History
Built with Strong Foundations
The College is named after the former Anglican Bishop of Canberra and Goulburn Ernest Henry Burgmann. Its founders envisioned a community where young people of all faiths could live and study together, in the spirit of diversity, individual growth and mutual respect.
Ecumenical and community leaders from all over Australia helped bring Burgmann College into existence - it was not just a Canberra affair, but a national enterprise tailored for a national university.
The original Master Plan for the College was developed in 1967. It envisaged facilities for 500 residents, including a multi-denominational chapel and shared common areas. Due to limited funds at the time, only two of the original four planned accommodation wings were built. In addition, the construction of the chapel had to wait, being built years later in 2006.
The first residents arrived in early 1971 despite the building not yet being complete. By mid-1971 the College was fully occupied and was officially opened on 31 July 1971 by the Hon. David Fairbairn, Minister for Education and Science.
In 2003 construction began on the postgraduate Village with the first residents moving in at the start of the 2004 academic year. The postgraduate Village features a unique street setting with six residential buildings accommodating approximately 120 residents. It is a mixture of studios, two, three and five bedroom apartments to suit a variety of preferences. The second stage of the development included the multi-denominational Chapel and Café, tutorial rooms, computer room, music room, BRA (Burgmann Residents Association) room, and the College’s maintenance workshop.
Since Burgmann College opened its doors in 1971, it has been home for over 10,000 students pursuing many and varied academic disciplines. Many of the talented young people who have called Burgmann College home have been high achievers, and have gone on to become esteemed community leaders, eminent citizens, and prominent social role models across Australia and around the world. Diplomats, politicians, judges, lawyers, scientists, activists, journalists and teachers, to name just a few – whatever their chosen walk of life, Burgmann College alumni consistently rank among the top in their fields.
The College has a reputation second to none for providing more than just accommodation. For over four decades Burgmann has welcomed young people through its doors with a safe, supportive residential environment, and a rich and vibrant community. It is this successful combination of pastoral care, academic support, tradition and heritage that have made Burgmann College one of the most popular student residences on the ANU campus.
The College currently accommodates 378 undergraduate and postgraduate ANU students from many social and cultural backgrounds in a splendid campus setting. Residency is open to all, regardless of faith.
