Harvard University guarantees on-campus housing for all four years of undergraduate study, ensuring a consistent and structured living environment for its students.
This comprehensive housing system is designed to support students throughout their academic journey, providing distinct living arrangements for different stages of their undergraduate experience.
Housing Structure at Harvard
The housing guarantee at Harvard is thoughtfully structured to integrate students into the university community from their very first day through to graduation.
- First-Year Housing: All first-year students reside in one of the 17 dormitories located either within or adjacent to the historic Harvard Yard. This arrangement fosters a strong sense of community and provides easy access to central campus resources and academic buildings, helping new students transition smoothly into university life.
- Upper-Class Housing (Final Three Years): For their sophomore, junior, and senior years, students are assigned to one of 12 distinctive residential Houses. These Houses serve as vibrant communities, offering not just living spaces but also dining halls, common rooms, libraries, and often athletic facilities. Students typically form self-selected groups before being assigned to a House, allowing friends to live together while still experiencing the unique culture and traditions of their assigned House.
The table below summarizes the guaranteed housing arrangements at Harvard:
| Student Status | Housing Type | Location/Details |
|---|---|---|
| First-Year | Dormitories | One of 17 dormitories in or adjacent to historic Harvard Yard |
| Final 3 Years | Residential Houses | One of 12 residential Houses, assigned to self-selected groups of students |
This guaranteed housing system is a fundamental aspect of the Harvard undergraduate experience, promoting community, academic support, and personal growth throughout a student's four years. For more details, you can refer to the Harvard College official resources on campus housing.
