of the six scholarships worth £50 a year each were awarded, and seven out of the eight scholarships worth £30 each. Others wishing to join the college as students were invited to send their names to the Registrar by 4 October, together with a birth certificate and "a satisfactory testimonial to character".

There was a formal opening ceremony at the Penrhyn Arms Hotel, renamed as Penrhyn Hall, on 18 October 1884, and in the event the inaugural address was by the Earl of Powis,