Undergraduate life (JCR)

The Junior Combination Room (JCR) is the undergraduate body of the College.

The Junior Common Room (JCR) is the student union for undergraduates at Magdalene College, representing their interests and acting as a link between students, Fellows, College Departments, and the wider Cambridge University Students’ Union (CUSU). The JCR organises events, provides various student services, and ensures students’ voices are heard within College.

The JCR Committee is elected in the latter half of Michaelmas Term by Magdalene students, with members serving from 1 January for a full calendar year. Each officer has a specific role but also contributes to wider JCR initiatives and events.

• President – Leads the JCR and represents undergraduate students.
• Vice-President – Supports the President and assists with committee operations.
• Treasurer – Manages the JCR’s finances and budget.
• Secretary – Oversees communication and administration.
• Green and Charities Officer – Promotes sustainability and charity initiatives.
• Entertainment (Ents) Officer – Organises social events, including bops and Superhalls.
• Welfare Officers – Support student wellbeing and provide guidance on welfare services.
• LGBT+ Representative – Ensures LGBTQ+ inclusion and support within College.
• Women’s Officer – Works to create a strong, friendly, feminist community in College.
• International Students’ Officer – Assists international students in settling into College life.
• Disabled Students’ Officer – Supports students with disabilities and accessibility needs.
• BME Officer – Represents Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic students.
• Freshers' Representatives – Support new students during Freshers’ Week and beyond.
• Catering and Accommodation Officer – Organises themed Formal Halls, assists with the annual room ballot, and helps answer any food- or accommodation-related questions.
• Class Act Officer - helping students from low socio-economic backgrounds overcome the unique challenges they may face
• Access and Academic Officer – Works to encourage applications from students of all backgrounds and supports transition to university life.
• IT Officer – Ensures that technology supports the work of the JCR Committee and provides assistance to students using technology in their studies.

The JCR organises a range of social events throughout the year to bring students together and enhance College life.

• Bops – Themed fancy dress parties held four times a year.
• Superhalls – Special Formal Hall dinners with pre- and post-dinner drinks.
• Karaoke nights and summer barbecues – Regular social events for students to unwind.
• Bar events - events in the College bar such as quizz and theme nights.
• Freshers’ week – A week of activities to welcome new students to Magdalene.

The JCR Welfare Team is always available for a friendly chat and can signpost students to support services within Magdalene and the wider University. The team works to ensure that College is an inclusive and supportive place for all students.

The JCR oversees key aspects of undergraduate accommodation, including the annual room ballot, where students select their rooms for the following year. The JCR also maintains punts for student use, allowing undergraduates to enjoy Cambridge from the river.

The JCR Access Team works to encourage prospective applicants from all backgrounds to consider Magdalene. They organise open days, residential visits, and outreach events, offering advice to students considering an application.

Current students can participate in the JCR by attending Open Meetings, joining one of its sub-committees, or standing for election to the Committee.

More details can be found on the JCR website

The Junior Common Room (JCR) is the student union for undergraduates at Magdalene College, representing their interests and acting as a link between students, Fellows, College Departments, and the wider Cambridge University Students’ Union (CUSU). The JCR organises events, provides various student services, and ensures students’ voices are heard within College.

The JCR Committee is elected in the latter half of Michaelmas Term and serves for a full calendar year, beginning on 1st January. Each Officer has a specific focus but also contributes to broader decisions and helps run JCR-wide events. The JCR President sits on the College’s Governing Body and the Amalgamation Club, which allocates funding to student sports teams and societies.

The JCR plays an active role in College life, organising social events such as bops (parties), karaoke nights, summer barbecues, and six Superhalls per term—enhanced Formal Hall dinners with pre- and post-drinks. They also coordinate Freshers’ Week to help new students settle in. The Welfare Team is available for support and guidance, while the JCR’s commitment to equal opportunities ensures Magdalene remains a welcoming environment for all. The JCR also maintains punts for student use and oversees the annual room ballot, allowing students to select their accommodation for the following year.

The JCR Access Team supports College outreach efforts, running open days, school visits, and residential programmes. They provide prospective applicants with information about Magdalene and encourage talented students from all backgrounds to apply.

Current students can get involved by attending Open Meetings, joining sub-committees focused on areas such as welfare and sustainability, or running for election to the JCR Committee. More details, including information on Committee members and their roles, can be found on the JCR website.

The Magdalene Undergraduate Student Guide is a practical, student-written introduction to life at Magdalene College. It covers everything from admissions and accommodation to teaching, welfare, and social life, along with honest insights into clubs, traditions, and living in Cambridge. It also includes helpful advice on applying, preparing for interviews, managing finances, and settling in at the start of term.