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Preparation and Arrival

This preparation and arrival guide is designed to ensure that you have completed all necessary steps to prepare for and check-in to your Harvard Summer School program.

Please read these checklists thoroughly, check your calendar frequently to meet all appropriate deadlines, and complete the necessary steps before arriving on campus and during check in to get your summer experience off to a great start.

Before You Arrive: Getting Ready

Register for courses.

Pay your balance.

  • Pay your balance in full immediately after registering or making course changes. If you do not, you risk being dropped from all courses and waitlists.

Check your name, date of birth, and contact information.

  • Your name and date of birth in MyDCE must match exactly what is printed on your government-issued photo ID, which you must present during check-in to receive your Harvard ID card.
  • Correct any name and date of birth errors by submitting a biographical and contact information changes form. Once completed, this form can be submitted using the Document Uploader in MyDCE.
  • The Summer School communicates with students via email. Keep your student email address and other contact information current in MyDCE. If you are not receiving email from us, be sure you are not using an email account with strong firewalls and be sure to check your spam and junk folders.

International students who received a Summer School I-20:

Planning to live on campus?

  • Wondering what you should bring with you? See Your Room for a list of what’s provided and what you can rent on campus or purchase in Harvard Square.
  • Don’t forget to bring a pillow and linens with you or rent them from Harvard Student Agencies.
  • You will be able to view your housing assignment and on-campus mailing address on your H-ticket (see H-ticket section below).

Review placement test requirements.

  • Be sure to take any placement tests (noted in course descriptions) that are required for your courses.

Meet the immunization requirement.

  • Proof of vaccinations (or medical or religious exemption documentation) must be submitted to Harvard University Health Services PatientPortal by all students with an on-campus presence for Summer School. The last day to register for on-campus courses (if you haven’t met the immunizations deadline yet) is June 6.
  • If you arrive on campus and are still non-compliant you will be expected to receive any missing immunizations, or you risk being dropped from your on-campus courses and/or housing.

Insurance Coverage

  • Nonresidential students who are seen at Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) may be required to pay a fee for services. Services at HUHS will be billed to your own health insurance plan. Patients are billed and held responsible for services not covered by their health insurance.
  • Residential students are automatically enrolled in and covered by the Summer School’s Accident and Sickness Insurance Plan, with Global Assistance Services.  This plan is provided by On Call International and is considered secondary coverage to your own health insurance plan. Patients are billed and held responsible for services not covered by their health insurance.

Learn your Harvard ID number and claim your HarvardKey.

Provide a photo for your Harvard ID card.

Learn about accommodations and services for a disability or medical condition.

Prepare for your classes.

Bring your H-ticket and government-issued photo ID to check-in.

  • Bring your H-ticket, your customized check-in ticket. The H-ticket is available in MyDCE starting the week before your session’s check-in. You have the option of displaying it on your mobile device (recommended) or printing it in advance. You must show your H-ticket and a government-issued photo ID to check in.

Still have questions?

Opening Weekend Check-In

Saturday, June 22

Move-in and check-in hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring your H-ticket (printed or displayed on your mobile device) and a government-issued photo ID.

Travel to campus.

  • Travel to campus should be scheduled so that you can check in during regular check-in hours on Opening Weekend. Early arrival and check-in are not permitted.
  • See Directions for information on getting to campus.
  • View the Campus Map to find Opening Weekend locations.

Move into on-campus housing.

  • Pick up your key and move into your room before checking in elsewhere. Your key pick-up location will be listed on your H-ticket.
  • See Moving In and Out of Housing.

Pay any balance due before checking in.

  • Pay online with a credit card. Or visit Student Financial Services at 51 Brattle Street.
  • Your balance must be paid in full before you can check in and pick up your Harvard ID card.

Received a Form I-20 from Summer School? Check in with the Harvard International Office (HIO).

  • Review emailed instructions from HIO on how to register your arrival in the U.S. remotely or in-person.
  • To register your arrival in-person with HIO, bring your passport, printed Form I-20, F-1 visa, a copy of your I-94 arrival record, and H-ticket to check-in, if you were unable to do so remotely. Check-in location will be noted on your H-Ticket.
  • You must register your arrival with HIO either remotely or in-person before you can pick up your Harvard ID card.

Check in with Harvard Summer School.

  • Bring your H-ticket and government-issued photo ID. Location for check-in will be noted on your H-Ticket.
  • Pick up your Harvard ID card.
  • See the Accessibility Services Office if you have requested accommodations for a disability or have questions about services.

Set up a Harvard email account and connect to the Harvard network.

  • For help, visit the computer services table at check-in.
  • You can also visit the computer lab at 53 Church Street.

Visit the online Harvard Summer School Resource Fair.

  • From 3–6p.m. ET, learn about the extracurricular activities and vendor services.
  • Access the Zoom link here (HarvardKey required).

Commuting Secondary School Program students: attend orientation.

  • Secondary School Program Commuting Students Orientation, Saturday at 1 p.m. The location will be emailed to you by the SSP team in June.

Attend your residential orientation.

  • Residential Orientations will be held Sunday after dinner. Your proctor will provide details.

Get ready for class.

Dining Options.

  • Meal service for students living on campus begins with Saturday dinner from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Annenberg Hall.
  • The full summer schedule is also available on Dining Services.

A variety of convenience stores, grocers, and restaurants are also within walking distance of Harvard Square. See HarvardSquare.com.

Parking and Shuttle Options.

  • Parking is extremely limited in Harvard Square.
  • Free parking is available at the 52 Oxford Street garage from 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 22, to 7 a.m. on Sunday, June 23.
  • Residential Secondary School Program students arriving in personal vehicles may enter Harvard Yard via Johnston Gate, located on Massachusetts Avenue across from the intersection with Church Street. Park near your dorm, unload your vehicle, and promptly exit the Yard to park. Students assigned to Greenough may proceed directly to their dorm without entering Harvard Yard.
  • Shuttle services are available to help you travel between check-in and move-in locations.
  • See Parking and Transit for more information on parking and shuttle services during the summer.

What if I arrive late because my flight is delayed?

  • Adult and college students: If you are living on campus, your flight is delayed, and you arrive after 4 pm, you must seek other accommodations until business hours resume at 9 am on Monday, June 24. See the Cambridge Office of Tourism website for hotel listings.
  • Secondary School Program students: Email SSP@Summer.Harvard.edu with your updated arrival time.
    • If you arrive late on Saturday, June 22, go to Widener Gate on Massachusetts Avenue. Widener Gate is behind Widener Library, directly across the street from SEE Eyewear, 1276 Massachusetts Avenue. Harvard Yard does not have a street address so the address for SEE Eyewear is the closest address to Widener Gate in Harvard Yard. Speak with Harvard personnel at Widener Gate, and tell them you are a Secondary School Program (SSP) student who has just arrived. Security Guards at Widener Gate will assist you by contacting the SSP. You will be met by a member of our staff who will guide you to your dorm.
    • If you become lost, call the Harvard University Police Department at 617-495-1212. Explain that you are a Secondary School Program student and have just arrived. Ask the Harvard Police dispatcher for assistance in getting to Widener Gate.
    • If you arrive early Sunday morning, June 23, during daylight hours, we will have staff available starting at noon. Go to a safe place — e.g., stay at the airport — and meet SSP staff at Widener Gate at noon.

Still have questions?

Three-Week Session II and Four-Week Check-In

Sunday, July 14

Move-in and check-in hours are noon to 3 p.m. Bring your H-ticket (printed or displayed on your mobile device) and a government-issued photo ID.

If you’re enrolled in three-week session I and either three-week session II or the 4-week session, you only check in on Opening Weekend on June 22. You do not need to check in again on Sunday, July 14.

Travel to campus.

  • Travel to campus should be scheduled so that you can check in during regular check-in hours. Early arrival and check-in are not permitted. Check local advisories for potential delays and road closures.
  • See Directions for information on getting to campus.
  • View the Campus Map to find check-in locations.

Move into on-campus housing.

  • Pick up your key and move into your room before checking in elsewhere. Your key pick-up location will be listed on your H-ticket.
  • See Moving In and Out of Housing.

Pay any balance due before checking in.

  • Pay online with a credit card. Or visit Student Financial Services at 51 Brattle Street.
  • Your balance must be paid in full before you can continue with check-in and pick up your Harvard ID card.

Received a Form I-20 from Harvard Summer School? Check in with the Harvard International Office (HIO).

  • Review emailed instructions from HIO on how to register your arrival to the U.S. remotely or in-person
  • To register your arrival in-person with HIO, bring your passport, printed Form I-20, F-1 visa, a copy of your I-94 arrival record, and H-ticket to 51 Brattle Street to check in with HIO, if you haven’t done so already.
  • You must register your arrival with HIO either remotely or in-person before you can pick up your Harvard ID card.

Check in with Harvard Summer School.

  • Bring your H-ticket and government-issued photo ID to One Brattle Square.
  • Pick up your Harvard ID card or ID card authorization form.
  • See the Accessibility Services Office if you have requested accommodations for a disability or have questions about services.

Set up a Harvard email account and connect to the Harvard network.

  • For help, visit the computer lab at 53 Church Street.

Attend your residential orientation.

  • Adult students meet the residential staff at an orientation in your House Sunday evening.
  • SSP students, residential orientation will be held Sunday after dinner. Your proctor will provide details.

Get ready for class.

Dining Options.

  • Meal service for students living on campus begins with Saturday dinner from 5 to 7:30 p.m at Annenberg Hall.
  • The full summer schedule is also available on Dining Services.

A variety of convenience stores, grocers, and restaurants are also within walking distance of Harvard Square. See HarvardSquare.com.

Parking and Shuttle Options.

  • Parking is extremely limited in Harvard Square.
  • Free parking is available at the 52 Oxford Street garage from 11 a.m., Sunday, July 14, to 7 a.m., Monday, July 15.
  • Shuttle services are available to help you travel between check-in and move-in locations.
  • See Parking and Transit for more information on parking and shuttle services during the summer.

What if I arrive late because my flight is delayed?

  • Adult and college-aged students. If you are living on campus, your flight is delayed, and you arrive after 3 p.m. on Sunday, you must seek other accommodations until business hours resume at 9 a.m. on Monday, July 15. See the Cambridge Office of Tourism website for hotel listings.
  • Secondary School Program students. Email SSP@Summer.Harvard.edu with your updated arrival time.
    • If you arrive late on Sunday, July 14 — Go to Widener Gate on Massachusetts Avenue. Widener Gate is behind Widener Library, directly across the street from SEE Eyewear, 1276 Massachusetts Avenue. Harvard Yard does not have a street address so the address for SEE Eyewear is the closest address to Widener Gate in Harvard Yard. Speak with Harvard personnel at Widener Gate, and tell them you are a Secondary School Program (SSP) student who has just arrived. Security Guards at Widener Gate will assist you by contacting the SSP. You will be met by a member of our staff who will guide you to your dorm.
    • If you become lost, call the Harvard University Police Department at 617-495-1212. Explain that you are a Secondary School Program student and have just arrived. Ask the Harvard Police dispatcher for assistance in getting to Widener Gate.

If you arrive early Monday, July 15, during daylight hours, we will have staff available starting at 9 a.m. ET. Go to a safe place — e.g., stay at the airport — and meet SSP staff at Widener Gate at 9 a.m.

Still have questions?

Call Enrollment Services at (617) 495-4024 Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. ET, or email Inquiry@Summer.Harvard.edu.