It was founded in June 1956 by the amalgamation of five colleges: Wah Kiu, Canton Overseas, Wen Hua, Kwang Hsia and Ping Jing, members of a group of post-secondary colleges or former private universities based in Kwangtung (Guangdong).

The motto of the United College is "Ming De Xin Min" (明德新民), meaning "make one's virtues shine and renew the people".

Choi Koon Shum General Education Resource Centre, established in 1995, is located on the fourth floor of the building.

Tien Chi Microcomputer Laboratory is situated on the ground floor of the library, providing computers for students' use.

Established in 1971, Adam Schall Residence is the College's first and largest student hostel, and was built jointly with the Society of Jesus.

The Adam Schall Residence underwent major renovation and spatial re-organization in the summer of 2007.

[6] A unique feature of Adam Schall Residence is that it houses a chapel offering Catholic services for the benefit of the entire University.