Where is Harvard?
In the Heart of Cambridge, a heartbeat away from Boston
Harvard College gives you all the benefits of a city—with Boston’s downtown dining and entertainment just a 12-minute subway ride away—as well as the feeling of a quiet haven, separate from the hustle and bustle of city life. It truly is the best of both worlds. Nestled in Cambridge on the banks of the Charles River, Harvard is surrounded by one-of-a-kind shops, international restaurants, bookstores, cafés, theatres and about fifty other colleges and universities. Take in sporting events, concerts, and colorful street performances in Harvard Square, where you can also access Boston’s comprehensive public transportation network, the MBTA. Nearby you’ll find the lively Boston waterfront, home to a world-famous aquarium and science museum. Buses, subways, and trains will also bring you to the beaches of the Atlantic, cozy seaside villages from Cape Cod to Maine, ski slopes, the famous fall foliage of our northern forests, and scores of local cultural venues and historic sites. With Boston Logan International Airport just across the river, you’re only six hours away from London.
The Harvard Campus
Harvard College is located along the Charles River opposite Boston, with the main campus spread over about 220 acres. The residential areas are near the centre of campus, along the river and on the central quad. There are over 400 buildings associated with the university, linked by an efficient shuttle bus system. Most students walk or bike to get around, and having a car is not a priority. Take a look at our campus map to see the College’s layout, buildings, and surrounding landmarks.
Climate
In a nutshell, summers are hotter and winters are colder than in the UK and in general the climate is sunnier all year round. A New England blizzard, with piles of snow in Harvard Yard, can be fun. We are close enough to the mountains of New Hampshire for good skiing or winter sports, and close enough to the beaches north and south of Boston (on the tube line!) for cool swims on hot summer days. Scarves, mittens and waterproof boots are a necessity in winter, with shorts and sandals in order for summer. It’s always wise to have an umbrella or rain-proof gear. Most buildings and public transport vehicles are air-conditioned in summer so carrying a light cardigan or jumper is advisable if you visit.
Getting here and around
There are many direct flights between the UK and Boston’s Logan Airport, and it’s only a six-ish hour flight! From Logan Airport to Harvard Square: Once you arrive in Boston, the T subway line (the Boston Tube) will bring you to campus in less than an hour for about $2 (approx £1.50) Or you can take an airport taxi for about $45 (approx £30). For travel beyond Boston: Amtrak provides regular trains running north to Maine and south to the major East Coast cities of Providence, New Haven, New York, Philadelphia and Washington DC , allowing easy access to a wide variety of colleges.