University House underwent many changes throughout its history. It was extended several times to accommodate the growing number of students, became a nurses’ home during World War I, and broke new ground by becoming a Mixed Hall in 1964, an experiment adopted soon after by many other universities.

Research and Cultural Collections have recently completed a research project into University House history. The Margery Fry room in the Business school was updated to include interpretative panels, photographs and reproduction drawings regarding its history. The room is named after the first warden, Margery Fry, who worked at University House from 1902 to 1914. Fry is best known for her work in prison reform and for being one of the first women to become a magistrate in Britain. She was awarded a Blue Plaque in 2011.  A leaflet about the history of the building has also been created which includes fascinating images of objects relating to halls, memorabilia and photographs from the University Cadbury Archive library.

To celebrate the completion of this project, University House alumni were invited to the re-opening of the Margery Fry room. Over fifty former residents returned to Birmingham to enjoy a traditional garden party on the lawn. Former residents Norma Broadbridge and Helen Boyle gave fascinating talks about their times at the halls, and David Dickenson, current head of the Business school, also reminisced on his early impressions of the building. The new University House commemorative plaque was unveiled by Marcia Davies, on behalf of Isobel Jackson, who unfortunately was unwell.  Some guests revisited their old rooms, whilst others reminisced with friends over tea and cake, or played a game of croquet on the lawn. The afternoon drew to a close in typical University House tradition; with a lively Punch and Judy show.