Over the course of the next five years, funds were raised enabling the college to open in March 1892 in temporary accommodation in "Strathmore", a rented house in Glebe.

Designed by the architectural firm of Sulman & Power, the College's first permanent home still forms the heart of the present building complex and is heritage listed.

The other elements of the college's role, envisaged in 1887, were to provide "domestic supervision" and "efficient assistance in preparing for university lectures and examinations".

To meet the demand for places after the First World War, "The Maples", a house at the rear of the property was rented and then, in 1919 purchased.

Additional student rooms were added in 1924, the back balconies of Main Building closed in, and the Louisa Macdonald Commemoration Dining Hall built.

Named in honour of Susie Jane Williams, the immediate past Principal (1919–1934), it was officially opened by Lady Wakehurst on 6 July 1937, and provided accommodation to 85 students.

Designed by Ellice Nosworthy, and supported by a donation given by Mary Reid, it originally provided accommodation for approximately 40 students.

The project was designed by Fowell Mansfield & Maclurcan and funded partially by grants from the Australian Universities Commission.

In the mid-1990s the Vere Hole Research Centre and Library was added under the Reid wing, funded by two bequests and a fundraising drive.

[4] Women's College operates a range of programmes designed to encourage students to maximise their academic potential.

Most tutors are senior students, postgraduates or University staff with expertise in their fields and proven teaching skills.

Academic Assistants are postgraduates and senior undergraduates who mentor first-year students and facilitate a smooth transition from secondary school to tertiary studies.

In addition to academic support, the College appoints a dynamic team of Resident Assistants (RAs) each year, who provide pastoral care to all students.

RAs are students in their senior years of university and having already negotiated the transition to uni and living away from home, they are well-equipped to help out others.

In addition to residential places, the College offers affiliate membership to enable students to access its academic and social programmes, but maintain independent living elsewhere.

Its President was Lady Carrington (wife of the Governor) and its Honorary Secretary was Miss Mary Fairfax,[5] and it included many other prominent members of Sydney society.

This committee was successful in gathering large and small contributions from 496 subscribers sufficient to meet the conditions of the Endowment Act.