Harvard University
Reviews

Not a Huge Amount of Drug Use, but Drinking Is Pretty Popular

There is little drug use at Harvard, however it is common for people to drink. There is little peer pressure, though.

Fairly Safe People Tend to Be Responsible Enough for Themselves

Stay to the lit paths and be ethical and sensible and you will be fine.

Comfortable Diversity

While there are occasional single-incident problems, usually related to social issues rather than direct prejudice or discrimination, Harvard is pretty calm and tolerant of all people from all backgrounds. There's large international student community, and those from the US are from every corner of the country with immensely different backgrounds and circumstances. Over all, a very easy-going environment for any kind of person/background.

Food Is Good, but Miss Hot Breakfast!

The food is generally nice with a lot of variety (plus the ability to use any dining hall, which is really convenient!)

However, hot breakfasts were recently limited to ONLY Sunday brunch! A big bummer during the frigid Boston winters!

I Love HUPD, and HUPD Loves Me.

It's an urban environment, so things do happen, but the Harvard University Police Department is very kind and cautious. We're frequently reminded about how to remain safe, and most incidents occur in situations in which people were not following their recommendations. I'm never worried about my safety on campus, there are always people around and we're all pretty wise about what and what not to do.

Amazing Time Since I Got Here

I have zero complaints about Harvard. Best decision I ever made was to study here.

Accessible If Needed

Labs and printers are accessible at all hours and in many locations.

Awesome

Cambridge is a wonderful little city. The river is great for runs - there are plenty of restaurants and shops - and I always feel safe.

Pretty Safe but Exercise Common Sense

All Harvard students receive emails regarding any recent criminal activity either on campus or in the immediate vicinity. The majority of the incidents occurred off campus and involved people failing to use basic common sense, such as walking alone at 2 am whilst talking on their cell phones.

Wide Range

there's a campus shuttle, an inter-campus shuttle, then the local buses and trains, intercity buses primarily to new york, taxis, and logan airport isn't too far either.

Bostonnnn

Boston is a huge city with tons of activities. Three quarters of Boston is filled with college students, as there are plenty of colleges nearby. You will definitely have a blast at Harvard.

Foreign Languages

The foreign languages at Harvard are beyond excellent. The faculty are very well qualified, and the 1:1 attention is truly amazing. Students also really enjoy the courses and gain confidence in speaking the language to native speakers.

They Have So Much Money to Give Out.

They will make it affordable for you, guaranteed. I got way more financial aid from Harvard than from any other institution.

HUHS Is Your Friend

Every student is required to pay a nominal health fee each year. However, that covers everything from doctor's appointments when sick, mental health counseling, vaccinations, dental care, and care when you've had one too many on a Saturday night, all at an massive infirmary right on campus. While the infirmary staff can be slow and unresponsive when the place is busy, the doctors and professionals are excellent, what you would expect from a school affiliated with at least a dozen hospitals.

As for safety on campus, there are constant security patrols, most gates close at night, and very few on-campus incidents are reported (the occasional off-campus mugging is the only news item). There are some more unsavory folks occasionally hanging out by the subway stop in Harvard Square, but the area is generally well lit and there are enough people milling about at all hours to make you feel consistently safe.

Diversity

Harvard's greatest asset is its people. Students and faculty represent every race, ethnicity, creed - I have met so many people that I would never have met if I stayed in my small town!

Good Town, Not So College Geared

Cambridge is a very safe town, and there are a lot of eating and shopping options. Unfortunately, it is quite expensive, and there are no typical fast food restaurants, such as McDonalds or anything. However, Boston is right around the corner, so there are lots of other shopping, eating, and partying options there.

Top Notch Except for Student Center

The library system is phenomenal. Architecture on campus is quite nice as well. The gyms are beautiful and spanking new. There is no student center, which is the only bummer.

Terrible

Lots of snow and very cold for 5 months out of the 9-month school year. If you are for a warm climate, the first winter will be miserable.

Dining Halls Great

Great place to socialize and catch up with friends. I think the food is great (definitely better than anything I could cook!) and the dining hall staff is very friendly

Weather Is Crazy

The weather is nuts. It will rain non stop for a week and then out of no where be 90 degrees. You are never able to get a handle on what the weather will be.

Very Integrated Compared to Other Schools.

Students come from all socio economic backrounds and all parts of the world

I can’t imagine being anywhere...

I can’t imagine being anywhere else. I love my classes, my dorm, and my friends. The resources available to me as an earth and planetary science concentrator are unbelievable, and I have no doubt that I would not be able to do the research I am doing at many other schools. Sure, sometimes the stereotype of Harvard kids being stuffy and nerdy is true, but for the most part, it is a very fun and admirably impressive group of people.

I love it. The things I thought I...

I love it. The things I thought I would look for in a school (lots of school spirit, good professor to student ratio, prestige) ended up not mattering at all. What is important is the location and the people. Harvard has the best of both.

The weather sucks. It really does....

The weather sucks. It really does. It’s no fun to walk to class in the winter and not be able to tell what time it is because it’s been grey and cold since you woke up. The snow takes some getting used to, but a warm jacket and learning to layer your clothes should give most students enough warmth to get through the winter. When it’s not frigid and wintry, Cambridge’s fall and spring feature some wonderful weather. Fall is a bit crisp, but not too bad. Spring generally brings with it cool temperatures—perfect for shorts and t-shirts.

In the fall, the weather is mild,...

In the fall, the weather is mild, averaging around 75 degrees in the early fall to the mid-40s by late fall. We’ll get our fair share of rain, but the fall usually has some of the nicest weather. In the winter and spring, it is anyone’s guess. We haven’t gotten much snow, but several large snowstorms a year are not unheard of. It does get quite cold, and the wind chill can reach negative 30 degrees at times, but it’s usually not bad.