First Weekend at Harvard

Welcome <<First Name>>,

It is my pleasure to welcome you to campus and your new dorm! I hope your travels here went smoothly and that you are settling in. While your new home may feel big and overwhelming at first, rest assured that it is indeed home, and not only are you a part of Harvard, but you are what makes Harvard such an incredible place. Over the course of the summer, your Resident Deans and I have spent time getting to know you through your housing and advising questionnaires. If you recognize any of us on campus, feel free to introduce yourselves as we look forward to getting to know you better. 


As you learn more about what it means to live on campus and with others, I encourage you to take your time as you explore and try new things especially during the first few weeks. During your entryway meetings, you will learn about what it means to live in community and will discuss College policies. Remember that first-year students are not permitted to have alcohol in the dorms and that social gatherings should not negatively impact the overall well-being of your community. That said, if you’re ever in a situation where you or someone you know need assistance, please reach out to the proctor-on-call for your Yard, Harvard University Police (617-495-1212), University Health Services (617-495-5711), or CAMHS Cares (617-495-2042). I would also like to reiterate the Help-Seeking Policy and the importance of looking out for your fellow classmates. 


Please know how much all of us – in the Dean of Students Office and beyond – look forward to connecting with you. We want to meet you, learn about your path here, but most importantly, help you to thrive intellectually, socially, and personally at Harvard. If we can help in any way, large or small, do not hesitate to contact us. You belong at Harvard, and you can count on our support during your college experience! 
 
Sincerely, 
 
Nekesa C. Straker 
Senior Assistant Dean of Residential Life and First-Year Students 

Community Norms

As you enter your first weekend on campus we want to make sure you remain healthy and safe while also understanding your responsibilities to yourself and your classmates. 

  • Carry your Harvard ID with you at all times. You will need your ID to enter any of the dorms, to eat in the dining hall, and to do many things on campus. As you may have noticed, the gates to the Yard are closed daily during Orientation from 6pm to 5am, and only Harvard ID holders may enter during these hours. 

  • Observe quiet hours in the dorms as noted in your entryway meetings and community spaces. You may visit other first-year dorms while being respectful of all students and the property in common spaces when visiting.

  • If you have a micromobility device such as an electronic scooter, please make sure you are storing it either locked on a bike rack outside or inside of your dorm room. Scooters should not obstruct accessible pathways, building entrances/exits, hallways, driveways, fire safety equipment, or emergency egress paths.

Dining in Annenberg

Over the next few weeks there may be long lines. As we adjust to eating in Annenberg, please be patient and utilize all four lines and both entrances to the servery. Once classes begin on Tuesday, September 5th, you can take advantage of Flyby (grab and go lunch service) which is available at the Science & Engineering Complex (SEC) and in the lower level of Memorial Hall.


Meals on Friday, September 1


The Day of Service takes place on Friday, September 1. To accommodate those who are participating, the following changes will be made in Annenberg: 

  • Breakfast: normal service provided 

  • Lunch: Bagged lunches will be available in Annenberg from 11:30AM - 2PM for all students. If you’re not participating in the Global Day of Service, we recommend that you pick up your lunch between 1-2PM

  • Dinner: Will be staggered with Crimson and Ivy from 4:30 – 6PM and Elm and Oak from 6 – 7:30PM

Orientation

Review the orientation calendar via the SOCO app or the pocket guide you received when you moved in so you know where you’re supposed to be and when. There are a number of required events, especially your entryway meetings, which are very important to attend.

Faces from Move-In