Moving from home and high school to Brisbane and University is a major step and adjusting to University life and learning can be challenging.

Cromwell students talk about the warm welcome they experience on arrival, the fun of meeting other students during O’Week and the friendships they build up as the academic year goes on.

College gives you an opportunity to experience real independence for the first time in a supportive academic environment, where staff and later year residents can assist and advise, support and, where necessary, caution the Freshers.

Accommodation

The vast majority of Cromwell residents have single study/bedrooms located in either a male or female corridor with common bathroom facilities.

Each room has a bed with sheets, cotton blanket and bedspread, desk, storage cupboards, lighting, internet connection and telephone. The telephone provides free calls through the UQ Colleges and to UQ numbers. Calls made through Telstra are charged against a credit amount which has to be topped up by the resident when expended.

There are a few share rooms, some with ensuite and some Deluxe rooms with ensuite and air-conditioning. Fees for these rooms are available on application. Those residents allocated to shared rooms should expect to stay there for the full academic year. They are, however, guaranteed a single room in the following year of residence.

Meals and dining

The College provides 21 meals each week during academic term in the spacious and beautiful, air-conditioned Dining Hall.

The Chef-Manager and the Catering staff prepare balanced, nourishing and varied well-cooked meals to a professional standard. Vegetarian, gluten-free, Halal and other dietary requirements are catered for. At all meals there are choices of both hot and cold dishes including an extensive salad bar.

The College dines formally every Tuesday evening. Residents wear their academic gown (provided by the College) and all have their turn at dining at High Table with the Principal and College guests.

Residents who cannot get back for lunch may prepare a packed lunch for themselves in the morning. Late meals are provided for those who cannot attend evening meals.

Cleaning and laundry

Study/bedrooms are cleaned weekly when bed linen is replaced and beds made. The College provides modern, well-equipped coin-operated laundries for resident use. Dryers and drying lines are provided.

Academic Support

Cromwell College promotes a strong and supportive academic environment. Academic results are monitored, strong performers are recognized and students with academic difficulties are identified and offered advice and support.

All first-year residents are interviewed by the Dean of Students and followed-up if they are experiencing academic difficulties or if they are concerned about course choice.

 A tutorial program is offered. From 2007 it has been run in conjunction with International House and Grace College. Tutors can be either later year residents, who have achieved a Distinction or above in the subject, or graduates or professional people from beyond the Colleges. Whilst the Tutorial Program, which supplements the University’s teaching program, is focused on the needs of first years, later year residents can also obtain academic support when necessary.

The Tutorial program is provided at no extra cost to residents.

Academic support goes well beyond formal tutorials. Residents form study groups which meet regularly and there is the advantage of being able to consult at times of difficulty with later year students from the same course.

Pastoral care

Every corridor of around twelve residents has a Senior, a later year resident who is selected and trained to support new residents in their adjustment to University and College. The Senior is the new resident’s first port-of-call for advice or support, in academic, personal or College community matters.

College pastoral care staff are also selected on their experience with students, their familiarity with the world of the University and their skills in listening to and in supporting and advising young people.

All first-year residents are individually interviewed in their first Semester by the Dean of Students to ensure that they are happy with their course choice and coping with their adaptation to University and College.