Learn about the housing options available to Harvard College students.
The Yards and The Houses
First-year students are required to live in the Yards (Crimson, Elm, Ivy, Oak). They fill out a First-Year Housing Questionnaire the summer before moving in.
Students then move to The Houses for the rest of their undergraduate experience. Houses are randomly assigned during the Rising Sophomore Lottery.
All students on campus can live together in a room or suite regardless of their gender identity. Gender-inclusive housing is available to all students at Harvard College. However, the process differs for first-year students living in the dorms and sophomores, juniors, and seniors living in the Houses.
House Renewal
The Houses are home to 98% of undergraduate students. They are the nexus of their academic, social, and personal pursuits. Because the Houses are critical to Harvard’s educational philosophy, the Houses are being renewed. Harvard is far along on this program, with the sixth House (of twelve) now in renewal. Visit the Office of Physical Resources and Planning website to learn more.
The Dudley Community
The Dudley Community is tailored to the needs of students living off-campus. Visit the Dudley Community website to learn more about their amenities and resources.
The Dudley Co-op is a small community of undergraduates living in two Victorian houses. As a cooperative, the community purchases its own foods and collectively partakes in cleaning their home. Learn more by visiting the Dudley Co-op webpage.
Undergraduate Veteran or Family Housing
College students who are veterans (of any country), married, or have custody of children can request apartment-style housing. Due to logistics and timing, incoming first-year students are not eligible to apply.