International House
A balance of independent living, academic focus and community connection in a diverse environment shaped by mutual respect and cultural exchange.
International House is a welcoming residential community for postgraduate, senior undergraduate and exchange students from Australia and around the world. Residents live alongside people from different cultures and disciplines, building international friendships and gaining new perspectives through everyday life.
- Overview
- Community and Activities
- Student Support
- Why International House?
Overview
International House is a diverse college community that brings together students from Australia and around the world to live, learn and connect across cultures and academic disciplines.
Home to postgraduate students, researchers, senior undergraduates and exchange students, International House offers a mature and respectful environment that supports academic focus, personal development and independent living.
Residents can connect through shared meals, cultural events and communal spaces, with the flexibility to participate in community life while balancing study, work and personal commitments.
Living at International House
International House offers a fully catered college experience, with a dining hall conveniently located on premise.
Residents enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner, with options catering to a range of dietary requirements, including vegetarian, halal and gluten-free meals.
The dining hall is a central gathering space, bringing residents together through everyday meals, themed dining nights and cultural food events throughout the year.
With a balance of independent living and opportunities for social connection, International House provides a welcoming environment where residents can exchange ideas, broaden their perspectives and build lasting friendships.
Globally Connected Community
Independent living with Connection
Academic and Pofessional Focus
Community and Activities
Connect across cultures. International House is known for its cultural diversity and opportunities to engage with people from a wide range of countries and backgrounds.
Activities may include: Cultural festivals and celebrations, International food and community events, discussion forums, social gatherings, creative activities, sporting and recreational activities, volunteering initiatives, leadership opportunities, resident-led programs, networking and professional development activities.
Many activities are designed and led by residents, allowing the community calendar to reflect the interests and diversity of the House.
Participation at International House
Residents are encouraged to contribute to the community by attending events, sharing their cultures and participating in House activities.
Participation is flexible, and residents can choose the activities that suit their interests, study commitments and personal circumstances. Residents are expected to respect community standards, contribute positively to the living environment and attend any required safety or residential meetings.
Culture and inclusion
International House welcomes people of all faiths, cultures, nationalities and backgrounds.
Cultural and international celebrations may take place throughout the year, giving residents opportunities to share traditions and learn from one another. Participation in cultural, religious and community events is voluntary.
Community expectations
Residents are expected to:
- Treat others with mutual respect
- Be open to different perspectives and experiences
- Respect different routines, beliefs and lifestyles
- Contribute positively to the residential community
- Follow UNSW policies and House guidelines
- Take care of shared spaces
- Respect residents who choose not to drink
- Participate in required safety and residential meetings
International House is not centred on competitive college traditions or a highly structured social calendar. It is a community built around cultural exchange, friendship, independence and shared respect.
Academic and professional support
International House provides an environment that supports academic focus, postgraduate study and professional development.
Residents have access to shared study spaces and a community of students who understand the demands of university life. The College team can also help connect residents with relevant UNSW academic, wellbeing and specialist services.
Support throughout your International House experience
Residents have access to trained residential staff and support networks within the House, as well as broader wellbeing and support services through UNSW.
The community places a strong emphasis on inclusion, belonging and mutual respect. Living alongside people from different backgrounds also helps residents build social connections and support networks during their time at university.
Your support network
Dean and residential staff: Provide pastoral guidance, community support and assistance with residential concerns.
Resident Mentors and Student Fellows: Offer peer support, promote wellbeing and help residents connect with the community.
Resident’s Society — IH RESOC: Represents residents and organises cultural, social, sporting, charitable and community activities.
UNSW support services: Provide access to health, wellbeing, counselling, academic and specialist support.
Accommodation staff: Assist with residential matters, practical concerns and connections to relevant UNSW services.
Charlene Griffiths | Dean of International House
Charlene is passionate about creating an inclusive community built on cross-cultural understanding, mutual respect and the belief that diversity strengthens the residential experience.
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.
A global community for independent students
International House may particularly suit students who value cultural exchange, academic focus, independence and meaningful international friendships.
Students who value International House may appreciate:
- Living with residents from many countries and cultures
- A mature and respectful residential environment
- A strong postgraduate and senior undergraduate community
- Academic and professional focus
- Fully catered living
- Flexible participation in community activities
- Opportunities to share culture and learn from others
- Resident-led events and leadership opportunities
- International networking and lifelong friendships
- Independent living with access to community support
What applicants should know
International House is not a traditional undergraduate college focused on formal traditions, competitive sport or a highly structured social calendar.
The community includes many postgraduate students, researchers, senior undergraduates and exchange students. Residents are encouraged to engage with others, but participation is flexible and individual study commitments and lifestyles are respected.
Applicants should be comfortable living in a culturally diverse community and open to learning from people with different backgrounds, perspectives and experiences.
Who is International House suited to?
International House offers a unique residential experience centred on cultural exchange, academic focus and global friendship. Residents live independently while being part of a diverse community that encourages mutual respect, meaningful connection and learning across cultures.
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 UNSW 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.
Shweta Nandakumar
M. Public Relations and Advertising
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 opportunities
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 44 weeks.
- Weekly rates are for 2027 and are expected to change yearly. Rates shown are for full-year contracts only.
The contract period is from 5 February 2027 to 13 December 2027.
