Magdalen - Student View

Strikingly beautiful and architecturally coherent buildings - the Great Tower is one of Oxford's most famous landmarks. Extensive grounds (riverside walk, Deer Parks, Fellows' Garden) give a sense of space and calm rare in a comparatively congested city.

Accommodation (mostly 'within walls') is some of Oxford's best but at average cost. All rooms have ethernet, phone connections, mini-fridges and washbasins; some are ensuite. 2 computer rooms offer printers, scanner, CD writer etc.

Sports facilities are outstanding - squash courts; gym; pitches for hockey, football, rugby, cricket with new changing and shower block, hard and grass tennis courts and very good rowing.

Several performance venues for music and drama, including the new auditorium. College choir has an international reputation and sings daily for services in the beautiful on-site chapel. Students thrive in the atmosphere of freedom and independence - no image or routine is imposed and you can be who you want to be.

Academically, it's quite hot but without huge pressure from tutors. Vast 24-hour access library with up-to-date stock - new books are often bought immediately upon request - plus a special law library. The dons listen carefully to the student-run tutorial feedback system.

Magdalen's bar is for all college members and helps to perpetuate the exceptional levels of integration between all parts of college - tutors, students and staff.

JCR Committee is large, the most active in Oxford and has taken the initiative in several student/tutor projects, including new welfare-based personal tutor scheme.

JCR funds used to improve facilities and services, which range from the bacon-dom of Sundays' JCR brunch to spanking new TVs and DVD players, from free pool table for the two common rooms to the JCR collection of art for hire.