HOME / GET SUPPORT /

Social Support

We want to hear from you!

Answer 2 quick questions to share your input about this page and how we can improve it.

Share your thoughts

Harvard is a place where every student should feel at home. There are resources to help you find a sense of connection, as well as places to turn for support in a variety of social situations.

How can I connect with others who share my interests or have a similar background? 

Harvard has hundreds of student organizations and groups, including those focused on cultural connections and public service. You can also connect through your Yard, House, or the Dudley Community, as well as through the Harvard Foundation for Intercultural and Race Relations, the Harvard College Women’s Center, the Office of BGLTQ Student Life, the Office for the Arts, and the Harvard Chaplains.

Resources

What can I do if I’m in a difficult social situation and need to reach out to an authority figure for help? 

Whether you’re in the Yard, a House, or the Dudley Community, each student has a support structure including a Resident Dean and Proctor or Tutor. Resident Deans oversee the academic and overall wellbeing of students, and you can contact your Resident Dean’s office to set up an appointment. In addition, first-year students can turn to their Proctors and Peer Advising Fellows (PAFs), and upper-level students in the Houses and Dudley Community can turn to their Tutors. Students in the Houses also have Faculty Deans as a source of support and guidance, and House Administrators can be an important resource for any concerns related to housing. If a social situation is related to a student organization, you can also reach out to the Harvard College Student Engagement Office for support.

Resources

Where can I turn for support if I’m dealing with something that’s affecting my mental health?

Harvard’s Counseling and Mental Health Services (CAMHS) provides counseling sessions, workshops and groups, as well as referrals to off-campus providers in the community. Peer counseling is also available, and the Center for Wellness and Health Promotion offers services including massage and acupuncture, as well as exercise, meditation, and yoga classes. The Harvard Chaplains serve the spiritual needs of all members of the Harvard community. 

Resources

I’m seeking support and community related to my cultural background or racial or ethnic identity. 

The Harvard Foundation for Intercultural and Race Relations sponsors programs and activities designed to promote interracial and intercultural awareness and understanding in the Harvard community, as well as to highlight the cultural contributions of students from all backgrounds. In addition, your Yard, House, or Community has Proctors or Tutors who support students on issues of race relations, diversity, inclusion, and belonging. Many Harvard student organizations are also focused on cultural connections and shared racial or ethnic identity.

Resources

I’m a first-generation, low-income, and/or undocumented student. Where can I turn for community, support, and guidance?

The Harvard Foundation for Intercultural and Race Relations, Next Gen Initiative, and several other organizations provide support and connections to resources for first-generation low-income students, and the Harvard Foundation also supports undocumented students. In addition, your Yard, House, or Community has Proctors or Tutors who support first-generation low-income students and focus on issues of diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

Resources

I’m a BGLTQ student. Where can I find support and community?

The Office of BGLTQ Student Life serves as a central resource for bisexual, gay, lesbian, transgender, queer, and questioning (BGLTQ) students at Harvard College, and hosts events to foster the inclusion, affirmation, and celebration of all BGLTQ identities and expressions. In addition, your Yard, House, or Community has Proctors or Tutors who support BGLTQ students and focus on issues of diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

Resources

I believe that I have been the object of bias, harassment, and/or discrimination. How can I seek help?

Harvard prohibits all harassment or discrimination based on race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin, age, ancestry, veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected basis. Harvard College supports students regarding harassment, discrimination, and bias-related incidents. You can report an incident online and also seek the assistance of your Proctor, Tutor, Resident Dean, Faculty Deans, or other residential staff.

Resources

I’m looking for support related to sexual health and safety. Where can I turn?

Harvard has many resources to support students with sexual health as well as responding to instances of sexual misconduct. Your Yard, House, or Community has CARE (Consent Advocacy and Relationship Education) Proctors or Tutors who can also provide assistance and support.

Resources for Sexual Health

Resources for Responding to Sexual Misconduct

I’m having some challenges with alcohol and/or other drugs. What supports are available?

The Center for Wellness and Health Promotion helps support students with alcohol and substance use by equipping you to make informed choices. 

Resources

How can I unwind on or off campus?

There are many ways to unwind, relax, and explore, both on campus and in the Cambridge and Boston communities. The Center for Wellness and Health promotion offers a wide range of workshops, services, and classes, including massage, acupuncture, and yoga classes, as well as mindfulness and meditation resources. Harvard Recreation oversees the Harvard gyms as well as intramural sports. The Office for the Arts provides numerous opportunities for artmaking and attending performances. Your Yard, House, or Community has Proctors or Tutors who can support your interests in the arts, wellness, and intramural sports. Harvard also has an outstanding collection of museums dedicated to art, science, and culture, which are free to all Harvard ID holders. Beyond campus, there are many attractions in Cambridge and Boston, many of which are free or discounted for Harvard College students.

Resources

Guide to Student Wellness Groups

  • Peer Education
  • Counseling Workshops and Groups
  • Mental Health Peer Counseling

Student Wellness Groups

GA4 tracking code