Welcome from the Principal

Welcome to Cromwell College. We are a co-ed residential college located within the University of Queensland, St Lucia Campus. Cromwell is a home away from home for 248 students, generally ranging in age from 17 to 21. Despite demand for places at Cromwell exceeding supply each year, the College is deliberately capped as one of the smaller residential colleges within the University. This is to ensure that the unique blend of adult freedom and necessary academic and pastoral support structures blend in a values-based community environment. Cromwell provides a safe and nurturing base from which to embark upon or continue university study. Ask a Cromwell student the best feature of their College and they are likely to say to you things like, “strong community”, “close knit – everyone knows and looks out for everyone”, or “family feel”.

From the moment you first enter Cromwell, this sense of community and warmth of spirit is evident. These special features have become the core of Cromwell College for 7 decades.

Cromwell College has five resident staff who live on site to provide 24/7 support for the students. My wife Kylie and I live in the Principal’s Residence, and the Deputy Principal, Mr Michael Crome and his wife Jenny, live upstairs in Steele-Craik Lodge. Ms Robyn Slater, our Registrar and Campus Lodge Resident Manager lives on site too. Two other resident support staff, Mr Dominic Retschlag and Ms Lindy Roos also live on site. They are both past students of Cromwell. All resident staff are available at any time to assist students. In addition, our Counsellor, Mrs Vicky Dawes is available by appointment. An external security guard provides a visible presence on site from 8:30pm until morning. Residential Assistants (RA’s) live in each corridor of every Cromwell building, providing valuable pastoral care, friendship, support and advice to our students.

A comprehensive academic tutorial program operates throughout the College, in addition to that offered at the universities, with academic mentors appointed for each Faculty. In addition, networking events with Faculty graduates and leaders are held at the College, allowing our students to network with those employed in their fields of study. The information technology is first rate with reliable Wi-Fi throughout.

There is a vibrant and active Cromwell College Students’ Association. Formal dinners are held regularly, where all students and staff wear academic dress, and invited guest speakers inspire. There is a Chapel for peaceful retreat and active student based Christian groups. A comprehensive inter-collegial sporting, cultural and social program operates. Cromwell College students have complementary membership of UQ Sport / Gym facilities.

All rooms and bathrooms at Cromwell College have been refurbished and are kept in an excellent condition with a regular housekeeping and maintenance program in place. There is an impressive variety, quality and quantity of meals prepared by our own chefs; we are known for our food! In short, the facilities, support and opportunities at Cromwell College are first class.

In addition to these fully catered facilities, Cromwell College also offers two and four bedroom apartment style, independent, self-catered accommodation options through its Campus Lodge facility, located directly across the road.

In University holiday periods, Cromwell College plays host to many conferences, school tour groups and other organisations visiting Brisbane. Located close to the city centre, with full catering, housekeeping and 24/7 emergency support, our prices and superior services and facilities offered are very competitive and highly regarded by our visitors.

I am very proud to be the seventh Principal of Cromwell College. My background in schools enables me to genuinely empathise with the student pressures of Year 12 and associated university entry. I am now in a unique position where I can assist students in their transition from school to university and beyond. It is a privilege for Kylie and me to serve the Cromwell community. I invite you to look at our website and social media pages, but the unique spirit that is “Cromwell” comes alive through a visit. Every day is Open Day, so come and meet our students and staff, tour our facilities, and feel for yourself the unique “community” that is Cromwell.