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.

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.

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.

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.

Magdalene rents include the cost of the room, and basic utilities and internet. 

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.

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.

No; there is no male-only or female-only accommodation at Magdalene.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.