Transitioning to Harvard

Transitioning to Harvard

Students crossing the bridge over to Allston during the orientation Crimson Kick-Off.

As an incoming Harvard College student, you have many exciting months ahead before your first semester begins in the fall. This page provides a general overview of what you can expect each month leading up to your arrival on campus. 

For a full list of dates and deadlines, see the my.harvard checklist. You can track your required summer tasks on the incoming student checklist available through my.harvard. Completing these tasks on time will help ensure a smooth transition to Harvard in the fall.  

May

Welcome Communications

In May, you will begin receiving important emails from the First-Year Experience Office about tasks you need to complete. It is most important to set up your Harvard key and email as soon as possible. Be sure to check your Harvard College email regularly, as this is how we will share information and reminders with you.

Tasks

✓ May 1, 11:59 p.m.—Deadline to enroll at Harvard
✓ Submit photos and verify information for your Harvard ID card
✓ Update contact information for yourself and family members
✓ Complete Housing and Academic Advising questionnaires
✓ Register any accessibility needs with the Disability Access Office
✓ Apply for Pre-Orientation programs, if desired

June

Summer in the Yard

Every Monday beginning in June, you will receive Summer in the Yard, a weekly email newsletter. We will share guidance on many aspects your transition to college from June until the end of August.  

Newsletter topics will include residential life, academics, extracurricular opportunities, and advice from current students. Summer in the Yard will also contain weekly reminders about your tasks and stories to help you think about your transition to college.  

Tasks

✓ Take placement exams
✓ Submit immunization records
✓ Complete the Advising Questionnaire

July

Educational Modules

In July, we will share with you important educational modules designed to help you transition to our academic and residential community. Taken together, these modules will form the basis of intellectual discovery that will animate your experience at Harvard College and equip you to join us in our pursuit of veritas, the truth at the center of our institutional values. They will also further help you to understand the practices of being a safe, inclusive, and responsible community member.

We’ll contact you about final preparations for your arrival, including sharing information about what to bring and move-in day, and your housing assignment (including roommates/suitemates if applicable). 

Tasks

✓ Submit final transcript and official ACT/SAT scores(if required)
✓ Elect or waive student health insurance
✓ Attend Group Advising Sessions to lift your advising hold
✓ Begin online educational modules

August

Preparing for arrival

Registering for Courses

Your course registration is due in mid-August, so you will have some time to consider your options, attend departmental advising hours or sessions, and talk with your advising network before you commit to the four courses you’ll take in the fall.

Moving to Campus

Your arrival date for move-in depends on whether you are participating in a pre-orientation program. You should not make travel arrangements until you have been selected and confirmed participation in a pre-orientation program. 

Connecting with Classmates 

Whether attending a pre-orientation program or moving in after, you will participate in required incoming student orientation events to bond with classmates and learn about campus resources. 

September

After Orientation concludes and before the first day of classes, you'll attend the Class of 2030 Convocation Ceremony. This ceremony marks your official start as members of the Harvard community.

Learn more about Convocation
The Harvard shield on a large crimson banner between the columns in front of Widener library.