• What is the maximum number of family members and guests who may accompany each student?

  Due to space limitations in our historic buildings, we respectfully request that each admitted student be accompanied by no more than two family members or guests. We recognize that certain circumstances may require additional attendees. If you need to request accommodations for extra guests, please contact visitas@fas.harvard.edu with the subject line ‘Family/Guest Programming.’

• Where can I access the registration form?

  All Visitas guests must be directly registered by the student in their registration form; therefore we encourage you to coordinate registration directly with your student. Once the student has registered you as a Visitas guest, a confirmation email will be sent to the email address listed on the form. If you did not receive this email, please check your spam/junk folder and consult with your student regarding which email address they provided prior to contacting our office. Our office will be communicating with you via that email address for all Visitas announcements.

• What are my options if I am unable to attend in person?

  We realize that for many different reasons, it may not be possible for family members or guests to attend this event in person. Therefore, to ensure full access all family and guest programming will be live-streamed and/or recorded for later viewing or for sharing with individuals unable to attend. Our goal is to make this important event accessible virtually so families and guests can obtain the information they need without incurring additional costs or missing work. 

Arrival Information

• Arrival Information

  With over 1300 students expected to attend Visitas, we encourage all families and guests to arrive with their student early to allow sufficient time for check-in and seating prior to the first event at 11am. Check-in will open at 7:00am. We hope this information is helpful as you finalize your plans. 

  Upon arrival, please be prepared to part ways with your student! Due to the size and historic nature of Harvard’s buildings, our venues cannot accommodate students, families, and guests together in the same lecture halls. Family and guest programming for the morning will be held in Science Center, the same location as family and guest check-in. Afternoon programming for families and guests will take place in beautiful Sanders Theatre. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

• Student Check-In

  Your student will receive these instructions separately, but your review of the details below will ensure a smooth check-in process.

  Student Check-In: Upon arrival, students will be directed to enter Memorial Hall to complete their check‑in for student programming. Families and guests should proceed to the adjacent building, the Science Center, for their own check‑in. 

  While we would prefer to keep all visitors together, as previously mentioned, the size and historic nature of Harvard’s facilities do not allow us to accommodate all Visitas attendees in the same spaces. Families and guests will have opportunities later in the day to visit Memorial Hall. There will also be a designated area near check‑in for you and your student to briefly confer and finalize any plans to meet up later, though we encourage you to arrange these plans in advance.

  Please note that admitted students will be required to present a photo ID in order to participate in Visitas programming. Admitted students will be issued a temporary Harvard ID granting access to residence halls, dining halls, libraries, and academic buildings. For the safety of our campus community, a photo ID is therefore required before this ID card can be issued. 

  Acceptable photo IDs for students include: 

  • A driver’s license or state-issued identification card
  • Passport or Passport ID card
  • A school ID (needs to have a photo of the student on it) 

  Family members and guests will not be required to present a photo identification. However, please ensure your student brings an acceptable form of ID to campus. We will be unable to check admitted students into Visitas or issue access to housing, dining, etc. without a photo ID.

  Luggage: Students, should plan to connect with their assigned student host upon arrival to store their luggage before checking in, if possible. Host information will be shared 2–3 days prior to Visitas.

• Family and Guest Check In

  After students have joined their peers in line, families and guests should follow the signs for Family and Guest Programming. The check‑in location at 1 Oxford Street is a short walk away.

  At check‑in, each attendee will receive a "Harvard Family" button, which serves as the required credential for all in‑person Family and Guest programming. The button should remain visible at all events.

  Light refreshments will be available in the Welcome Tent located in the Science Center Plaza. This space provides an opportunity for families and guests to gather and prior to the start of the day’s programming.

  Auditorium doors will open inside the Science Center at 9:30am. The Morning Welcome Address will be live streamed for all attendees beginning at 11am and the Parent to Parent Conversation: Supporting your Student's Transition to Harvard panel will follow.

• Sunday, April 26 In-Person Itinerary

  Family and guest programming is designed to celebrate students’ admission to Harvard and to provide useful information for those supporting them in the decision‑making process. Due to limited capacity, not all attendees will be able to view sessions in person; however, overflow seating with livestream access will be available.

  From welcome addresses to social events, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. While specific details are still being confirmed, please note for planning purposes that family and guest check-in will open at 7:00am, with formal programming beginning at 11:00am and concluding by 6:00pm. The comprehensive itinerary will be shared in advance of the event. 

   

• Sunday, April 26 Virtual Programming

  All in-person family and guest programming will be live-streamed. Once the itinerary is finalized, links to access these events will be provided below.

• Exploring Harvard on Monday, April 27

  Formal Visitas programming for families and guests concludes with a one-day event on Sunday, April 26. As student programming continues until 5:00pm on Monday, April 27, families and guests wearing “Harvard Family” buttons are encouraged to take advantage of the options listed below. Please note that many students choose to depart earlier in order to travel home.

  • Visiting Harvard Museums
  • Widener Library Tour
  • Take a walk around the Harvard Athletic Facilities
  • Visit the Harvard John Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
  • Check out events through the Harvard Square Business Association
  • Staying for longer? Look into the Guide for Visiting Boston 

  Our Financial Aid Office will be open from 9:00am-5:00pm.

   

• Arrival Information

  With over 1300 students expected to attend Visitas, we encourage all families and guests to arrive with their student early to allow sufficient time for check-in and seating prior to the first event at 11am. Check-in will open at 7:00am. We hope this information is helpful as you finalize your plans.

• Important Addresses

  45 Quincy Street - Memorial Hall, student check-in location 

  6 Kirkland Street - DROP OFF area for rideshare/taxi for student check-in location 

  1 Oxford Street - Science Center, Family and Guest Check-in location

• Public Transportation

  From Logan Airport or South Station (train)

  • Take MBTA Silver Line (gray shuttle bus) SL1 from the arrivals level of any terminal to South Station
  • At South Station, change to the Red Line subway outbound toward Alewife
  • Go six stops to Harvard exit
  • Once you have exited in Harvard Square, put 45 Quincy St, Cambridge into your maps and walk to check in

  From North Station (train)

  • Take the commuter rail (Fitchburg Line) to Porter Square
  • At Porter Square, change to the Red Line subway inbound toward Braintree
  • Go one stop to Harvard and exit
  • Once you have exited in Harvard Square, put 45 Quincy St, Cambridge into your maps and walk to check in 

• Driving Directions

  From the North:

  • Take I-93 South to the Storrow Drive exit.  
  • Take Storrow Drive west for approximately five miles. Exit at Harvard Square/North Harvard Street.  
  • At the top of the exit, turn right and cross over the Charles River and continue straight on JFK Street.  

  From the South:

  • Take I-95 North to I-93 North.  
  • Follow I-93 until Massachusetts Turnpike (Rt. 90).  
  • Take Mass. Pike (Rt. 90) West to Allston/Cambridge Exit. Bear right towards Cambridge.  
  • Cross the Charles River and move into the left hand lane
  • Make a left onto Memorial Drive
  • Make a right onto JFK St.

  Alternative From the Southwest/Northwest

  • Take Route 128 (I-95) to Massachusetts Turnpike (Rt 90).  
  • Take Mass. Pike (Rt 90) East Allston/Cambridge.
  • Follow directions above. 

  From JFK Street:

  • Take JFK St to the first light.
  • Make a left and there is a parking garage on your right or if you continue past that one, go through the next light and there is another public lot at the Charles Hotel on your left.
  • You will need to walk approximately 10 minutes to check in at 45 Quincy St. 

   

• Parking Options

  Important: Please do not drive directly to the check-in location. To minimize delays and ensure that you and your student do not miss important information, we recommend parking in one of the suggested locations and walking to Memorial Hall.

  Rideshares and taxis may also experience delays due to Cambridge’s narrow streets. While police will be present to assist with traffic, advance planning will help ensure a smooth and timely arrival.

  We hope this guidance is helpful as you finalize your plans.

  Campus parking options:

  • Purchase a pass ahead of time: 7 Felton St Garage – on Oxford St and Broadway (8 -10 min walk from check-in).  A printer is required. Please bring a printed copy of your pass, as printing is not available on campus. When prompted, select:
    • Department: Admin. & Financial Aid
    • Department Code: 3003
  • Daily Parking: Harvard Business School Lot –  111 Western Ave, Boston, MA (15 - 20 min walk to check-in)  

  Commercial garages offering daily parking:

  • University Place Garage – 124 Mt. Auburn St, Cambridge, MA | 617-491-0801 (8 -10 min walk to check-in)
  • The Charles Hotel Garage – 1 Bennett St, Cambridge, MA | 617-864-1200 (8 -10 min walk to check-in)

• Local Accommodations

  While we provide overnight accommodations for admitted students, we are unable to offer housing for accompanying family members and guests. Our website contains the names of numerous lodging options in the vicinity of Harvard College (please note this is not an exhaustive list.)

• What are some campus resources available to families, guests and students?

  • Family Engagement Office
  • Harvard University Health Services (HUHS)
  • Harvard University Dining Services (HUDS)
  • Harvard University Police Department (HUPD)

  Student Support Offices

  • Dean of Students Office (DSO)
  • Office of International Education (OIE)
  • Financial Aid Office (FAO)
  • Academic Advising Office (APO)
  • Disability Access Office (DAO)

• Where can I find a campus map?

  This self-guided map highlights 25+ points of interest with brief descriptions. 

  In addition, use this official map to navigate Harvard’s campus and find auditoriums, churches, libraries, museums, and other important buildings.

• Is guest Wi-Fi available on campus?

  To help you stay connected with your student and access Visitas resources, families and guests are welcome to use the on-campus guest Wi-Fi network.

  To register your device during Visitas:

  1. Open a web browser and go to: https://getonline.harvard.edu
  2. Select “I am a Guest.”
  3. Click “Register for Guest Access.”
  4. Enter your name, phone number, and email address.
  5. Check the box to agree to the terms of use.
  6. Click “Login” to receive your credentials.
  7. Use the provided credentials to log in and gain network access. 

• What accessibility accommodations are available for participants?

  If you require accommodations requests for wheelchair access, assistive devices for participation in live programming, an American Sign Language interpreter, or other support, please indicate these needs on the registration form, and a member of our office will follow up. While we cannot guarantee that all requests can be fulfilled, we will make every effort to do so. You may also contact us at visitas@fas.harvard.edu with any questions.

   

• What should I do if I become ill while on campus?

  If you or your student are not feeling well or are unable to fully participate in the on-campus program, please be assured that in-person attendance is not required. All programming will be recorded, and we strongly encourage anyone who is unwell to remain at home or at their hotel.

  If you become ill while on campus, Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) Urgent Care will be available to families and guests for urgent needs on a fee-for-service basis, similar to other urgent care facilities.

   

• What should I do if an emergency occurs while I am attending Visitas?

  In the unlikely event of an emergency or admitted student illness, Visitas staff will contact the student’s parent or guardian directly. If you are unable to reach your student, you may contact the Admissions Office, which will maintain open phone lines 24 hours a day for the duration of the Visitas program. The Harvard University Police Department can also be reached at 617‑496‑1212. We strongly encourage admitted students to remain in regular contact with their families as well as those accompanying them to Visitas and to establish a communication plan in advance of the program.

  Contact information collected during registration will allow the Admissions Office to disseminate campus emergency alerts if necessary.

Registration and Forms

• When is the Visitas program?

  The formal Visitas program for families and guests will take place on Sunday, April 26. The program officially begins at 11:00am ends in the evening with a social event around 6:00pm. The Science Center will be staffed from 7:00am to 5:00pm during the program and the Financial Aid Office will be open from 11:00am-4:00pm.

  *Please note that the student program runs through Monday, April 27 at 5:00pm.

• Do we have to register?

  Yes. Admitted students are required to register their guests in their registration form. Your student should have received instructions to register online via the Admitted Student Website. Parents and Guests will receive a confirmation of their registration upon completion of the student form. If you have not, please contact our office at visitas@fas.harvard.edu. Even if students plan to arrange their own accommodations overnight, they must register in advance. All students should register themselves and their guests online through the form in their student portal by the deadline of April 15, 2026, at midnight.

• Is there a cost to attend?

  Visitas is free for all admitted students attending in person; housing, meals, and official program activities are included. Travel funding is available to assist highly aided students residing in the United States and Canada with transportation costs. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide travel funding for students traveling from outside the United States and Canada. This support is limited to student travel expenses and is awarded automatically to eligible students as part of their financial aid package.

  Students who have not yet completed their financial aid application should do so as soon as possible to be considered for this program. Eligible Early Action admitted students were notified by the Financial Aid Office in late January. Eligible Regular Decision admitted students, as well as late financial aid applicants, will begin receiving information from the Financial Aid Office in early April. Questions about financial aid may be directed to faoweb@fas.harvard.edu or 617‑495‑1581.

  There is no program fee for families who wish to join their student at Visitas; however, families are responsible for their own travel, lodging, meals, and related expenses.

• Is there a required student waiver or release form?

  Yes. All Visitas attendees are required to complete a release form that includes a general agreement, medical release, conduct expectations, and health and safety protocols for the duration of the program. These forms are electronic and accessible through the student portal, and must be submitted by the registration deadline.

• Is there a parent or guardian release form?

  Yes. In addition to the student release form described above, students under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian complete a separate release form prior to attending Visitas. These electronic forms are available through the student portal and must be submitted by the registration deadline.

• Are students and families required to attend Visitas?

  Of course not! Visitas is an optional program designed to help admitted students become better acquainted with the College. You and your student are welcome to participate in select events virtually from home if it works best for your schedule.

• When will the full schedule be posted?

  The Visitas 2026 event schedule will be posted in early April. Links to the schedule will be emailed to both you and your student and posted on this website.

• What if we are unable to attend Visitas in person but would still like to participate?

  We recognize that travel may be difficult or that you may have other commitments, and we want all admitted students to experience Harvard through Visitas. Accordingly, virtual events will be offered throughout the weekend to allow admitted students and their families and guests to participate remotely.

• We can’t attend the program but would like to stay overnight at another time. Is that possible?

  There is no designated overnight program for visiting campus outside of Visitas. While you are welcome to visit campus at another time, the Admissions Office is unable to arrange overnight hosts for admitted students.

• Would it be possible for me to attend Visitas events without my admitted student present?

  Families and guests of Admitted Students may attend Visitas if their student is unable to attend, however, it will require a manual registration process. Please email visitas@fas.harvard.edu for assistance

• How can I cancel my family and guest registration?

  If you are no longer able to attend Vistias you may cancel your registration through your personalized Visitas registration confirmation link sent to your email upon registration. Please note this update/cancelation link will require your admitted student to log in with their credentials in order to make changes. If you need assistance please email visitas@fas.harvard.edu.

Program Description and Expectations

• How can I help my admitted student prepare?

  We know this can be an exciting, and at times overwhelming, process. In addition to this webpage and email communications, all essential Visitas information, from what to pack to details about the hosting process, is available on the admitted student website.

  We also encourage you to review these materials with your student and discuss any questions together. If you or your student have additional questions, please feel free to contact us at visitas@fas.harvard.edu.

• Are family members and guests expected to attend all sessions?

  No. All family and guest programming is optional and is designed to help families and guests better understand the resources available to support their student at Harvard. With the itinerary provided in advance, families and guests may choose to attend any sessions of interest or view recorded sessions at their convenience.

• What spaces can families and guests enter?

  Families and guests are permitted to enter classrooms for designated programming. However, for the safety of all students, many campus spaces require Harvard ID access. All admitted students will receive the necessary Harvard ID credentials.

• Will I be able to spend time with my student during the program?

  While we encourage students to fully immerse themselves in campus life and to reflect on their experience with families and guests after the visit, there will be some informal time to connect during the program. In particular, Sunday evening may provide more open events for students, families, and guests to enjoy together.

• What is scheduled for families and guests on Monday, April 27?

  There is no official family and guest programming scheduled for Monday, April 27. However, families and guests are welcome to explore the campus at their own pace. Look under the "Exploring Harvard on Monday, April 27" section of the Events Logistics and Schedule Information for some ways to discover campus. A list of local options will also be provided upon arrival.

Transportation, Accommodations, and Meals

• When should we arrive?

  With more than 1,300 students expected to attend Visitas, we strongly encourage all attendees to arrive early to allow sufficient time for check-in and seating before the first event at 11:00am. Check-in opens at 7:00am and the Welcome Tent will serve light refreshments and coffee while offering an opportunity to connect with other families and guests.

• Our travel itinerary has changed since our initial registration. Whom should we contact to update our arrival and departure times?

  Students may update their own registration up until the deadline. After the registration closes, then students should email us at visitas@fas.harvard.edu with “Itinerary Change” in the subject line and include the updated information.

• Is it possible for us to arrive earlier than Sunday?

  No. The program begins on Sunday, April 26, and we expect students to arrive that morning or in the early afternoon. The first event is the Welcome Address at 11:00am. Requests for a day early arrival due to religious observance or other extenuating circumstances may be emailed to our office at visitas@fas.harvard.edu for consideration.

• What should we do if we are unable to arrive until Sunday afternoon?

  While we encourage families to arrive by 11:00am in order to participate fully in the program, we understand that travel schedules may vary and delays may occur. You are welcome to join the program whenever you arrive. Families and guests should proceed to the Science Center to check in with Visitas staff and receive their Harvard Family buttons, information, and the schedule of events.

• Is there a recommended packing list for students?

  • All students must present a valid form of photo identification at check-in.
  • Any required prescription medications or inhalers, even if they are used only in emergencies.
  • A sleeping bag and pillow.
  • A bath towel; shower shoes/flip-flops are also recommended for use in communal restroom facilities.       
  • Comfortable walking shoes.                                                                                                                                                                

  No events have been scheduled that require formal attire, so students should plan to wear comfortable clothing. Please monitor the weather forecast when packing, as Cambridge weather can be unpredictable. You may wish to bring a warm coat, umbrella, and/or boots.

• What should families and guests plan to pack for their visit?

  Because New England weather can be unpredictable, we recommend packing layers and a comfortable pair of walking shoes. In addition, bringing an umbrella and a waterproof jacket will help ensure you are prepared for a range of weather conditions.

• What accommodations and dining arrangements are available for families and guests?

  Families and guests are responsible for arranging and covering the cost of their own accommodations and meals. Light refreshments and coffee will be offered in the Welcome Tent on Sunday morning.

  We do provide overnight accommodations for admitted students. Housing is arranged with current undergraduate hosts in Harvard Yard or the upper-level Houses. Admitted students will receive a temporary Harvard ID upon arrival, which will provide access to the dining halls. The first dining hall meal provided is Sunday brunch and the final meal is Monday lunch.

• Do you have recommendations for hotels in the area?

  Our website contains the names of numerous lodging options in the vicinity of Harvard College (please note this is not an exhaustive list.)

• Are there parking options available for visitors?

  We strongly encourage all visitors to use public transportation. However, if you do choose to drive, there is limited street parking available as well as several Harvard operated and privately owned garages in Harvard Square.

  Important: Please do not drive directly to the check-in location. To minimize delays and ensure that you and your student do not miss important information, we recommend parking in one of the suggested locations and walking to Memorial Hall.

  Rideshares and taxis may also experience delays due to Cambridge’s narrow streets. While police will be present to assist with traffic, advance planning will help ensure a smooth and timely arrival.

  We hope this guidance is helpful as you finalize your plans.

  Campus parking options:

  • Purchase a pass ahead of time: 7 Felton St Garage – on Oxford St and Broadway (8 -10 min walk from check-in).  A printer is required. Please bring a printed copy of your pass, as printing is not available on campus. When prompted, select:
    • Department: Admin. & Financial Aid
    • Department Code: 3003
  • Daily Parking: Harvard Business School Lot –  111 Western Ave, Boston, MA (15 - 20 min walk to check-in)  

  Commercial garages offering daily parking:

  • University Place Garage – 124 Mt. Auburn St, Cambridge, MA | 617-491-0801 (8 -10 min walk to check-in)
  • The Charles Hotel Garage – 1 Bennett St, Cambridge, MA | 617-864-1200 (8 -10 min walk to check-in)

• What should my student expect from their on-campus host?

  Hosting information will be sent directly to admitted students 2–3 days prior to Visitas. We encourage admitted students and their hosts to connect in advance and coordinate a time to drop off luggage upon arrival to campus and before checking in to Visitas, as the student venue does not permit luggage for safety reasons. There will also be a host meet-up point on campus on Sunday morning. If your student has difficulty reaching their host, Visitas staff will be available to assist and, if necessary, assign a new host.

• Is it possible for my student to stay with us off campus during the program?

  Visitas is designed to provide admitted students with an immersive experience of daily life on campus, helping them assess whether Harvard is a good fit both academically and socially. Many of the interactions between admitted and current students take place in the residential houses and dormitories. While your student is welcome to stay with you off campus, they may gain deeper insight into student life and be better able to make an informed enrollment decision by staying with a current student and engaging closely with their future classmates.