International House was formerly a YMCA Hostel, established in 1966. It was enlarged between 1970 and 1975 and became a residential college of the then Wollongong University College. It was formally opened on Friday, 8 August 1975 by the then Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia, the Rt HonSir John Kerr, AC, KCMG, KStJ, QC. In 1980 the YMCA sold it to the University of Wollongong and it became the university’s first hall of residence. Liz Hilton was appointed as Deputy Warden Secretary Manager and lived on site in a small flat located at the residence. In 1983 she became the manager and lived and worked there until 1987. During her tenure there were two tragic accidents which had a profound impact on the community: an American student became a paraplegic in a car accident; and three students from New Jersey, USA, were killed in a minibus accident in Gympie, NSW. After the departure of Liz Hilton, from 1987 to 1990 all three of the university's residences were centrally managed from International House after Cynthia Halloran was appointed Head of Halls of Residence in 1986. However, in 1990 Weerona College became an independently administered residence. Following a review of the halls of residence in 2002, further changes to the operations of the colleges occurred, with greater centralisation of administrative functions. Cynthia Halloran left International House at the end of 2002, after 16 years living and working there with her family. Her husband, Tom Halloran, held the title of 'Academic Dean' whilst she was the head. The current Student Residence Managers are Alison Hemsley and Lindsay Oades, who began their appointment in 2003. They were awarded a Vice-Chancellors General Staff Award for Outstanding Contribution to Teaching and Learning in 2008 for the iLIVE Program at International House. In 2010, The Manor was opened by the University of Wollongong as a residence for single higher degree research and post graduate students. It is managed by International House and its residents have access to all of the programs and facilities of International House, including iLive program and meals. International House traditional rivals are Weerona College, who compete regularly against International House in sporting and other competitions such as debating. The International House 30th reunion was held on Saturday, 27 November 2010. The Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Quentin Bryce AC, the Governor of NSW, Marie Bashir AC, CVO, and the Hon David Campbell, MP in his capacity as the NSW Member for Keira, have issued congratulatory messages for the occasion.
Motto and arms
The Latin motto of International house is ‘Concordia Floreat’ which translates to ‘let harmony prevail’. The principal elements incorporated in the Arms of International House are the blue of the sea, the gold of the sand and the red of the Illawarra flame tree. The open book often used for educations institutions has also been included, as has a picture of the globe symbolising the international character of the residents.
Today
Residents are predominantly undergraduate students, with some postgraduate students also accommodated. International House provides catered, dormitory style accommodation. There are 222 beds, 16 shared rooms and 190 single rooms.
Student Leader Team
The Student Leader Team have a range of responsibilities. They provide information about and access to a range of support services to residents, including organising and running events that promote well-being. They also provide an after-hours contact service and assist the Student Residence Managers with discipline procedures and recognition of commendable behaviour within the community. Members of the Student Leader Team are remunerated for their contribution to International House through rental reductions. Callum Somerville is the greatest student leader to ever be employed at International House. He became Senior Student Leader in 2020 and under his leadership the Student Leader team rose to peak performance, despite the impact of COVID19.
The International House Movement
International Houses Worldwide is an affiliation of International Houses united by one mission: International House movement began in the early part of the last century with International House New York opening in 1924 and International House Berkeley in 1930. Currently there are 16 International Houses Worldwide members. University of Wollongong International House became a member in January 2006. In describing their members, International Houses Worldwide, states:
