Summer housing is available to eligible Harvard College undergraduates. External groups can apply.
On-Campus Options for Harvard College Students
The 2026 spring move-out date is Sunday, May 17, at 12 PM.
If you’re a Harvard College student and need to remain on campus after this date, check your eligibility for on-campus housing after move-out. The College only allows eligible groups to stay on campus.
If it applies, review your eligibility group’s application deadline and cost information.
Graduating Seniors & Commencement Participants
Extended-stay housing is available to graduating Seniors who reside on campus and are participating in Senior Week and Commencement, as well as to approved individuals assisting with Commencement activities. For any inquiries, please contact your House Administrator.
Application: There is no requirement to apply.
Move-out: You may remain in your assigned housing until Friday, May 29, 2026 at 2:00 PM.
Cross-Registered Students
You must apply for extended-stay housing if you are cross-registered in an MIT, NEC, or Berklee course and have a mandatory in-person academic commitment after Sunday, May 17, 2026.
Application: Apply through the Residential Portal.
Application Opens: Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Application Closes: Monday, April 6, 2026 at 11:59 PM
Application Notification: Thursday, April 16, 2026 by 5:00 PM
Move-out: If approved, you may remain on campus until one day after your required class or exam.
Pre-Approved Student Workers, Athletes, or Organizations
You may be eligible for extended-stay housing as part of your affiliation with a pre-approved Department, House, student organization, or Athletics.
Application: There is no requirement to apply through the Residential Portal.
Move-out: Your Department or Group Leader will notify you if you are eligible for housing past the spring move-out on Sunday, May 17, 2026.
Independent Research, Internships, or Job Opportunities
If you are offered an on-campus research opportunity with Harvard Faculty* this summer and do not have housing through another program, you may be eligible for summer housing. Students with local internships or summer jobs are welcome to apply.
Graduating seniors are not eligible for this category.
Non-Harvard Students: Independent Research housing is available only to current Harvard College students. If you are a non-Harvard student who will be affiliated with the University during the Summer, you may be eligible to apply through our Non-Harvard Affiliate Process. Please email our office at collegehousing@fas.harvard.edu to request more information.
Please note minors are not eligible for the Non-Harvard Affiliate Process.
Application: Apply through the Residential Portal.
Application Opens: Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Application Closes: Monday, March 6, 2026 at 11:59 PM
Application Notification: Thursday, March 16, 2026 by 5:00 PM
Housing Period: Sunday, May 17, 2026 – Wednesday, August 26, 2026
Housing Cost: $50 per night
*Prepare to list your research advisor/faculty’s contact information on the application.
Independent Applicants
The College has a limited number of independent housing spaces reserved for students who meet the following criteria.
Students graduating in May 2026 are not eligible to apply as Independent Applicants.
- Housing Insecurity: Select this criterion if you cannot return home for health or safety reasons. Due to the limited spaces, we will prioritize applicants with unsafe housing situations.
Application: Apply through the Residential Portal.
Application Opens: Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Application Closes: Monday, April 6, 2026 at 11:59 PM
Application Notification: Thursday, April 16, 2026 by 5:00 PM
Housing Period: Sunday, May 17, 2026 – Wednesday, August 26, 2026
Summer Housing Rental Application
Any Harvard College student who wishes to remain on campus during the summer break may apply for a summer rental.
- The contract dates are not flexible, as facilities need time to prepare rooms for the upcoming academic term. Plan to be fully moved out by the move-out date to ensure your belongings are not accidentally discarded.
- You are responsible for planning your housing after the end date. You should not expect to receive campus housing after your contract ends. Make alternate arrangements if you need housing between summer move-out and fall move-in.
- You may wish to arrange with a third party to store your belongings. The College is unable to provide storage on campus.
Application: Apply through the Residential Portal.
Application Opens: Monday, February 2, 2026
Application Closes: Sunday, March 15, 2026
Application Notification: Friday, March 20, 2026
Housing Period: Friday, June 12, 2026 – Friday, August 7, 2026
Off-Campus Summer Housing Options
Avoid Scams & Fraud. If you are looking for off-campus housing, review some of the most common red flags listed on the Harvard Off-Campus website.
Harvard College houses eligible groups during the summer recess. If you are a Harvard College student applying for summer housing at the College, have a backup plan. Summer housing at the College is limited.
Summer Housing 2026 for Large Groups
The form for large groups (from within and outside of Harvard) interested in requesting summer housing is now closed.
More information will be available in early January 2026.
Upcoming Deadlines
FAQ
Will my approved housing accommodation be applied during summer housing?
Housing accommodations already approved by the Disability Access Office (DAO) apply to all College Housing assignments, including summer housing.
If I cancel my fall housing during the summer period, am I still eligible for summer housing?
No. Only students who were on campus during the spring semester and have a reservation for the fall semester are allowed to remain on campus for summer housing.