Colombo House
Enjoy independence and freedom while part of a strong collegiate community with many events and activities throughout the year.
Colombo House is a hybrid between a traditional college and apartment style of living. With more than 35 nationalities from all corners of the globe, this thriving multicultural community focuses on celebrating our diversity through events and activities. In fact, the Colombo International Food Festival is one of the most delicious events of the year!
- Overview
- Student support
- Testimonials
- Meet the team
Overview
perfect for students who want flexibility while still being part of a supportive community. It appeals to students with busy schedules, such as those involved in internships, Co-op programs, or extracurricular activities, who may need more control over their time and living arrangements. With more self-directed living, Colombo House is ideal for students who value autonomy but still want access to college events and social networks. It's especially suitable for undergraduates and postgraduates balancing academic, work, and social commitments.
From regular barbecues, movies, trivia, and talent nights to social and sporting opportunities, food fairs, cultural performances, cooking classes, and regular outings to explore everything Sydney offers, Colombo House has built a strong sense of community among its residents.
You’ll quickly become part of the family at Colombo!
Student support
You’ll be supported by an on-site team comprising of the Dean, Deputy Dean and a team of Senior Student Volunteers (RAs). Every floor has an RA, and it’s their job to provide pastoral support and ensure each and every resident is looked after.
Colombuddy is a mentoring program partnering new and returning residents, helping you get settled into college life, the university and the local area.
Academically, we run peer-led study groups to support students adjust to the academic requirements of university study – in addition, we also run shared study sessions along with wellbeing programs co-ordinated by our Wellbeing Officer, helping to make the transition from high school to university a smooth one.
Testimonials
My favourite part is the people living in Colombo. I have made some amazing friends and have made some very memorable experiences.Â
Colombo House has such a family spirit; everyone is friends with everyone. You can have a chat with anyone you bump into. There’s always something to do. Everyone on campus is so lovely and willing to be your friend!
Michael Patoka | Dean of Colombo House
Having completed my degree at UNSW in Masters of Commerce, helping to open and establish Colombo House from our inaugural year in 2014 has always felt like being at home! As the dean, it gives me great privilege to welcome new residents to the college and watch them on their journey through their studies. Looking after Colombo we have created many warm traditions and the college continues to create new and exciting initiatives through our leadership and volunteer opportunities.Â
I grew up in Sydney. I love sharing my intimate knowledge of Australia's culture and landscape with our residents and making sure they know the best places to visit in their term breaks! I work closely with our College House Committee to make sure we are delivering the best community-building, inclusive and fun activities to our residents. Colombo House pastoral care team are always there for students needing support, we all live on site and this makes it easier to discuss matters, regardless how simple or complicated they may be.Â
Colombo House is my home along with my family; my wife Stephanie and our three children, Matilda, Joshua and Rosy, who have all grown up living in the college and consider the college community their extended home.Â
It gives me great pleasure to welcome students from all over Australia and the world through our doors. We are a young, thriving college community and are continually working hard to build our respectful and diverse culture. I hope we get the chance to meet you soon!
Delicia Toro | Deputy Dean of Colombo House
Hi everyone! This will be my second year as a deputy dean at Colombo and I am very excited to meet you all! A little bit about myself… I was born in France, lived in Spain for a couple of years, then moved to Mexico for around eight years, and then decided to do an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Neuroscience in Canada. And finally… decided to move to Sydney to pursue a career in medicine.Â
While studying in Canada, I worked for several years in different colleges. It has always been my passion to help other students and be part of their academic and personal growth. When coming to Sydney, I was very lucky to become the deputy dean and work with Dean Mike to build an inclusive and diverse community. It has been absolutely amazing getting to know so many different people and seeing how every student brings their own qualities to the college.
Student Fellow & Resident Assistants
Student Fellow (SF) are volunteer senior student who works closely with the Deans to ensure wellbeing of all residents is top of mind. The student Fellows in Colombo House create events, activities and learning opportunities in the college to support and encourage wellbeing every Term.
Resident Assistants (RAs) are assigned to each floor. They’re volunteer student leaders whose role is to make sure each and every student has access to any support they may need. The RA team works closely with the SF's, Deputy Dean and Dean, ensuring the pastoral care of all residents is of the highest quality.
House Committee
The House 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. The House Committee in Colombo House includes an executive group and administers a budget each year across portfolio areas including: cultural, sport, social, charities, amenities, food and international.
Features
- Â 242 rooms
average room size 10-12 square metres
fully furnishedÂ
private bathrooms (ensuite)
- Wi-Fi, electricity, gas and water included
- regular support from college staff
leadership and networking opportunities
- cleaning of common areas only
self-catered with large kitchens and cooking facilities
24-hour campus security
social and group study rooms on each floorÂ
large common room adjacent to a private outdoor courtyard
rooftop terrace with outdoor barbecue facilities
QR-operated and cashless laundry facilities.
Photos
Room types & fees
Room type |
Meals |
Bathroom |
Cleaning |
Single |
Self-catered |
Single |
Yes |
- 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 31 January 2025 to 23 January 2026.
