Harvard College's first-year students live together in one of 17 historic dorms directly in or near Harvard Yard, grouped into four neighborhoods, including Hollis Hall - built in 1763 and once home to Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau - Holworthy Hall, and Stoughton Hall.
Enrollment
7,038
Total Students
Freshman Class
1,760
Approx.
Move-In Dates
August 18 - August 18, 2026
Fall 2026
Acceptance Rate
4%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Dates
Do not reserve non-refundable plane tickets until you have been confirmed your specific move-in date in mid-June - Harvard schedules three separate first-year move-in dates based partly on Pre-Orientation Program participation. Unload quickly at your drop-off location after parking outside your dorm - you'll have a maximum of 20 minutes. Pick up your Harvard ID and room key at your assigned key pick-up location, and bring a government-issued photo ID.
August 18 - August 18, 2026
Check your assignment in the housing portal for your specific date and time.
Move-in day tips
- Arrive during your assigned window - early arrivals often just wait longer.
- Bring a rolling cart or hand truck; loading-zone carts run out fast.
- Parking near freshman halls fills up quickly - have a backup plan or drop-off spot.
- Loading zones usually enforce a strict time limit (often 30 minutes) before you're expected to move your car to long-term parking.
- Activate your student ID online before you arrive - many schools require it for building and elevator access from day one.
- If you want your bed lofted or the frame height adjusted, check whether your school needs that request submitted online in advance - most won't do it on the spot.
- Check your school's specific package-acceptance window before shipping anything ahead - most won't hold early deliveries outside a set date range.
- Unpack essentials first: bedding, toiletries, and chargers, before anything else.
Housing & Dorms
Hollis Hall
Traditional · Coed
First-year only- Photo coming soon
Holworthy Hall
Traditional · Coed
First-year only - Photo coming soon
Stoughton Hall
Traditional · Coed
First-year only
Housing Links
Links open Harvard University's website - not always the exact page, but a real starting point.
Orientation
Pre-Orientation & Orientation (required)
All new students are required to attend one orientation session.
August 18 - August 31, 2026
Orientation tips
- Register as early as your class allows - popular session dates fill up first.
- Bring a parent/guardian if separate family programming is offered.
- Check whether placement testing or advising sign-ups happen the same day.
Costs
Room & Board
$19,800
Estimated / Year
Nearby Essentials
Nearby data coming soon.
More Links
Checklists
Get the Ultimate College Move-In Checklist
A free, printable packing checklist covering everything from bedding to important documents - built for any freshman, including yours at Harvard University.
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