Originally a two-storey, seven-room house at 193 Albert Street in Waterloo that opened its doors in 1959, Renison College featured a small chapel, chaplain's office, a small library, a study and meeting space for students, and three bedrooms that accommodated seven male students.
Originally incorporated in 1959 as Renison College, it was felt that the addition of the word 'university' would strengthen Renison's reputation and identity with international partners.