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Harvard University

Rank 3
Location Cambridge
Established 1636
Famous For Liberal Arts and Sciences

Overview

Harvard University is one of the world's oldest and most prestigious universities in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Founded in 1636, Harvard boasts such alumni as Barack Obama, Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg.

Harvard consistently ranks among the top universities globally and is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and world-class faculty. In the most recent Times Higher Education World Rankings, Harvard ranked 2nd in the world overall, 1st in US College Rankings and 1st in World Reputation Rankings.

Harvard's campus includes historic buildings, modern facilities, libraries, museums, and research centers. Harvard is a hub of academic institutions, tech companies, cultural attractions, and historical landmarks in Greater Boston.

Harvard is known for its diverse and inclusive international student body, attracting students from around the world. 

Services for International Students

Harvard University provides a wide range of student support services and student societies to enhance its students' academic, personal, and social experiences.

Each Harvard College student is assigned an academic advisor who provides guidance on course selection, academic planning, and personal development, whilst the Harvard College Writing Center offers tutoring and workshops to help students improve their writing skills across disciplines. The Office of International Education supports international students, including visa advising, cultural programming, and assistance with immigration matters.

A wide range of clubs exists, covering academic, cultural, recreational, and interest-based activities, with the Harvard Undergraduate Council (UC) representing student government that organizes events, advocates for student interests, and allocates funding to student groups.

Ranking

  • 4th in QS World University Rankings 2024
  • 4th in THE World University Rankings 2024
  • 1st in THE US College Rankings 2022
  • 1st in THE World Reputation Rankings 2022
  • 3rd in U.S. News National Universities Ranking 2024
  • 1st in U.S. News Best Value Schools Ranking 2024

Accommodation

Harvard University provides a variety of student accommodation options across its different schools and campuses. Undergraduate housing at Harvard includes

  • Canaday Hall: A traditional-style dormitory housing first-year students.
  • Thayer Hall: Offers singles and doubles for upperclassmen.
  • River Houses: A collection of residential colleges along the Charles River, each with its own distinct community and facilities.

Graduate and professional student housing includes:

  • Harvard University Housing (HUH): Offers apartments, studios, and suites for graduate students and families in various locations:
  • Harvard University Housing at Soldiers Field Park: Offers modern apartments along the Charles River.
  • Peabody Terrace Apartments: Located near Harvard Business School, housing graduate and undergraduate students.
  • Harvard Law School Housing: Provides housing options specifically for law students:

About Location

Harvard University is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and the main campus is situated across the Charles River from Boston, making it part of the Greater Boston metropolitan area. 

The surrounding area of Harvard offers a wealth of activities, attractions, and cultural experiences for students and visitors. The heart of Cambridge, Harvard Square, is a bustling area filled with shops, restaurants, cafes, bookstores, and street performers, whilst historical sites such as the Freedom Trail, Paul Revere's House, and the Massachusetts State House in nearby Boston.

Harvard's location provides easy access to the city's public transportation system (known as the "T"), making it convenient to explore nearby attractions. The main airport serving the Boston area is Logan International Airport (BOS). The distance from Harvard University to Logan International Airport is approximately 5-7 miles (8-11 kilometres) depending on the route and terminal.

About Location

  • Barack Obama: The 44th President of the United States, Obama graduated from Harvard Law School.
  • Mark Zuckerberg: Co-founder and CEO of Facebook, Zuckerberg attended Harvard before dropping out to focus on his startup.
  • Bill Gates: Co-founder of Microsoft and one of the world's wealthiest individuals, Gates attended Harvard but dropped out to pursue his business ventures.
  • Meryl Streep: Renowned actress with multiple Academy Awards, Streep attended the Yale School of Drama, which is affiliated with Harvard.
  • J.K. Rowling: Author of the "Harry Potter" series, Rowling attended Harvard as a commencement speaker and received an honorary degree.
  • John F. Kennedy: The 35th President of the United States earned his bachelor's degree from Harvard.
  • Benazir Bhutto: Former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Bhutto earned a degree in Government from Harvard.
  • Matt Damon: Actor, screenwriter, and producer, Damon attended Harvard but left before completing his degree to pursue his acting career.
  • Ruth Bader Ginsburg: Late Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, Ginsburg earned her law

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