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Student Life Resources

2–5 km radius city life information around the university: housing, supermarkets, dining, transit, safety, healthcare, and job market insights.

Harvard University

Cambridge · Massachusetts · United States
Top global university · Walkable · Strong research ecosystem

Harvard University sits in Cambridge, just across the Charles River from downtown Boston. Within a short walk you can find cafés, bookstores, restaurants, the subway (MBTA), and riverside paths—making it easy to live, study, and explore without a car.

Car-free friendly High-cost area (rent-driven) Strong research & job market
Harvard campus and Charles River in Cambridge
QR code for Beyond Academic Harvard city card

Scan this QR code to open the Harvard city card on your phone and quickly share it with classmates and parents.
Open online

Housing & Food

Housing reality
Cambridge rents are high; shared housing is most common for cost control
Food strategy
Dining halls + Harvard Square options; cooking more helps stabilize monthly spend
More housing & food details

Housing

  • Many undergraduates live in Harvard residences; grads often share apartments in Cambridge/Somerville.
  • Budget is primarily driven by rent and distance to reliable Red Line/bus routes.
  • Plan for deposits + initial setup costs when moving off-campus.

Food

  • Harvard Square has dense cafés and quick meals; Boston adds broader international choices.
  • Groceries + meal prep can reduce weekly variability.

Transportation

Daily commute
Walking + MBTA (subway/bus) covers most routines; biking is common (seasonal)
Airport access
Boston Logan (BOS) via transit + transfer/shuttle or rideshare from Cambridge
More transportation notes (official links included)

Public transport (official)

Practical tips

  • Choose housing near the Red Line or a dependable bus route to reduce commute friction.
  • Winter weather affects walking/biking—plan layers and extra time.

Safety & Emergency Support

Emergency
Call 911 for immediate danger / serious injury
Campus support
Use official Harvard police & health services resources for guidance and contacts
Safety checklist & official links

Official links

Practical checklist

  • Save 911 and key campus numbers; use well-lit routes at night.
  • Keep valuables secure in crowded areas; travel with friends late at night when possible.
  • International students: confirm work/travel/visa questions with HIO advisors.
Note: This section provides general guidance and official resources only. It does not replace emergency services.

Cost of Living & Budget Planning

Monthly planning
High-cost area; rent is the main driver (shared housing reduces pressure)
Budget rule
Housing ~50–65% + keep a 1–2 month emergency buffer
Cost breakdown & planning tips
  • Typical categories: Housing · Food · Transit · Phone/Internet · Insurance · Misc.
  • Hidden costs: deposits, winter clothing, textbooks, moving/setup costs, health copays (plan-dependent).
  • Cost control: shared housing + cooking + student discounts + booking travel early.

Work / Internship & Local Economy

Local strengths
Education, biotech, healthcare, tech, finance, consulting, research
Student pathways
Labs, hospitals, startups, and campus roles (subject to authorization rules)
Jobs, internships & career notes
  • Cambridge/Boston is a dense research + startup + hospital ecosystem with many internship options.
  • International students should confirm CPT/OPT/on-campus work policies with HIO and program advisors.
  • Career Center (official): Mignone Center for Career Success

Weekend Life & City Experience

Nearby highlights
Harvard Square, Charles River paths, museums, concerts, and Boston neighborhoods
Day trips
New England towns/coast (seasonal) with easy rail/bus access from Boston hubs
Weekend travel & lifestyle details
  • Great fall/spring outdoors; winters require warm layers and weather planning.
  • Best fit: students who want intense academics plus a strong city + research ecosystem.

Official Links

University official website International students (Harvard International Office) Career services / Career Center Student health services (HUHS) Campus police (HUPD) Housing (Residential Life) Off-campus housing

City Life Photos

Dining and cafés near Harvard Square

Local dining and cafés around Harvard Square.

Boston food near Harvard

Boston food culture within easy transit distance.

Widener Library on Harvard campus

Widener Library and iconic Harvard campus architecture.

John Harvard statue in Harvard Yard

The famous John Harvard statue in Harvard Yard.