College House (University of Canterbury)

College House (University Of Canterbury)

College House is a Hall of Residence associated with the University of Canterbury. It is located in Ilam, Christchurch, New Zealand. The hall provides accommodation for 152 undergraduate students. It is the oldest hall in New Zealand. Originally founded as part of Christ's College in 1850, the house became independent from Christ's College in 1957. In 1966, the house moved from central Christchurch, to Ilam, as part of the University of Canterbury's relocation to its new Ilam campus. The buildings were designed by Sir Miles Warren and won the Institute of Architects' Gold Medal. In 1990, the College began accommodating female students. Additional buildings were built at this time.

College House is unusual among New Zealand halls of residence in that it has a high proportion of returning students; it is common to stay for two years, which helps to maintain many of the College's traditions. There are a variety of long-standing traditions, among them Shambles Fortnight, where over a two-week period each house must perform a large prank or 'shambles' on the rest of the College.

The College is divided into ten houses, each with distinct identities. The houses are named after various former Principals, bishops, Board members and other places or endowments. To date, the houses are Stanford, Carrington, Wilford, Parr, Warren, Watts Russell, Chichele, Rymer (formerly College), Hardie, and Beadel.