Gender-inclusive housing is available to all students at Harvard College.
Gender-inclusive housing gives you the option of living together in a room or suite no matter what gender.
What is Gender-Inclusive Housing?
Gender-inclusive housing provides students with the option to live together in a room or suite, regardless of their gender identity. In alignment with the mission of Harvard College, gender-inclusive housing acknowledges and reaffirms the importance of gender diversity as a vital aspect of campus life.
Students who opt into gender-inclusive housing should be open to living with a person of any gender: cisgender men and women, transgender men and women, nonbinary, agender, and genderqueer students.
If you have gender-based needs that are not addressed by this policy, please email us at the Harvard College Housing Office.
What is gender?
Gender Spectrum created a helpful resource that breaks down the differences between gender, gender identity, and gender expression. If you’re a Harvard College student and would like to chat with someone in person about gender related questions, consider reaching out to the Office of Culture & Community.
How to Request Gender-Inclusive Housing
The process for requesting this housing type differs for incoming first-year students and for upper-level students.
First-Year Students
Over the summer, the Dean of Students Office will send a First-Year Housing Questionnaire to all incoming first-year students, where you can check a box to request gender-inclusive housing.
Students who check this box will be housed with others who made the same request.
Upper-Level Students
Sophomores, juniors, and seniors can request gender-inclusive housing during their House’s lottery process. Requests for gender-inclusive rooming groups can be made to your House Administrator.
All occupants must voluntarily agree to the arrangements.
FAQ
Who is gender-inclusive housing for?
It is for anyone who wants to live with people with whom they feel comfortable, regardless of their gender identity.
What if I don’t want to live in a gender-inclusive housing option?
No one is required to live in gender-inclusive housing. A student must opt into gender-inclusive housing through one of the housing processes described on this page. Students who do not opt for gender-inclusive housing will be assigned to single-gender housing.
What if my family or legal guardians have concerns about me living in gender-inclusive housing?
We encourage students to make the best-informed decision for themselves regarding their housing. Many students will arrive on campus with their family or guardians at the start of the school year, so it may be helpful for them to maintain an open dialogue with their families or guardians regarding their housing decisions.
Students who would like resources or support on how to broach this topic can reach out to staff in the Office of Culture & Community.