Tun Hussein Onn College (KTHO) is one of seventeen student residences in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai. In the First Phase Development of Student Residences, only 2 residences namely Kampung Pelajar Meranti (now the “Rahman Putra College”) and the Kampung Pelajar Belian (now “Kolej Tun Fatimah”).
The Second Phase Development of Student Residences in 1988/89 session has taking the opening KTHO as Kampung Pelajar Merbau, along with the opening of the Kampung Pelajar Cengal (now “Tun Abdul Razak College”) and Kampung Pelajar Resak (now the “Tun Dr.Ismail College”).
The selection of the name “Merbau” is based on the university principle; naming each residence using local timber name. However, this residence was known as the “Perkampungan Sukan dan Kebudayaan” because many athletes are placed in the residence. The placement of the students managed by the Unit of Student Affairs (HEP). Initially, Kampung Pelajar Merbau simply placing male students only. Success by success that have been achieved increased the dignity of Kampung Pelajar Merbau and polishing its glory.
Towards half of July 1996/97, the university has reached an agreement to change the name of the student residences to the name more in line with the times. Student Village has been changed to “Kolej Pelajar” while naming system was replaced by a numbering system. Hence the name “Kolej Pelajar 4” has been chosen to replace the name “Kampung Pelajar Merbau”. Recent changes to the placement of students also occurs and for the first time the female students are placed in the “Kolej Pelajar 4”.
On July semester 97/98, a change of name of college was then officially changed again from “Kolej Pelajar 4” to Kolej Tun Hussein Onn. Reform of college name is expected to be an inspiration to students to work harder and emulate the leading national figures. Administrative system of an organization will be better organized if there is a credible and charismatic leader.