[3] The main college building occupies a central location on the campus, being just to the south of Alexandra Square.

The college is named after the Furness area,[5] part of the Duchy of Lancaster and the historic county of Lancashire.

[7] Following a major branding exercise by the university in 2008, the college's long-standing colours of purple and silver were officially adopted, replacing the often used red, orange, black and white.

The nine original residence blocks were demolished in August 2004 to make way for site redevelopment with much larger ensuite buildings.

The original buildings were named Dalton, Colton, Aldingham, Hawkshead, Pennington, Kirkby-Ireleth, Ulverston, Urswick and Lowick.

[8] Further development was completed prior to the 2023-24 academic year to transform the top two floors of Furness Main to host both undergraduate and mature students.

It comprises the principal and vice-principal; ten officers of the Senior Common Room who manage the tutorial system, the deanery, the residences, social life and the college office; and thirteen members of the JCR Executive who manage undergraduate affairs.

In 2024, the Furness JCR Exec won the LUSU Best Sporting Initiative for their advancements in women's+ football, aiming to create a full 11-a-side cross-collegiate women's+ league by the end of the academic year.