Common Areas

Founded in 1926, the main part of the College is located in a traditional sandstone building set amid gardens and a central quadrangle. Sancta Sophia Graduate House opened in January 2014 adding new, modern facilities to complement the traditional features of the College buildings.

Although Sancta is only minutes from the heart of Sydney, it is a peaceful and safe retreat for residents. 

The Sancta Quadrangle

The Sancta Quad is the central gathering point for everyone at Sancta at all times of the day. It is also used for many social events. Roses and an antique Florentine well are the centrepieces of the Quad. Many of the undergraduate bedrooms have an outlook into the Quadrangle.

Entrance

The driveway leads past Sancta Sophia Graduate House to the Foyer and Reception area where staff are available for students and visitors. The hall, lined with student year photos dating from 1926, leads to the grand Lower Common Room and beyond into the College.

Common Rooms

Leather sofas, a sandstone fireplace and a grand piano add elegance to the Lower Common Room which is used for gatherings, meetings, drinks, coffee, Formal Dinner evenings, special events, concerts, debates and exhibitions. Students use the room and the grand piano freely.

The Octagon Common Room is a casual common room with comfortable couches, a kitchen area, flat-screen HD TV with Foxtel. The fully equipped kitchen allows students to cook at their leisure. It is ideal for groups to get together for some baking or to try out a new recipe.

Sancta Sophia Graduate House has two contemporary common areas: the Rooftop Lounge and Terrace and the Figtree Lounge and Terrace which include kitchens, dining and living spaces. 

The Sheldon Dining Hall

Students gather in the elegant Dining Hall for all meals on both relaxed and formal occasions.

Library

The College Library looks out to the Sancta Quadrangle. An extensive antique book collection creates a studious and inspiring atmosphere. The Library is an inviting, popular spot for studying and is well equipped with desks, a printer and photocopier. Sancta students can readily access the University’s online database from within the College and the University of Sydney Libraries are a five-minute walk.

Tutorial & Music rooms

These rooms are used for private study and evening tutorials. Music practise is easily arranged in any of our common areas or in our dedicated music room.

Laundries

There are two main common laundries with smart technology-enabled washing machines and dryers.