First-Year Students

Life in the Yard

First-year students live in dorms with shared suites adjacent to Harvard Yard and eat the majority of meals in Annenberg Hall. This is a place of far-ranging conversations where you'll get to know fellow new students. The dorms are grouped into larger clusters called Yards (Crimson, Elm, Ivy and Oak). Here, you'll engage with your peers during the many activities designed for first-year students.

Harvard Yard in the Fall

First-Year Living

Dean of Students Office

From student-led social events to campus-wide traditions, the Dean of Students Office is here to enhance your experience.

Students with Harvard gear

Upper-Level Students

A House Away from Home

The Residential Community system is one of Harvard's best known traditions. In the second semester of your first year, on Housing Day, you'll receive your sophomore year house affiliation to one of Harvard's 12 Houses. Each House accommodates between 350 and 500 students. Alternatively, you can join the Dudley Community, which serves a small community of undergraduates including Visiting Undergraduate Students, Dudley Co-Op residents, and off-campus students. The Houses and the Dudley Community help create close-knit communities within the broader College. You will be introduced to your unique residential community during Sophomore Orientation.

Harvard building Eliot House

Upper-Level Students

Dining

Meals are the backdrop to some of the College's most rewarding experiences: sharing stories, debating ideas, forming friendships.

Waffle with Harvard Shield

House Renewal

Cambridge & Boston

Boston and Cambridge combine New England charm with modern innovation, an impressive culinary scene, and youthful energy. We'll help you make the many opportunities that surround you a part of your residential experience.

View of a bridge over the Charles river. Harvard campus can be seen in the background.

Learn More About Harvard

Join our email list to download our brochure and stay in touch.

aerial image of Harvard athletic facilities