Find all you need to know about preparing for your arrival to the Harvard Pre-College Program, getting to campus, and checking in before your classes begin.
If you’re an adult, college, or Secondary School Program student, see Preparation and Arrival for your arrival and check-in information.
Get Prepared
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.
- 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 to check your spam and junk folders.
Get ready 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 on your H-ticket (see H-ticket section below).
- You may not receive mail or packages at your on-campus residence. If you need to receive items in an emergency, contact the Pre-College Program Office at precollege@summer.harvard.edu.
Learn about accommodations and services for a disability.
- See Accessibility Services for more information.
Learn your Harvard ID number and claim your HarvardKey.
- View your Harvard ID number in MyDCE.
- Claim your HarvardKey.
Submit required immunization documentation.
- Submit the immunization form by May 19.
Provide a photo for your Harvard ID card.
- Upload a photo using the Harvard ID Card Web Application no later than May 19.
- Visit ID Cards for instructions.
Make your travel plans.
- Residence hall check-in is 1 to 3 pm on the first Sunday of each session.
- Residence hall check-out will be no later than 7:30 pm on the final Friday of each session.
- Check your class schedule before making your travel plans home. You need to attend every class in its entirety to receive a passing grade of “Met All Requirements” (AR).
Prepare for your classes.
- Find your classroom by using the course catalog or by viewing My Courses in MyDCE. Check for classroom changes right before classes begin.
- Course syllabi may be viewed in Canvas.
- Make plans to visit the Harvard COOP when you arrive to purchase any required textbooks or other course materials.
- Note the deadlines for course changes, drops, and withdrawals. To make any changes now, upload the Pre-College Course Registration Changes Form to MyDCE for Pre-College Program Office approval.
Pre-College Passport: Guide to Life Outside of the Classroom.
- Register for two events in each of these three categories: academic exploration, college readiness, and trips and activities. You will register for only one Social and Residential event prior to arrival to campus. Please visit Pre-College Passport for details about the programs.
- You’ll receive detailed information on how to sign up for passport co-curricular activities for each session:
- Session I: Wednesday, June 14, 2023 – Wednesday, June 21, 2023
- Session II: Wednesday June 28, 2023 – Wednesday, July 5, 2023
- Session III: Wednesday, July 12, 2023 – Wednesday, July 19, 2023
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?
- Call (617) 495-4024 or email precollege@summer.harvard.edu.
Check-In Schedule
Check-in hours are 1 to 3 pm at Lowell House on the Sunday your session begins:
- Session I: June 25
- Session II: July 9
- Session III: July 23
Your residence hall will be listed on your H-Ticket (available in online services a few days before your session begins) which you must print and present at check-in along with your government-issued photo ID. If you are living in Elliot House, you can leave your luggage with staff before checking-in at Lowell House.
Travel to campus.
- Transportation from Logan Airport to Harvard is generally safe, fast, and easy. Taxi is the preferred method of transportation, especially for those with heavy luggage. Public transportation takes longer, but is free from the airport (Silver Line with transfer to the Red Line at South Station).
- Parking is extremely limited in Harvard Square. If you drive, free parking is available at the 52 Oxford Street garage from 11 am to 11 pm on check-in Sundays. We strongly recommend you park at the garage before heading to the Pre-College residence halls, as there is only limited vehicular access to the residences on Sundays. There will be a shuttle from the parking garage to the Houses running from 12pm to 4pm.
- The Pre-College residence halls (Lowell and Eliot Houses) are located across from Harvard Square near the Charles River.
- View the Campus Map and see Directions for more information on getting to campus.
Check in with the Harvard Summer School.
- Bring your H-Ticket and government-issued photo ID to check-in.
- Only students will have access to Harvard Houses and courtyards
- At check-in, you will receive your Harvard I.D. and room key.
Move into your room.
- Residential staff will help you locate your room after you check in and pick up your key.
- Representatives from Harvard Student Agencies will be at the HSA store located at 69 Mt Auburn St. to help you with any room essentials you still need.
Attend welcome and introductions.
- Students will meet in front of their Proctors’ room at 3:15pm to begin
- Families should plan to depart after dropping off their student.
Attend your residential orientation.
- Proctors will lead students to attend orientation in Sanders Theater which begins at 4pm.
Have dinner and take tours of campus
- Proctors will lead tours of the campus and help you find your classroom buildings, libraries, athletic facilities, and more.
- Proctors will accompany you to dinner at Annenberg Hall.
- For more information, see Dining Services.
Attend your Proctor floor meeting
- Proctors will hold a mandatory evening floor meeting to go over important policies and fun events planned for the program. Meet in front of your proctor’s door at 8:00 pm.
What if I arrive late because my flight is delayed?
- Travel to campus should be scheduled so that you can check in Sunday between 1 and 3 pm.
- We understand, however, that delays en route may be unavoidable. In Massachusetts, people not yet 18 years of age are prohibited by law from checking into a hotel unaccompanied by an adult. Therefore, if you arrive after check-in closes, you should still proceed to your House where staff will be available to assist you.
