Postgraduate Accommodation FAQs
How are rooms allocated?
New students are allocated accommodation on a first-come, first-served basis once their place has been confirmed by the Magdalene Academic Office. This confirmation is separate from acceptance by the Graduate Admissions Office.
Once confirmed, students will receive access to an online Accommodation Preference form. Submitting this form allows them to request preferences such as rent band, location, and facilities.
Continuing students entering their second, third, or fourth years may secure a room through the MCR ballot. This process is managed by the Accommodation Coordinator, with input from the MCR committee, to ensure a fair allocation.
Will I be living with undergraduate students?
No, undergraduate and postgraduate students have separate accommodation.
Are there any shared rooms?
No, all postgraduate rooms at Magdalene are single occupancy. However, you may share a gyp room, bathroom, and other communal spaces with other students. We also have a small number of flats for students with a partner.
Are there any rooms for students starting in Lent or Easter Term?
We can often provide accommodation for students starting later in the academic year, but this depends on room availability. Please contact the Accommodation Coordinator once you have been confirmed by the Magdalene Academic Office to check availability.
What is the difference in rooms according to rent bands?
Magdalene accommodation varies widely, with rooms in both historic and modern buildings. Rent bands are based on several factors, including room size, access to gyp and bathroom facilities, and recent refurbishments.
What is included in the rent? Are there any extra charges?
Magdalene rents include the cost of the room, and basic utilities and internet.
What is a gyp room?
A gyp room is a small kitchen area used for preparing snacks and light meals. Most gyp rooms in Magdalene have a combination microwave, hob, kettle, and toaster, though facilities vary by staircase. Postgraduate gyps are usually larger than undergraduate ones and typically include an oven and a freezer. Fridges are either provided in the gyp room or in individual rooms.
Do you have any rooms for wheelchair users?
Yes, we have two wheelchair-accessible rooms in Cripps Court. However, due to the age of many of Magdalene’s buildings, other areas of the College are inaccessible to wheelchair users. Please contact us at rooms@magd.cam.ac.uk to discuss your needs further. Detailed information on accessible accommodation is available on the Cripps Court accessibility page.
Do you have any accommodation areas which are single-gender?
No; there is no male-only or female-only accommodation at Magdalene.
Do you have any rooms for halal or kosher observant students, or for those with other dietary requirements?
We don’t have specific rooms for those with special dietary requirements, but we work with students to accommodate their needs where possible. At least one vegan or vegetarian option is available at every meal in Ramsay, and a range of special dietary needs can be catered for in Formal Hall.
Is there an option to self-cater at Magdalene?
All Magdalene students are encouraged to eat together in Ramsay or in Formal Hall. However, we appreciate that most postgraduate students remain at College even when the kitchens are closed and therefore need cooking facilities. Most postgraduate gyp or kitchen areas are equipped with an oven, hob, combination microwave, freezer, kettle, and toaster, with a fridge either in the gyp or in individual rooms.
Do I have to pay for my room during vacations?
Yes. As postgraduate students are expected to be in residence for most of their course, the Postgraduate Accommodation Licence runs throughout the year without breaks. However, students who are working away from the University can apply for a rent rebate.