University House has been part of the Australian National University community since February 1954. Originally planned as a residence for faculty and postgraduate students, it now serves as a function centre, faculty club, hotel and postgraduate residential facility.

The House is also very much the ceremonial centre of the University. The Hall, featuring the spectacular Leonard French mural, has been the venue for many important events in the life of the University, including degree conferral ceremonies for such important Australians as the First World War historian C.E.W. Bean and the noted artist Sir Sidney Nolan.