Student Life

boston skyline

Boston
Boston offers a wealth of activities; great dining, museums, music, theater, historic sites, sporting events, and recreation. Students can easily go on day trips to hiking trails, Harbor Islands, coastal beaches, and ski resorts.  Boston is also a hub for dozens of cutting-edge industries, including biotechnology, pharma, consulting, science policy and communication, and many more leading fields.  Students have the opportunity to develop robust professional networks that extend beyond the classroom and lab to hone in on their professional development paths. 

Housing
There are many housing options available to DMS students near Longwood (HMS) and Cambridge.

Transportation

Students have access to numerous modes of transportation.student biking

Public Transportation. 
The subway, buses, and commuter rail that make up the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)  - known as the "T" – allow you to travel easily all over the city and suburbs. Harvard students are eligible to recieve a 50% discount on MBTA passes.

Biking

Harvard Transportation
Shuttle busesevening van service, and the Harvard University Campus Escort Program (HUCEP) in Cambridge and the Walking Escort Service in the Longwood Medical Area

Shuttle Buses

Walking.
Boston is a compact city that offers  beautiful architecture, landscapes, and serene urban green spaces. Getting around is often easiest on foot, so enjoy the view and stay safe!

HMS quad frisbee

Activities and Social Groups
There are many opportunities to build relationships outside of the lab that will help you thrive as a graduate student. 

  • The Harvard Griffin GSAS Student Center offers social, intellectual, and recreational activities designed to help GSAS students make connections outside of the classroom, lab, or library.
  • GSAS Engage is an online tool that makes it a little easier to find your fit on campus. Search through all of affiliated organizations, see what's happening, and get involved!
  • Student Groups There are dozens of student-run organizations throughout Harvard Griffin GSAS and HMS that provide diverse opportunities for graduate students.  Students in the Division of Medical Sciences participate in a wide range of activities to grow their networks, serve as leaders and volunteers, and enhance their graduate school experience.