In 1931 The Dominions Students’ Hall Trust was formed by Mr Frederick Goodenough to create a collegiate setting for male students from the Dominions studying in London.  After the Second World War the Lord Mayor’s National Thanksgiving Fund raised finance for the Sister Trust which built William Goodenough House as a residence for female graduates and married families. 

In 1965 the two Trusts merged, becoming London House for Overseas Graduates.  Later the title changed again to the London Goodenough Trust for Overseas Graduates and then in 2001 it became Goodenough College, reflecting more accurately the purpose and ethos of the institution.

Although originally reserved for Commonwealth students the College was opened to those from the United States in 1950 and from Europe in 1974.  In 2001 the College became fully international and its student community of 650 now represents over ninety countries. 

A proportion of accommodation in Mecklenburgh Square has always been set aside to provide short stay accommodation for academics and other visitors.  This situation was formalised in 2001 with the opening of the Goodenough Club which now attracts many senior academics and professionals visiting London for conferences or research, many of whom are alumni of the College.

The College also owns a country house in Scotland.  Known as The Burn it stands in magnificent grounds on the banks of the North Esk at Edzell and was given to the College by the Russell family in memory of their son who was killed in the Second World War.  The house sleeps about forty and is used by members of the College for holidays and, during university term time, by Scottish university reading parties.