The college is named after John Henry Newman, a former Anglican and major figure in the Oxford Movement who became a Catholic in the 19th century.

The majority of undergraduates live in the Carr and Mannix wings, which flank the domed dining room and are connected by a parapet.

The portfolios include vice-president, secretary, community service, culture, equity and female and male sports representatives.

Like the Students' Club, the SCR annually elect a president, secretary and treasurer, among other portfolios, to organise several events throughout the year.

The college places a strong emphasis on participation in co-curricular activities, with music, sport and the dramatic arts playing a large role in life at Newman.

Soirées are held many times throughout the year, showcasing the talents of the students, with the Peter L'Estrange SJ Prize awarded to the best performing artist in college.

It is named in honour of the third Archbishop of Melbourne, Daniel Mannix, who was a driving force behind the formation of the college and for improving the opportunities of Catholic students.

[citation needed] The second lecture, by Sir Zelman Cowen, also marked the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the foundation of Newman College.

[9][10] Past lecturers have included Malcolm Fraser, Kim Beazley, Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen, Patrick Dodson, Ita Buttrose, Sir Gustav Nossal, Alexander Downer, Manning Clark, Peter Garrett, Christine Nixon, Justice Alastair Nicholson[citation needed] and Tanya Plibersek.

[17] The stonework has had substantial renovation to repair over 80 years of damage through exposure and natural degradation of the original stone and received the Australian Institute of Architects (Victorian Chapter) Heritage Architecture Award 2010.

The rest deals with language, literature, biography, religion, politics, description and travel, with some works on music and a few on education.