Alumni Benefits

When you graduate, you automatically become part of the alumni community of both Magdalene College and the University of Cambridge.

As a Magdalene graduate, you have access to a range of benefits and opportunities to stay connected with the College.

Visiting Magdalene

Alumni are always welcome at Magdalene and remain an important part of the College community.

Members are invited to visit the College at any time outside of the Easter Exam Term. You are welcome to bring your family to explore the gardens, visit the Chapel, and see the Pepys Library.

During Easter Term (April – June), to minimise disruption for students sitting exams, visits should ideally align with the opening hours of the Pepys Library, which is open for two hours a day, six days a week.

Access to the New Library is by prior arrangement with the Alumni and Development Office during Full Term. During Easter Term, visits are not possible.

If you are visiting, please check in at the Porters’ Lodge upon arrival. If you have time, do drop into the Alumni and Development Office in Mallory A—we are always delighted to see Members back at College!

Visiting The New Library

The New Library is a source of great pride for the College, and we understand that alumni are keen to visit. However, as it is a quiet study space in constant use by students, access is limited to ensure a suitable environment for academic work.

Out of Term (July – September and December – mid-January)
Alumni can arrange visits Monday to Friday between 10.00 am – 12.00 pm and 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm. Visits must be booked at least two working days in advance. Family members are welcome, but please remember that this is a study space. Alumni are asked not to bring additional guests.

Michaelmas and Lent Terms (October – November and mid-January – March)
Visits are possible Monday to Friday from 10.00 am – 12.00 pm and 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm, subject to staff availability, as all term-time visits must be accompanied by a member of staff. Due to space limitations, alumni visits during term time are restricted to a maximum of two people, and group visits are not possible.

Easter Term and Easter Vacation (April – June)
The New Library is closed to all non-resident Members throughout Easter Term. Alumni and public visits are not permitted during this period. To discuss a visit, please email alumni@magd.cam.ac.uk.

Members of the Public
Members of the public who wish to visit the New Library should email new-library-access@magd.cam.ac.uk.

Events and Reunions

The Alumni and Development Office hosts a variety of alumni events throughout the year in College, across the UK, and internationally. These include networking events, anniversary and reunion dinners, drinks receptions, garden parties, and lectures.

For a full list of upcoming alumni events, please visit our Events page.

MA Dining Privileges

Dining at High Table

Alumni who meet the criteria below are eligible to dine at High Table up to three times a year free of charge:

  • Those who hold an MA Cantab (awarded to Cambridge BA graduates six years after matriculation).
  • Those with a qualifying higher degree (e.g. LLM, MMath, MPhil, MBA, PhD) become eligible for dining rights three years after completing their studies.

High Table dining is available on Tuesday and Friday evenings during Full Term, provided a Fellow is present. To book, please contact the Alumni and Development Office.

Alumni exercising their dining rights cannot bring a guest on these occasions. However, guests (who must be over 21 and will incur a charge) are welcome at Non-Resident Members' Nights.

Non-Resident Members' (NRM) Nights

Many alumni choose to use their dining privileges at an NRM Night, held twice a term. These events are highly popular and often fully booked well in advance.

  • Alumni dining under their MA privileges: Free
  • Guest dining at High Table: £41.40
  • Due to high demand, alumni may attend one NRM Night per academic year.

To check availability, please contact the Alumni and Development Office.

Dining at Low Table

Alumni may also dine at Low Table on Tuesdays during Full Term, accompanied by up to two guests.

  • Alumni dining at Low Table: £21.00
  • Guest dining at Low Table: £21.00

Payment can be made by card at the Buttery on the night. Wine and soft drinks are available for purchase from the Buttery, or alumni may bring their own wine, subject to a £3.20 per bottle corkage charge.

Bookings for Low Table must be made at least one month in advance.

To check availability and book please contact the Catering Department:

buttery@magd.cam.ac.uk
01223 332114

Staying in College

Alumni visiting Cambridge or attending a College event may be able to book a Guest Room. Availability is limited, and bookings must be made through the Alumni & Development Office.

To check availability and make a reservation, please contact alumni@magd.cam.ac.uk.

Punting

Alumni can hire punts from the Porters' Lodge between July and September for £10 per hour. Punts are available daily from 8 am to 10 pm and must be returned by 10.30 pm.

Bookings can be made up to seven days in advance. Please contact the Porter's Lodge top make a booking.

porters@magd.cam.ac.uk
01223 332100

Publications

Magdalene Matters is the College's alumni newsletter, featuring College news, articles, and details of upcoming events. The latest edition and past issues can be found on the Alumni Publications page.

Merchandise

The College offers a selection of Magdalene merchandise, including mugs, water bottles, travel coffee cups, ties, cufflinks, and even Magdalene Gin! View the full range on our Magdalene Merchandise page.

Chapel Services

Members and their families are welcome to attend Chapel services. Sunday services are at 9am and 6pm and the College Choir sing Choral Evensong each Thursday at 6.15pm during term time. Find out more on the Chapel Termcard page.

Private Functions

Members can book private dinners, conferences, receptions, or weddings at Magdalene and receive a 10% discount on standard conference rates. For further information please contact the Conference Office.

conferences@magd.cam.ac.uk
01223 332138

Transcripts and Degree Certificates

To order a copy of your academic transcript or degree certificate please see the University Degree certificates and transcripts information.

For confirmation of attendance at the University and Tripos marks please contact the Academic Office.

tutorial@magd.cam.ac.uk
01223 760548

CAMCard

The CAMCard is available free of charge to all Cambridge alumni and serves as proof of University membership. It grants free entry to Colleges and offers discounts at the University Press shop.

If you are travelling from abroad, you can arrange for your CAMCard to be sent to and collected from the Alumni and Development Office at Magdalene. For CAMCard information please visit the Cambridge Alumni CAMCard page.