Take care of yourself
The First-Year Wellness and Self-Discovery program aims to support students in cultivating well-being and connection to themselves and one another. These programs focus on the personal growth that happens in tandem with intellectual growth during your first year of college. We seek to help you transition from high school to Harvard College by providing opportunities for developing a holistic view and practice of your health and personal development.
Our programs focus on two key areas:
Wellness, which encompasses many different, interconnected dimensions and is centrally about living a life that feels fulfilling, balanced, and joyful. The Wellbeing Framework is a great resource to help you start to explore the many dimensions of a well-lived life.
Self-discovery, which can be thought of as the tools and practices that help you reflect on what is important, notice when things feel in or out of alignment, and make adjustments as needed to feel more harmonious.
All programs are designed with first-year students' needs in mind and are accomplished with the help of offices across the University. Examples of past programs include:
- First-Year Retreat: a 3 day off-campus event that includes wellness workshops, community building, and opportunities to reflect on your purpose, values, and identity
- Entryway Conversations: mid-year reflections on education, personal growth, relationships, and community
- Meditation Workshops
- Compassionate Connections with Harvard Chaplains
- Just Dance in Smith Campus Center
- Yoga and fitness classes
- DIY Parfait Palooza
- Wellness Wheel Scavenger Hunt
If you have an idea for a program, please contact the Director of First-Year Wellness and Self-Discovery.
