Magdalen College
Founded 1458 • High Street, Oxford
"Floreat Magdalena" (May Magdalen Flourish)
With its iconic tower and expansive grounds including a deer park, Magdalen is one of Oxford's most beautiful colleges. Its serene setting by the River Cherwell provides an idyllic environment for academic study and reflection.
567+ Years
Of academic tradition
Central Location
Heart of Oxford
Humanities Focus
Philosophy & Politics
Summer Programs
Now Accepting Applications
The History of Magdalen College
Founded in 1458 by William of Waynflete, Magdalen (pronounced "Maudlin") College is renowned for its spectacular architecture and expansive grounds. The college is located on the banks of the River Cherwell, offering picturesque views and a tranquil study environment despite its proximity to the city center. The college is distinguished by its Great Tower, which stands at 144 feet tall and is one of Oxford's most recognizable landmarks. Every year on May Morning, the college choir sings from the top of this tower in a centuries-old tradition that draws thousands of spectators. Magdalen's grounds include a deer park, expansive gardens, and riverside walks that provide students with beautiful natural spaces for relaxation and reflection. The college has educated numerous notable alumni including Oscar Wilde, C.S. Lewis, and several British prime ministers.
Key Historical Milestones
1458
Founded by William of Waynflete, Bishop of Winchester and Lord Chancellor of England
1474-1480
Construction of Magdalen Tower, now one of Oxford's most iconic landmarks
1530s
The college faced challenges during the English Reformation but maintained its Catholic traditions
1733
Creation of Addison's Walk, the famous riverside path named after Joseph Addison
1844
Oscar Wilde entered Magdalen as an undergraduate student
1979
The college began admitting women as full members
Notable Alumni
Oscar Wilde
Playwright and poet
C.S. Lewis
Author of 'Chronicles of Narnia'
T.E. Lawrence
'Lawrence of Arabia'
Erwin Schrödinger
Nobel Prize-winning physicist
Explore Magdalen College
Take a visual journey through the historic buildings, beautiful gardens, and modern facilities that make Magdalen College a unique place to study.
The Great Tower
The iconic 144-foot tall tower is one of Oxford's most recognizable landmarks.
Click on thumbnails to view larger images
Accommodation Options
Experience authentic Oxford collegiate life with our comfortable on-site accommodation at Magdalen College.
Standard Rooms
Our standard single rooms provide comfortable accommodation within the historic college buildings. Each room is furnished with a single bed, desk, chair, wardrobe, and includes internet access.
- Single occupancy rooms
- Shared bathroom facilities
- Daily housekeeping service
- High-speed Wi-Fi
En-suite Rooms
A limited number of en-suite rooms are available, offering additional privacy and comfort. These rooms include all the amenities of standard rooms plus a private bathroom.
- Private bathroom with shower
- Premium bedding and towels
- Daily housekeeping service
- High-speed Wi-Fi
Accommodation Notes:
- • All rooms are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis upon course enrollment.
- • En-suite rooms are limited and subject to availability with priority given to those with specific needs.
- • Bed linens and towels are provided and changed weekly.
- • Accommodations include full board with three meals daily served in the college dining hall.
- • Special dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.
College Facilities
Magdalen College offers excellent facilities to enhance your learning experience and ensure a comfortable stay during your residential course.
Accommodation
Single rooms with shared bathrooms or en-suite options, all within historic staircases or modern buildings. Rooms include bed, desk, chair, wardrobe, and internet access.
Academic Resources
Access to the college library with its extensive collections, study rooms, and computer facilities. Wi-Fi available throughout the college.
Dining Facilities
Full board in the historic dining hall, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Special dietary requirements accommodated with advance notice.
Common Rooms
Access to the Junior Common Room (JCR) with comfortable seating, TV, newspapers, and games. Perfect for socializing and relaxing between classes.
Internet & Tech
High-speed Wi-Fi throughout the college, computer room with printing facilities, and technical support available.
Support Services
24-hour porter service, college nurse, welfare support, and access to university counseling services as needed.
In the Heart of Oxford
Magdalen College is ideally situated to experience all that Oxford University and the city have to offer.
Magdalen College is ideally situated at the eastern end of Oxford's High Street, beside the River Cherwell and beautiful University Botanic Garden. Its location combines convenient access to Oxford's city center with the tranquility of extensive riverside grounds.
Address:
High Street, Oxford OX1 4AU, United Kingdom
Nearby Attractions:
- University Botanic Garden (adjacent)
- High Street shops and cafes (5 minute walk)
- Radcliffe Camera & Bodleian Library (10 minute walk)
- Christ Church Meadow (10 minute walk)
- University Parks (15 minute walk)
Residential Courses at Magdalen College
Experience the academic excellence of Magdalen College through our specialized residential programs. Courses available for Summer 2025.
Note: All courses include accommodation at Magdalen College, meals, and access to college facilities.
View All Residential CoursesFrequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about studying and living at Magdalen College.
Magdalen (pronounced 'Maudlin') is distinguished by its expansive grounds including a deer park, its iconic tower, and riverside location. It combines exceptional natural beauty with historical significance and academic excellence. The college is known for its strong musical tradition, particularly its choir, and the famous May Morning ceremony where choristers sing from the Great Tower at dawn on May 1st.
Residential students stay in single rooms within the historic college buildings or newer annexes. Rooms are furnished with a bed, desk, chair, wardrobe, and internet access. Most rooms have shared bathroom facilities, though some en-suite rooms are available. The college offers daily housekeeping services and weekly linen changes.
Residential programs include full board with three meals daily served in Magdalen's historic dining hall. Breakfast features continental and hot options, lunch includes hot and cold selections, and dinner can be either informal or formal 'hall' (typically twice weekly) with academic gowns worn. The college accommodates dietary requirements with advance notice.
Students have access to Magdalen's library with its extensive collections including special archives, multiple study spaces, 24-hour computer facilities, and WiFi throughout the college. Teaching takes place in college seminar rooms, lecture theaters, and tutorial rooms, often in historic settings.
Magdalen is located at the eastern end of High Street, putting it right at the edge of Oxford's city center. The main shopping areas, restaurants, and attractions are within a 5-15 minute walk. The college's location provides the perfect balance of accessibility to city amenities while offering peaceful grounds for study and reflection.
Have more questions about studying at Magdalen College? We're here to help.
Contact UsExperience Magdalen College This Summer
Apply now for our 2025 residential programs and immerse yourself in the academic excellence and historic surroundings of one of Oxford's most distinguished colleges.