International House is the second-largest residential college of The University of Melbourne. It provides accommodation to approximately 270 students who are attending tertiary facilities including The University of Melbourne, RMIT University, Victoria University of Technology, Monash University and Australian Catholic University. It is situated at 241 Royal Parade, Parkville.
The concept of International House originally came from three university students, Sam Dimmick, Abinash Jerath and R. Sundarason, who in 1949 realised the need for accommodation for an increasing number of overseas students coming to Melbourne in the postwar era. The founding of the Colombo plan in 1951 increased the pressure on Australian universities to accept students from Southern and South-East Asia. The students believed that bringing together students from different countries to live and study together would foster a culture of international understanding and friendship.
In 1950, the International Hostel Committee was established, which led to several rounds of fundraising and the eventual purchase of two adjoining properties on Royal Parade, less than 500 metres away from the University of Melbourne. The college opened in 1957 with 55 male students, though the first building was not officially opened until 24 May 1958 by the then Prime Minister Robert Menzies.
International House houses around 270 students, with over half the student body comprising international students. It consists of 7 different buildings, the majority of which are named after prominent figures in International House history. It offers both individual and apartment style accommodation for students.
Each year, International House hosts a fundraiser, Cafe International, which is the major student activity. Other activities include National Nights, where the culture of a country is celebrated; the IH Play; and various intercollegiate sports.
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