Congratulations, Class of 2030! We are so excited to host you at Visitas this year! 

Every year, Harvard puts on Visitas, a lively and action-packed weekend designed to welcome admitted students and their loved ones. If you are considering what your next four years at Harvard could look like, attending Visitas is one of the best ways to experience life on campus. From meeting your potential future classmates to sitting in on classes taught by world leaders, you can expect to leave Visitas with a clearer understanding of your capacity to thrive here. 

Here’s a detailed account of my time at Visitas (plus some photos I took on my camera) to help you visualize what your own experience might be like: 

After a nearly six-hour flight from my hometown in California, I landed at Boston Logan International Airport, where I noticed a group of students who appeared to be my age and were wearing Harvard sweatshirts. I introduced myself and learned that they had also flown in to attend Visitas. We split an Uber to campus and talked excitedly in the car about the things we most looked forward to: admiring the beautiful and historic buildings, learning about student organizations at the extracurricular fair, eating meals in Annenberg Hall, and more.  

The ride only took about 30 minutes! Harvard is conveniently located close to the airport, and public transportation makes the trip accessible for those who do not want to drive. Just take the Silver Line to South Station, switch to the Red Line headed towards Alewife, and ride until you arrive at Harvard Square! 

When we arrived, we were greeted by a group of current students who cheered us on as we walked up to the check-in tables. We received temporary ID cards to swipe us into campus buildings throughout the weekend, and we split up to meet with our hosts. My host was incredibly kind, and she shared valuable advice with me about how to make the most of my weekend. She gave me a quick tour of her room (an overflow apartment of Adams House), and I said goodbye before heading to Sanders Theatre for the official welcome ceremony. 

At the welcome ceremony, President Alan Garber shared inspiring stories about his pathway from rural Illinois to leading the university. He commended us for our commitment to higher education, and he reminded us that each admitted student truly belongs at Harvard. I left with a renewed sense of anticipation for all the weekend had left in store. 

Next, I headed to Annenberg Dining Hall for lunch. I was initially nervous because I didn’t know anyone around me, but my nerves were assuaged when I was invited to sit with a kind group of students. We enthusiastically talked about our hometowns and interests, and we explored campus together later that day. 

The rest of the weekend was a whirlwind of new faces and experiences. At the student organizations fair, I spoke to representatives from a broad range of clubs. I became specifically interested in several pre-law and performing arts groups, many of which I am now a part of! While walking around at the fair, I even got to meet Sasha, the adorable HUPD dog. 

Some of my favorite events scattered throughout the weekend included a silent disco, an APIDA (Asian Pacific Islander Desi American) barbecue, a FGLI students social, a tour of the Harvard Art Museum, a student performance showcase called Palooza, and countless others! It is certainly easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of events you have the chance to attend at Visitas. Be sure to pace yourself and take breaks whenever needed. 

Visitas gave me the chance to connect with my future classmates, and it was ultimately a large part of why I committed to Harvard. We hope to provide you, the Class of 2030, with an equally enriching experience. See you at Visitas on April 26-27!