The college was based at Bredon House, a property built in the early twentieth century by John Stanley Gardiner, who was a Professor of Zoology at the university from 1909 to 1937.

In 1972, the Wolfson Foundation agreed to provide a capital endowment and help to fund the construction of central buildings around Bredon House and the college's East and West Courts.

The new buildings (designed by the architect Michael Mennim) were opened by Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh in 1977.

The acquisition of property has allowed for the building of a number of new facilities, mainly funded by donations from philanthropic foundations and individuals.

In the 1990s, with the help of the Gatsby Foundation, the college purchased the "western field" on which was built the Chancellor's Centre and further residential blocks.

The ground floor foyer contains a scale model of the armillary sphere on the roof of the Peking Observatory.

The library contains over 60 quiet places to work and is open 24 hours a day all year, apart from 25–26 December and 1 January.

[11] In February 2018, students at the college were evacuated from the Lee library, and a number of accommodation blocks, after a WWII practice grenade was found in the President's Garden.

As the college grew particular natural landmarks, such as the mulberry tree outside the Porters' lodge, were retained as features.

The college frequently hosts live comedy nights, called the Wolfson Howler, featuring acts performed by comedians ranging from fellow students to internationally-recognised names.