#  Incoming Students 

 



##  Welcome Class of 2030! 

 

 

       ![A "Welcome Harvard First-Year" banner outside of Johnston Gate on move-in day.](/sites/g/files/omnuum13001/files/styles/hwp_21_9__1920x825/public/2026-04/HarvardMove-In_082625_0001%20Large.jpeg?h=e4b47229&itok=jzf5z8rQ) 

 

 



 

 



A Message from the Deans

### Welcome to Harvard College 

 

We are thrilled to officially welcome you to our community. During the summer, you will receive regular communications from Harvard College. This site contains all of the information you need to know and aims to support your transition from high school to college. We look forward to meeting you in the fall!

**Thomas Dunne**, *Dean of Students, Harvard College*

**Amanda Claybaugh**, *Dean of Undergraduate Education, Harvard College*

**Nekesa Straker,** *Senior Assistant Dean of Residential Life and First-Year Students*

**Katherine Veach,** *Assistant Dean for First-Year Academic Programs*

**Jason Meier,** *Associate Dean for Student Engagement*



 



      ![Group photo in front of Mass Hall with all the College leadership, and President Bacow and his wife.](/sites/g/files/omnuum13001/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2026-04/HarvardMove-In_082625_0133%20Large.jpeg?itok=TgUWmjqe) 

 

 

  

 



 

 

 

 

Receive a warm welcome to the Harvard Community from peers and faculty from around the College.

 

 





 

 

 



 

 

 

 

##  Advice for New Students 

Looking for advice about those first few weeks on campus? The Harvard College Office of Admissions & Financial Aid asked around and found five upper-level students to share their perspectives. These juniors and seniors offer valuable advice for anybody new to campus.



 

 



 [ Watch on YouTube arrow\_circle\_right ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpnpSaOKtGs) 

 

 

 

 

 

### Considering a Gap Year? 

 

Over the years, many students have deferred their matriculation to Harvard College, and they report their experiences to be uniformly positive. The admissions committee encourages admitted students to defer enrollment for one year to travel, pursue a special project or activity, work, or spend time in another meaningful way. Please be aware that you may not enroll as a degree or diploma candidate in a university or secondary school during your interval year.



 [ Learn more about taking a gap year arrow\_circle\_right ](https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/apply/first-year-applicants/considering-gap-year) 

 



      ![A student unpacking their room upon move-in.](/sites/g/files/omnuum13001/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2026-06/Harvard2028Move-In_082824_0207%20Large.jpeg?itok=iSEiLDHG) 

 

 

  

 



 

 

 

 

##  Class of 2030 Communications 

 



  [### Summer in the Yard: 7.27.26

 ](https://mailchi.mp/fas.harvard.edu/summer-in-the-yard-2030-july-27)July 27, 2026

Taking Care of Your Health, Wellbeing Resources, and Mattering at Harvard



 

   ![Two students sitting on floor mats of the serenity room in Grays basement.](/sites/g/files/omnuum13001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-07/b1fdcc59-1fa9-5264-4e92-e18c0ab615f8.jpg?itok=tbr7GYJS) 

 

 

 

  [### Housing Assignment Clarification: Suitemates

 ](https://mailchi.mp/0b8ab5f5a74c/class-of-2030-housing-assignment-clarification-suitemates)July 24, 2026

In your [**housing assignment email**](https://mailchi.mp/bbb202496062/class-of-2030-housing-assignment) shared with you yesterday, we included a name/list of names and emails for your suitemates. Context for that information was left off of yesterday’s email.



 

   ![Email header that includes the First-Year Experience Office logo, the date, and title of the email.](/sites/g/files/omnuum13001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-07/Housing-Assignment-Clarification-Suitemates-07-24-2026_10_56_AM.png?itok=EjUn5fQA) 

 

 

 

  [### Your Housing Assignment and Advising Network

 ](https://mailchi.mp/bbb202496062/class-of-2030-housing-assignment)July 23, 2026

We are thrilled to welcome you to the Harvard College residential community this fall! As we’ve shared before, residential life is one of the defining aspects of the Harvard undergraduate experience.



 

   ![Student Orientation leaders jump up in the air as they welcome first-year students during move-in in the front of Johnston Gate.](/sites/g/files/omnuum13001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-07/103c2bf0-6ea8-4d47-b950-c7e4afb8d604.jpeg?itok=LKroWuEX) 

 

 

 

  [### Take the Pre-Matriculation Survey

 ](https://mailchi.mp/fas.harvard.edu/class-of-2030-prematriculation-survey)July 21, 2026

In just about a month, you will be arriving to campus and we can’t wait until you get here. Before you arrive, we ask you to complete the pre-matriculation survey.



 

   ![Pre-Matriculation survey header.](/sites/g/files/omnuum13001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-07/prematriculation_survey_image.png?itok=1-hbPv3e) 

 

 

 

  [### Summer in the Yard: 7.20.26

 ](https://mailchi.mp/fas.harvard.edu/summer-in-the-yard-2030-july-20)July 20, 2026

Residential Life, Tips for Packing, and 100-Day Annenberg Challenge



 

   ![Students in purple and yellow Yard shirts cross the bridge over the Charles River as they wave to the camera.](/sites/g/files/omnuum13001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-07/2029CrimsonKickoff_082625_0087%20Large.jpeg?itok=OC-nOcNH) 

 

 

 

  [### Summer in the Yard: 7.13.26

 ](https://mailchi.mp/fas.harvard.edu/summer-in-the-yard-2030-july-13)July 13, 2026

Academic Webinars, Expos Advising, SMART Start, and Academic Resources



 

   ![A professor sits at the head of a table during a course with four students appearing on her left side.](/sites/g/files/omnuum13001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-07/1d52986b-993c-5e1b-b8c9-e63c49681107.jpg?itok=zBYZkjAJ) 

 

 

 

  [### Summer in the Yard: 7.6.26

 ](https://mailchi.mp/fas.harvard.edu/summer-in-the-yard-2030-july-6)July 6, 2026

Exploring Your Intellectual Interests, Small Group Advising Sessions, First-Year Seminars



 

   ![A professor and student examine a brain.](/sites/g/files/omnuum13001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-07/SIY_Academic_Exploration.jpg?itok=i9hY5dQY) 

 

 

 

  [### Register for a Small Group Advising Session

 ](https://mailchi.mp/fas.harvard.edu/small-group-advising)July 1, 2026

Students must attend *Building Your Harvard Education*, a virtual small group advising session offered July 9-28, in order to register for courses.



 

   ![Students meet with their advisor on a patio.](/sites/g/files/omnuum13001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-07/100-LINDERPIX-Harvard-3224-web-e1684452529334.jpg?h=2159fa7c&itok=rA4zpuZH) 

 

 

 

  [### Summer in the Yard: 6.22.26

 ](https://mailchi.mp/5989858f41eb/summer-in-the-yard-2030-june-22)June 22, 2026

Understanding our Culture of Curiosity, Engaging in Constructive Dialogue, Preparing for Online Educational Modules



 

   ![Two students depicted in a classroom with the student int he foreground engaged in dialogue.](/sites/g/files/omnuum13001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-06/20c3f94b-2ca0-813a-d245-c937cc609996.jpeg?itok=pf2G_HNX) 

 

 

 

  [### Family Connection Newsletter

 ](https://mailchi.mp/a81ffde7f7e1/family-connection-summer-2025-welcome-12776881)June 15 2026

A welcome message to all parents, guardians, and families that were opted-in to communications from the College through the my.harvard [**Family Information Form**](https://harvard.service-now.com/ithelp?id=kb_article&sys_id=d2ac96d6db94670030ed1dca489619ae).



 

   ![Students jump with excitement in front of a Harvard gate.](/sites/g/files/omnuum13001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-06/b79880fc-167f-a6c4-e849-093ee0e946fe.jpeg?itok=bBvf7RLt) 

 

 

 

  [### Summer in the Yard: 6.15.26

 ](https://mailchi.mp/418b0412fca3/summer-in-the-yard-2030-june-15)June 15, 2026

Exploring the Arts, Life as a First-Year, Crimson Jam



 

   ![Four students sitting around the table laughing the night before Housing Day making a poster for the Yard storm.](/sites/g/files/omnuum13001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-06/bb977be7-93c9-3cd6-fdfa-d3c1289b53eb.png?itok=bctBWWno) 

 

 

 

  [### Summer in the Yard: 6.8.26

 ](https://mailchi.mp/5c8d6c669700/summer-in-the-yard-2030-june-8)June 8, 2026

Identity Exploration & Development, Pluralism Passports, and Student Organizations



 

   ![Four students gathered in the Radcliffe Quad lawn eating and talking.](/sites/g/files/omnuum13001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-06/d7f14597-44d9-7240-f801-8050380acce9.jpeg?itok=jc6fPQ70) 

 

 

 

  [### Summer in the Yard: 6.1.26

 ](https://mailchi.mp/ccbc5f0346ce/summer-in-the-yard-2030-june-1)June 1, 2026

Transitioning to Harvard, Understanding Harvard Lingo, and 3 Tips for College Success



 

   ![A student studying under a tree in Old Yard with the John Harvard statue and University Hall behind them.](/sites/g/files/omnuum13001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-06/fe8c394b-5ad6-356c-ae95-cd8e6c7b9815.png?itok=JwxN5wGw) 

 

 

 

  [### Placement Exams and Academic Advising Questionnaire

 ](https://mailchi.mp/8c552466b5a7/class-of-2030-placement-exams-advising-questionnaire)May 27, 2026

Complete the required Placement Exams and Academic Advising Questionnaire to prepare for your transition to academics at Harvard. Placement Exams help determine the best starting point for your studies, while the Advising Questionnaire helps members of your advising network understand how to best support your academic interests.



 

   ![A student writes a math equation on a chalkboard.](/sites/g/files/omnuum13001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-05/IS_WEBSITE_COMMS_Advising_Questionnaire.jpeg?itok=QHhmcTag) 

 

 

 

  [### Housing Questionnaire and Pre-Orientation Applications

 ](https://mailchi.mp/44447336e33e/class-of-2030-housing-questionnaire-pre-orientation-application)May 7, 2026

It’s time to fill out your Housing Questionnaire and if you are interested, apply to an optional Pre-Orientation program. The questionnaire helps match you with roommates, while Pre-Orientation can help you connect with peers over a shared interest before Orientation begins.



 

   ![Two students waving in and welcoming first-year families driving into the Yard during first-year move-in.](/sites/g/files/omnuum13001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-05/HarvardMove-In_082625_0285%20Large.jpeg?itok=HOmxdQ_0) 

 

 

 

  [### Welcome to Harvard College

 ](https://mailchi.mp/c913dbeaf9a2/2030-welcome-to-harvard-college)May 5, 2026

Please be attentive to and review the information shared, complete necessary tasks in a timely fashion, and engage in exercises and experiences that are designed to help deepen your understanding of our community’s values and aims.



 

   ![Orientation welcome student crew in front of Johnston Gate welcoming first-year students and families into the Yard on move-in day.](/sites/g/files/omnuum13001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-04/HarvardMove-In_082625_0488%20Large.jpeg?itok=jav0gEyH) 

 

 

 

  

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 [ View all deadlines in my.harvard arrow\_circle\_right ](https://portal.my.harvard.edu/) 

 

 

 

 

 

##  Navigating Harvard 

 College Guides 

The College has an extensive guide library to help you through completing your FAFSA, finding textbooks, Harvard terms & acronyms, and even to walk you through reading and examination period. The guides can act as a resource to learn more about navigating Harvard.



 

 [ Read the guide arrow\_circle\_right ](https://college.harvard.edu/guides/navigating-campus-day-day) 

 

      ![View of a tree filled with bright red leaves during a sunny fall Cambridge day from the Weeks Bridge with Dunster House in the background.](/sites/g/files/omnuum13001/files/styles/hwp_1_1__960x960/public/2026-04/IMG_0210%202_0.jpeg?itok=_3IqTABE) 

 

 



 

 



##  College News 

Follow happenings on campus by browsing College News.

 

 [ Read more College News articles arrow\_circle\_right ](https://college.harvard.edu/about/news) 

 



  [### Senior Creates Caregiving Cultivation App

 ](https://college.harvard.edu/about/news/senior-creates-caregiving-cultivation-app)June 11, 2026

Growing up in Japan and Australia, Wong discovered that exposure to deep connections and diverse communities proved essential for holistic well-being.



 

   ![Through collaboration with Harvard's Tech for Social Good, Kai and the team developing the software in their dorm room.](/sites/g/files/omnuum13001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-06/Instagram-06-18-2026_11_56_AM.png?itok=8r-THJIQ) 

 

 

 

  [### Pictures of joy, friendship fill the Yard before Commencement

 ](https://current.fas.harvard.edu/stories/pictures-joy-friendship-fill-yard-commencement)May 28, 2026

Graduates queueing up for the big ceremony paused to reflect and soak it all in.



 

   ![Rysa Tahilramani, Fariel Terras, and Mina Chae at the 375th Harvard University Commencement Exercises at Tercentenary Theatre.](/sites/g/files/omnuum13001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-06/Commencement202026-5.jpg?itok=plAn0pHK) 

 

 

 

  [### Deming summons ‘power of gratitude’ in valediction address

 ](https://current.fas.harvard.edu/stories/deming-summons-power-gratitude-valediction-address)May 28, 2026

Commencement Day opened with a final assignment for Harvard College’s Class of 2026: impromptu thank-you notes.



 

   ![In a brief, early morning speech, Danoff Dean of Harvard College David Deming appealed to seniors’ House pride.](/sites/g/files/omnuum13001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-06/FT9A6345%20%282%29.jpg?itok=4wF0mUfa) 

 

 

 

  [### Cancer turned her into a scientist

 ](https://current.fas.harvard.edu/stories/cancer-turned-her-scientist)May 11, 2026

Diagnosis transformed Mary Cipperman ’26 into a hyperproductive student researcher with diverse interests in physics, medicine, and AI.



 

   ![Mary Cipperman ’26 looks out of a classroom window with the sun streaming onto her face.](/sites/g/files/omnuum13001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-06/FT9A3856.jpg?itok=Gsrtu1Em) 

 

 

 

  [### Frames of Creative Expression: Arts Fest 2026

 ](https://college.harvard.edu/about/news/frames-creative-expression-arts-fest-2026)May 5, 2026

Presented by The Office for the Arts at Harvard, Arts Fest is a four-day annual celebration that transforms Harvard’s campus into an arts makerspace that is free and open to all.



 

   ![David Deming, Danoff Dean of Harvard College, and Fionna Coffey, Director of Office for the Arts, present during an ArtsFest 2026 show](/sites/g/files/omnuum13001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-05/Deming%20and%20Coffey.jpg?itok=GYFy4cZ3) 

 

 

 

  [### Four Harvard College Students named Gates Cambridge Scholars

 ](https://college.harvard.edu/about/news/four-harvard-college-students-named-gates-cambridge-scholars)April 22, 2026

Two fourth-year students at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) along with one alum and one fourth-year Physical Science concentrator have been named 2026 Gates Cambridge Scholars.



 

   ![Headshot of Mukta Dharmapurikar ’26.](/sites/g/files/omnuum13001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-04/mukta2.jpg?h=bb5696ed&itok=tkhAsMcq) 

 

 

 

  [### First-Year Seminar Program launches post-seminar experiences

 ](https://college.harvard.edu/about/news/first-year-seminar-program-launches-post-seminar-experiences)April 20, 2026

When the Fall 2025 semester ended, learning in First-Year Seminars did not.



 

   ![Professor Bill Fash, lecturer Jennifer Carballo, graduate student Luke Hollis and first-year students at the Pyramid of the Sun in Teotihuacan, Mexico.](/sites/g/files/omnuum13001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-04/FASH%20PSM-02.jpg?itok=Zc4vVBZg) 

 

 

 

  [### Twenty Years of Peer Advising at Harvard College

 ](https://college.harvard.edu/about/news/twenty-years-peer-advising-harvard-college)April 9, 2026

When students arrive at Harvard College for the first time, many experience a mix of excitement and uncertainty about classes, community, and where they fit within it all.



 

   ![Two students pose for a photo in the PAF 20th Anniversary hats during the celebration in Smith Campus Center.](/sites/g/files/omnuum13001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-04/_DSC8226%20Large.jpeg?itok=tBnN2NhU) 

 

 

 

  [### Harvard Students Attend UN Commission on the Status of Women

 ](https://college.harvard.edu/about/news/brief-harvard-students-attend-un-commission-status-women)March 31, 2026

Six Students Participate in Global Gender Equity Discussions at UNCSW 70.



 

   ![Six students pose in front of the United Nations installation during the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women 70.](/sites/g/files/omnuum13001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-04/IMG_1190.jpeg?itok=ZMDYTdLw) 

 

 

 

  [### Housing Day Spirit Week 2026

 ](https://college.harvard.edu/about/news/housing-day-spirit-week-2026)March 29, 2026

In 2026, Harvard College’s Housing Day tradition expanded to an entire week of Housing Day programming, building upon community, connection, and House pride.



 

   ![Students from Eliot House storming the Yard with their homemade signs, one saying "They're Coming DOME."](/sites/g/files/omnuum13001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-04/HousingDay_032726_2078%20Large.jpeg?itok=ouLnGI__) 

 

 

 

  

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