Community of Friends - Magdalen College of the Liberal Arts

Campus living at Magdalen College offers students the opportunity to experience a close-knit community where life-long friendships develop and where the joyful pursuit of wisdom animates community life.

Residential Living

At Magdalen College, most students live in the campus residences. These are single sex, without inter-visitation, and–built with clapboard siding, brick, and shuttered windows–become a “home away from home” for the students enrolled at the college. St. Joseph‘s Residence (for men) and St. Mary’s Residence (for women) each have a large living room, a chapel where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved, study areas, a recreation room, an exercise room, and laundry facilities. Each bedroom accommodates several students with bunk beds, wardrobes, storage spaces, and a bathroom.

The student life office is an active part of collegiate life and student life staff are available to assist students with needs ranging from access to medical care, time management and upcoming events. The student life office also provides a space where students can relax, get a cup of hot cocoa, or engage in conversation.

Student life principles and policies are rooted in a Catholic understanding of human nature and purpose. See Student Life Policies for specific information.

Student Organizations

At Magdalen College, students form a variety of student organizations. Each year begins with a student activities fair at which each organization sets up a booth and promotes its activities. Every year, new organizations begin while established groups grow in exciting ways.

More information on Student Organizations.

Athletics and Active Living

The Magdalen College campus is located just above the base of a mountain in beautiful New England. There are many opportunities to be active both indoors and out. Students begin each year with the annual hike of Mt. Kearsarge and canoe trip on the Contoocook River. Each student receives a free ski pass to Pats Peak, a local ski resort. The college gym includes a full-sized basketball court, and volleyball and tennis nets. Each residence includes a fitness room. For more information, please see the “Strength” section of the website.

Feasting and Celebrations

Students at Magdalen College embrace the good things of life, including the opportunity for a social community born of common interests and commitments. Some of these emerge from natural interests, including swing dances, film series, poetry and literature readings, coffee houses featuring student performances, theatrical productions, athletic activities, bonfires, the Sophomore Dinner, snowball fights (usually following the first major snow), and the Winter Ball. Others flow from the Catholic ethos of the college, including feast days and celebrations, pilgrimages, service trips, students’ baptismal days, and the great traditions associated with the fall semester’s “Lessons and Carols” and the Easter Vigil Feast in the spring. Whatever its source and form, students enjoy community together, sharing their lives with one another.

Area Attractions

Magdalen College is located in Warner, New Hampshire and occupies 135 acres of pine and hardwood forest, open fields, gravel footpaths, and stone walls that are remnants of late-nineteenth century farms. The buildings and layout of the campus are designed as a traditional New England village.

Students enjoy climbing Mt. Kearsarge (on which the College is located), swimming in the Warner River, attending the Warner Fall Foliage Festival, visiting the Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum, spending time at the local covered bridge, serving at the local food pantry, visiting our local bookshop Mainstreet Bookends, singing at the Festival of Christmas Trees, and visiting the residents of Pine Rock Manor, the local senior living community.