Welcome to Magdalene College!
السلام عليكم.
I’m Miraj (ma2040), a second year engineer, and I will be your first point of contact for any problems or questions you may have. Magdalene is a small cosy college located next to the river and within a 10 minute walk to the town centre. Magdalene’s claim to fame currently is its new library which attracts many students from all over Cambridge and beyond.
Pros
The college is fairly close to the town center (~10 min walk)
The rent costs are generally cheaper than other colleges.
Has the best library out of any college, which is open 24/7.
The college provides free punts to use in Lent and Easter terms.
Nice and big sports grounds that we share with St John's College.
There is a cardio gym and a weights gym in college.
Cons
Poor provision of halal food (see halal food section below).
Washing facilities cost money.
Magdalene street can get quite busy on weekends with tourists, though only really affects you if you are in one of the few rooms along the main road
Washing Facilities
The washing machine costs £2 per load and the dryer costs £1 per load. Generally, the facilities are not busy and you can almost always find a free machine
Prayer Space
There is now a prayer room located in First court on F staircase and has washing facilities right outside of it. It is a multi faith space, but I have personally never seen anyone else use it.
Halal Food
Unfortunately, halal meat is not provided for in normal canteen food (the canteen is called Ramsay hall). For formal halls, there is a halal option that you must include with your booking, but they usually just give you the vegetarian option from my experience.
Personally, I usually buy halal meat from either Mainsbury’s (the sainsbury opposite Sidney Sussex) or from Iqbro’s when i do my weekly shop at Aldi.
Fridge/Freezer Provision
You can email the accommodation coordinator to have a freezer provided should you require it.
Ensuite
When balloting happens you can email the accommodation coordinator to reserve you an ensuite room on religious grounds. If you decide not to have an ensuite, there are sinks provided in every room.
Concluding Remark
If you are a muslim student coming to Magdalene please do not hesitate to get in touch! I am happy to answer any questions that you may have and help you settle into college. If you wish, I can add you to our Whatsapp group chat as well. See you soon!
السلام عليكم
Signed,
Miraj Ahmed (ma2040)
Useful contacts:
Accommodation Coordinator: rooms@magd.cam.ac.uk
Porters Lodge: porters@magd.cam.ac.uk
01223 332100
Website: https://www.magd.cam.ac.uk/