The committee petitioned the University Council to investigate O'Brien's plans to make Baxter a first-year student only college, the removal of Valedictory dinners, the misuse of house funds, the reinstatement of expelled students, and the fairness of disciplinary actions.

"[7] The events and investigation by the Kensington Colleges Inquiry were reported by the UNSW student newspaper Tharunka, with O'Brien threatening legal action against the publication in 1985 for publishing "allegedly defamatory letters".

The College shares landscaped garden areas with Basser, Goldstein and the newly established residences; Fig Tree Hall and Colombo House.

The College engages in a variety of social and sporting events annually, including the inter-college competition known as The Ruth Wheen Cup, along with off-campus activities in Coogee, Randwick, and Sydney CBD.

Residents, fondly referred to as "ressies," take part in weekly coffee nights where the House Committee introduces new activities, events, and updates to the broader college community.

Valedictory dinners are served at the conclusion of each teaching period, often with speeches from notable guest speakers, the dean and House Committee president[12] Residents at Baxter are also encouraged to produce new traditions and enterprises.