Women’s is more than just a place to stay. The College focuses on the academic, mentoring and career development needs of each student, along with providing support for wellbeing and access to a diverse range of leadership, sporting, cultural, community and social activities. Students at Women’s have access to endless opportunities to advance their studies and interests, which connect them for career and life. Students are also encouraged to make the most of being linked to an extraordinary alumnae community.
Centred on equity, Women’s is a place where women support women. The diversity, talents and personalities of more than 250 residents and 50 non-resident associates who call the College ‘home’ are celebrated and appreciated. Women’s is a place where students are empowered to embrace the many opportunities on offer to enhance their personal growth and wellbeing.
Being a Resident at Women’s provides many connections within the Women’s community and to the other colleges on campus at The University of Queensland. It is a great opportunity for any student who does not reside in Brisbane and who wants to embrace the many benefits of a residential college such as academic tutorials, mentoring and networking opportunities.
At Women’s, you’ll quickly discover that College life is central to your university experience. Much more than a place to sleep, Women’s will be your social base and a place to call home. While you’ll have your own room, the communal areas are where you’ll develop lasting friendships.
Future and current residents have access to a range of bursaries and scholarships to assist with residency fees.
Becoming a Women’s College Associate provides many connections within the Women’s community and to the other colleges on The University of Queensland campus. The Associate program is great for any student who commutes to university and wants to embrace the many benefits of a residential college such as academic tutorials, mentoring and networking opportunities.
Please note that Associate members cannot participate in the ICC (Inter-College Competition) sporting and cultural activities as all ICC participants must reside within the College. Associates, however, are invited to attend and support events, and are welcome to join any social team that fellow students might organise. Associates are also invited to participate in any community/volunteering activities and are also invited to social events as well.
Our simple online application form guides you through every step of applying to The Women’s College.
Each student room at Women’s College is a private sanctuary – a comfortable space to study, relax and make your own. Bedrooms are fully furnished and include a bed, desk and study chair, bookshelves, ample storage, a fan and heater, and natural light through opening windows.
Students are encouraged to personalise their room with their own linen, cushions, artwork and other decorative or functional items, creating a space that feels like home while supporting academic focus.
Rooms are cleaned weekly and are located within five residential wings. Each wing is arranged in corridor groups that share bathrooms, generous common lounge areas, and kitchen and laundry facilities. A limited number of rooms feature shared ensuite bathrooms between adjoining rooms.
New students are allocated a room upon entry to the College, while returning students are invited to select their room through a lottery system. Corridor groups include students from all year levels, fostering a strong sense of connection, peer support and community across the College.
Meal times are when you will come together as a community to eat and socialise. The Harriet Marks Dining Hall is one of the most recognisable spaces at Women’s. All meals are served here, including Formal Dinners and some key social events. The Women’s College is very well known for its excellent food.
Meals can be provided outside of the set times for when you are unable to attend due to study/work commitments.
Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free meals are available by arrangement, and food and beverage staff will also try to assist students with other special dietary requirements.
Monday to Saturday, you can make-your-own ‘cut lunches’ with ingredients provided in the kitchen at breakfast time, while tea, coffee and whole fresh fruit are available throughout the day.
Accompanied guests are welcome to eat at Women’s, with the exception of special occasion meals. Guest meals are charged to a resident’s account ($16 per person for breakfast, $18 for lunch and $20 for dinner).
During the official study and exam weeks, afternoon tea is provided every day.
Rooms are cleaned weekly by professional College housekeeping staff. In between these times, it is each resident’s responsibility to keep their room clean and tidy. Fresh bed sheets are issued weekly, and vacuum cleaners and other housekeeping items are available for students to use.
Women’s has cashless laundry facilities (registration is through an app), and indoor and outdoor clothes lines.
At Women’s, we view safety and security as a shared responsibility. Residents must act responsibly and respectfully towards their fellow community members, while the College commits a range of resources to ensure safety and security are top priorities.
Women’s has an advanced security system operating at all points of entry, with external doors locked, alarmed and monitored from 10:00pm. Residents may gain access to the front door until 11:00pm and external doors at any time with their fob key.
During office hours, there are professional staff at the front entrance, with Night Porters on duty from 5:00pm to 11:00pm each evening and security patrol from 11:00pm to 6:00am.
Women’s is also serviced by the university security bus so that residents can enjoy safe and easy access to UQ libraries and lecture theatres until 11:00pm during the working week.
Resident Assistants (RAs) are appointed by the College to provide guidance for the residents within their wing. By providing support, acting as a resource, coordinating wing events, and working together to ensure College policies and expectations are met, RAs are the first level of wellbeing support at Women’s.
Additionally, Women’s professional staff are on hand to support students in a variety of ways when extra care or encouragement is required. The Deputy Head of College and Dean of Students provide both one-to-one and group support to assist with any personal issues. Working in a collaborative, sensitive and confidential environment with you, they can find the best way to overcome any challenges and move forward.
In-house counselling appointments are also available for all students.
Common Rooms and Meeting Rooms: Two common rooms in each wing provide a place to meet up, make a coffee or watch TV. In addition to each wing’s common room, we also have the Freda Bage Room where you can study together or play the piano. Additionally, a range of meeting rooms are available to students to use for group work and quiet study. In the lead-up to exams, all meeting rooms are provided exclusively for students to use for study and assessments.
Study Hub: The Study Hub includes three purpose-built tutorial rooms, a meeting room, common room and kitchenette. The space is air-conditioned and is well-appointed for quiet study as well as tutorials for student use.
The Playhouse: Women’s has its own theatre with a foyer in the May Hancock Auditorium. Fully air-conditioned with all the technology you would expect, this is a superb venue for drama productions, lectures and seminars.
Lurleen Perrett Wellness Centre: The Lurleen Perrett Wellness Centre has gym equipment and space for yoga and pilates.
Parking: Parking is available to Second- and Third-Year Residents.
Gardens: The Maureen Aitken Garden between the Sallyanne Atkinson Building and New Wing has beautiful views to the UQ Lakes. The Quad, outside the Harriet Marks Dining Hall, and a paved courtyard, also provide a quiet haven for relaxing outside.
Tennis Court / Wellbeing Precinct: Women’s has a full-sized asphalt tennis/basketball court. This area will be refurbished into the Wellbeing Precinct in 2025.
Vic’s Place: Affectionately named in memory of a member of the College staff, Vic’s Place is a room away from the accommodation wings that has TV/DVD facilities. Here you can meet with friends or celebrate College sporting wins while not disturbing others.
Music facilities: Women’s has several music practice spaces including one with soundproofing. There are two grand pianos, and three upright pianos at the College.
Other: Our other facilities for students include:
As a Resident or Associate at Women’s, you automatically become a member of the Student Club. It’s here where you will truly discover what it means to be a Wooza and become part of the history and tradition of this remarkable College.
Being part of the College’s active Student Club is a great way to develop leadership skills and community spirit, and it is one of the best ways to get the most out of your College experience.
At Women’s, we know that some of life’s best lessons are learned outside the uni lecture theatre. There are many different sporting activities on offer to complement your studies, with competitions and performances timed carefully to avoid interfering with academic commitments.
Between March and October, Women’s residents can participate in the following sports:
Most sports are played at a competitive amateur level in short seasons of no more than a month to fit in with university course commitments. Competition is in a round robin style and UQ’s residential colleges compete against each other for the Women’s ICC Sport Shield and the Women’s Weighted Shield. Events are widely supported by the whole College community.
Everyone is encouraged to try out and should first register their interest with the Sports Convenor.
The Women’s College also participates in the Great Court Race, one of UQ’s treasured traditions. First held in 1985 to celebrate UQ’s 75th anniversary, the event is based on Cambridge University’s famed Great Court Run.
The heart and soul of co-curricular activities are the Inter-College Council (ICC) competitions. The strong history of ICC challenges brings a great spirit to all events. Students compete for various ICC titles, as much as for fun and bragging rights! Women’s has a varied cultural program with the following activities:
Like the sporting activities, Women’s cultural program is part of the Intercollege Council Competition (ICC), where UQ colleges compete against each other for the Cultural Cup. It’s lots of fun and a great way for students to express themselves in the arts through individual and group performances.
All students are encouraged to take part and should register their interest with the Cultural Convenor.
Women’s residents have opportunities to be involved in various community service projects. Projects are initiated, led and organised by students themselves, giving our students real ownership of the projects and causes they choose to support.
In line with the college motto, Capimus ut dividamus “We take so that we may share”, students learn to collaborate and network with local, national and international organisations. They become socially responsible civic leaders who then educate their peers and the wider community about the issues, organisations and people with whom they are working.
The Student Club organises social events like Womens@ Home and Woozalympics in Semester 1 and the Women’s Ball in Semester 2. There are also informal weekly events with other UQ residential colleges to enjoy.
Led by the Student Club President, the 12 members of the Student Club Executive are elected by the student body and represent the voice of students within the College community. Operating under a student-drafted Constitution, the Executive plays a central role in shaping College life.
Throughout the year, the Student Club Executive plans and delivers a diverse program of social, community, cultural and sporting activities, including the College’s O-Week program. In doing so, members develop strong leadership, collaboration and event-management skills while fostering an inclusive and vibrant residential experience.
Resident Assistants (RAs) are appointed by the College to provide leadership and guidance to residents within their wing. As a trusted first point of contact, RAs support student wellbeing, coordinate wing activities, and work closely with College staff to uphold community standards, policies and expectations.
Like serving on the Student Club Executive, the RA role offers returning students a meaningful leadership opportunity. It enables second- and third-year residents to develop confidence, responsibility and interpersonal skills while making a positive and lasting contribution to the College community.
Women’s College offers a strong academic support program led by experienced tutors, designed to help students succeed in their university studies. Weekly tutorials are available across a wide range of disciplines and provide an opportunity to consolidate learning, ask questions, and build confidence in a supportive, small-group environment.
Tutorials are offered in subjects including accounting, allied health, architecture, biology, chemistry, economics, journalism, law and nursing, with additional support introduced as student demand evolves throughout the year.
All first-year students are paired with an Academic Mentor to support their transition to university study. Academic Mentors are experienced senior students who provide practical guidance on navigating university life, including study planning, textbooks, learning platforms, libraries, referencing and assessment preparation.
This peer-to-peer support helps new students settle quickly, develop effective study habits, and feel confident accessing the academic resources available to them from the outset.
The Ready to Lead Program equips students with practical skills, confidence and professional insight to support success at university and beyond. Delivered throughout the academic year, the program complements academic study by focusing on career readiness, leadership development and personal growth.
Through a series of interactive workshops and seminars, students explore topics such as building a personal brand, establishing a professional presence on LinkedIn, developing a strong résumé, refining interview skills, and strengthening leadership and communication capabilities. The program supports students at every stage of their degree as they prepare for future careers.
Women’s Industry Night is an annual networking and career-building event that connects students with industry professionals, employers and alumnae. Designed as a mini-exhibition, the event provides students with direct access to organisations offering graduate and vacationer roles, internships, work experience and professional pathways.
Students are encouraged to engage in meaningful conversations, explore career options, challenge assumptions and gain real-world insight into the workplace. For many, Women’s Industry Night is a pivotal step in building professional networks and identifying future opportunities.
The Career Mentoring Program partners third-year residents with experienced alumnae who provide personalised guidance as students prepare for life after university. Mentors support students across a range of areas, including career planning, résumé and cover letter feedback, interview preparation and professional decision-making.
This one-to-one mentoring experience offers students valuable industry insight, enhances their employability, and helps them build meaningful professional connections. The program supports a confident transition from university study to the workforce, drawing on the strength of the Women’s College’s alumnae network.
Formal Dinners are a cherished tradition at Women’s College, bringing the College community together to share a meal, celebrate achievement and engage with inspiring guest speakers and panel discussions. Held fortnightly during the semester, these occasions foster a strong sense of belonging and connection across the College.
Students wear their undergraduate academic gowns, reinforcing the academic heritage of the College and the significance of these gatherings. Formal Dinners provide students with the opportunity to hear diverse perspectives, and engage in meaningful conversations in a supportive and respectful setting. Guest speakers often join students before and after the dinner, creating valuable moments for informal discussion and connection.
In addition to regular Formal Dinners, the College hosts a number of special celebratory dinners that recognise excellence and contribution across the community, including:
Women’s College offers a bespoke Guest Speaker Program that features a diverse range of keynote speakers and panellists from across industries, professions and community leadership. These speakers share insights from their careers and lived experiences, encouraging students to think critically, broaden their perspectives and pursue their ambitions with confidence.
Beyond Formal Dinners, students can engage with guest speakers through Women of the World Q&A Networking Dinners, In Conversation events, and Fireside Chats. These formats allow for deeper engagement, meaningful dialogue and networking opportunities, giving students direct access to inspiring role models and thought leaders.
Academic Excellence Prizes are awarded to residents of The Women’s College based on their cumulative university achievements, aligning with the specific criteria set for each prize. In addition to academic prizes, we also bestow accolades for leadership, contributions to College life, community service and sporting achievements.
Many of these prizes have a rich history, some dating back to generous benefactors or through the enduring support of College alumnae.
Not quite ready to apply yet? That’s okay! Submit your EOI to book a tour or online chat with a Student Ambassador.
See what life at Women’s is like
from our Residents and Associates.
See more about the College, events like Open Days, and Bursary & Scholarship updates on Instagram.
Explore the College and see our rooms and facilities, indoors and outdoors, in our 360° virtual tour.
Our FAQs page contains answers to frequently asked questions about life at The Women's College.
Check out Wooza, our annual magazine for future students, as well as our Prospectus and other publications.
We hold Open Days, with tours and information sessions, in April and August each year. Visit our Events page to find out about the next Women's Open Day.
Hear from 2024 Student Leaders Izzy Nolke and Zimena Furey as they discuss how they have embraced opportunities at Women's.
A Women’s College experience is an investment in your university journey. Our fees reflect the quality and value of the experience we offer.
