Its success inspired the creation of International Houses at UC Berkeley (1930), the University of Chicago (1932), in Paris (1925), and in Tokyo (1952).
Rotary International helped the International House movement reach Australia, starting with the University of Melbourne in 1957. This was followed by establishments at the University of Wollongong (1961), University of Queensland (1965), University of Sydney (1965), University of New South Wales (1968), University of Newcastle (1988), James Cook University (1990), and Northern Territory University (1990).
Today, International Houses are independent non-profits united by a mission to enable students of different nationalities and cultures to live and learn together in a community of respect, understanding, and friendship. Many friendships formed within the Houses last a lifetime.
International House offers a quiet, mature atmosphere for students to connect with peers globally. We emphasise cultural diversity and the wellbeing of residents, providing in-house facilities to ensure a comfortable stay.
Student support
At International House (IH), we place a great emphasis for the wellbeing of our residents. We offer many in-house facilities to make them feel as at-home and comfortable as possible throughout their stay.
These include the comfortable and spacious living and common spaces, rooms and equipment for sport and games, as well as the all-important kitchen and dining facilities.
Whether you want to study beside a large tranquil Koi pond, or have a barbecue in the lush garden courtyard, IH has a range of exclusive facilities that translate into a unique college experience.
International House feels like a family away from home. It can be hard to meet people through classes alone, but here, we sit down, talk about our day, and support each other, just like at home. Each year brings new people, and you build a new kind of family. Most of my sense of belonging at ÑÇÃÀÆåÅÆ comes from college—we do so much together, and it really feels like a shared experience.
Martine Hansen Midttun
Resident's Society President
I love the natural feel of International House—the pond and courtyards feel very Aussie. Everyone was so welcoming when I arrived and I’ve loved being part of this community. Now I have friends in Singapore, France, Belgium—everywhere. Visiting them will allow me to travel the world!
Robert Luo
B. Engineering
As an international student moving to a new country alone, I didn’t know anyone. But living at International House made such a difference—everyone was so warm and welcoming. There’s always someone to talk to, and being part of the events and Resident Society gives you that full college experience. I love it here.
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M. Public Relations and Advertising Â
Charlene Griffiths | Dean of International House
Hi, I’m Charlene
I have worked in the tertiary education sector for the last 20+ years, I'm experienced with the Visual Arts and a few little detours along the way. I have spent teaching English in Prague and six months in Penang. From National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) just across the road, I have now come to IH and I just love seeing talented students take off to the next level of their careers. I would say that my key business strengths include superior organisation and human resource management skills and proven project management experience. I am a natural networker and strategic thinker, focused on creative solutions and high-quality outcomes.
There is no other residential experience quite like living in an IH. Built on an 80-year tradition that started in the States, we foster a community actually living out the principles of cross-cultural understanding in mutual respect. The concept of strength through equity and diversity is in our DNA and fundamental to all that we do. If you believe that each individual can play a role in making the world a better place by embracing, respecting, and understanding our differences, and want to live in a supportive community of like-minded students, then IH is absolutely the right place for you.
Resident Mentors
Resident Mentors (RMs) are staff members of ÑÇÃÀÆåÅÆ who are typically in their final years of study or already hold a degree. RMs live with the students on their floors and provide daily academic and pastoral support. They aren’t teachers, but they’re a little like supportive older siblings with loads of experience to pass on and a willingness to help guide the residents.
Resident's Society (RESOC)
The International House Residents' Society (IH RESOC) is the representative student group for residents of International House.
The Committee is composed of student leaders elected annually by residents in various portfolios aimed at offering residents opportunities to be involved in extra-curricular activities. It includes an executive group of a president, secretary and treasurer and administers a budget each year across areas such as cultural, sport, social, charities and communications.
Features
- furnished bedrooms
all meals provided
exclusive gym, cardio and weight equipment
Wi-Fi, electricity, gas and water included
social and group study rooms
outdoor barbecue facilities
coin-operated laundry facilities
sporting, social and cultural programs
24-hour campus security
regular support from college staff
leadership and networking opportunitiesÂ
bicycle storage and maintenance tools
- recreational facilities – TV room, music room, pool table, table tennis and piano
- 24-hour parcel locker access.
Gallery
Room types & fees
Room type |
Meals |
Bathroom |
Cleaning |
Single |
Catered |
Shared |
No |
- The contract period is 52 weeks. Due to high occupancy, single-term contracts are currently unavailable. Please contact the office for more details.
- Weekly rates are for 2025 and are expected to change yearly. Rates shown are for full-year contracts only.
The contract period is from 7 February 2025 to 4 February 2026.
