Undergraduate Accommodation FAQs
Magdalene offers a diverse range of undergraduate accommodation, blending historic charm with modern convenience. Below, you'll find answers to common questions about rooms, facilities, and living arrangements.
How are rooms allocated?
First-Year Students
New undergraduate students are automatically allocated a room in College accommodation before they arrive. While they cannot request a specific room, they can submit an Accommodation Preferences Form once their place at Magdalene is confirmed. This allows them to indicate preferences for factors such as cost, location, and facilities.
Returning Students
Students entering their second, third, or fourth year typically choose their rooms through the JCR ballot. This process, managed by the Accommodation Coordinator with input from the JCR Catering & Accommodation Officer, ensures a fair allocation system for all students.
Will I be living with postgraduate students?
No, all undergraduate rooms at Magdalene are single occupancy. However, students may share gyp rooms (small kitchen areas), bathrooms, and other communal spaces with others in their accommodation.
What is the difference in rooms according to rent bands?
Magdalene offers a wide range of accommodation, from medieval buildings to modern facilities, so room sizes and layouts vary. Rent bands are determined by factors such as room size, access to gyp and bathroom facilities, and recent refurbishment.
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 for preparing snacks and light meals. Most gyp rooms in Magdalene have a combination microwave, induction hob, kettle, and toaster, though facilities may vary between staircases.
Do you have any rooms for wheelchair users?
Yes, there are two wheelchair-accessible rooms in Cripps Court. However, due to the historic nature of many College buildings, some areas are not fully accessible. If you have specific requirements, please contact us at rooms@magd.cam.ac.uk to discuss your needs.
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?
There are no specific rooms designated for students with dietary requirements, but the College aims to accommodate dietary needs wherever possible. Ramsay Hall always offers at least one vegetarian or vegan option at every meal, and Formal Hall meals can cater for a range of special dietary requirements.
Is there an option to self-cater at Magdalene?
No, students are encouraged to eat together in Ramsay Hall or at Formal Hall. While undergraduate accommodation includes gyp rooms with basic appliances for preparing snacks and light meals, these are not designed for full self-catering.
Do I have to pay for my room during vacations?
Magdalene undergraduates are charged rent during term time, with a minimum stay of 70 nights. Any additional nights beyond this are charged separately. There is no rent to pay during vacation periods unless you choose to stay in College.
Can I stay in College accommodation during vacations?
Yes, but you will need to apply for Out of Term Residence (OTR) through the Accommodation Coordinator. Approval is not guaranteed and depends on room availability and the reason for your request.
Can I leave my belongings in my room during vacations?
During the Christmas vacation, all undergraduates can leave up to six large suitcases or bags in a corner of their room.
During the Easter vacation, most students can leave belongings in their rooms, but those in areas used for Access residentials and conferences will need to clear their rooms completely. This typically applies to students in en suite rooms and may extend to others depending on guest accommodation needs that year.
Over the Long Vacation, all students must remove all belongings from their rooms.
Can I store my belongings in a storage room during vacations?
Storage space at Magdalene is very limited. Students living overseas may store a small number of belongings in one of the Overseas Storage Rooms, which are managed by the Porters’ Lodge. There is no storage facility available for students living in the UK.