By Udbhav Rathore MPA/ID 2027
Moving to Cambridge to pursue a masters degree at Harvard Kennedy School wasn’t a single decision for me: it was a series of small, high-stakes transitions. I left a job I understood, relocated across continents, and stepped into an environment where everything felt both exciting and uncertain. In the middle of that chaos, what grounded me wasn’t a grand plan, but something far more simple: checklists. These checklists held together logistics, emotions, and ambitions which helped in turning an overwhelming transition into a manageable experience.
Here are some of the important things to be sure are on your checklist.
Securing your student visa
International students are required to get a student visa to pursue a master’s degree at HKS. You will need to get your I-20 (in the case of an F-1 visa) or the DS-2019 form (in the case of a J-1 visa) and fill out the DS-160 form. To obtain these forms, you first need to complete the financial certification process, which requires submission of financial documents to HKS. For this process, you will need to provide details of your plan to fund your master’s program, including scholarship details, personal bank statements, or sanctioned loans. Subsequently, the Harvard International Office sends out the I-20/DS-2019 form, which has the information to schedule a visa appointment in your home country.
Completing health and immunization requirements
Harvard University requires students to meet specific immunization requirements in accordance with Massachusetts state regulations. While some are required, other vaccines may be strongly recommended based on individual health history or travel plans. Students must submit verified documentation of specific immunizations to be eligible to register for classes. Additionally, in some cases, students may need to undergo further health evaluations, with all records validated by a licensed healthcare provider and submitted to Harvard University Health Services.
I would also suggest stopping by your local pharmacy in your home country and picking up medications for minor ailments you’ve dealt with before. It’s not mandatory, but it can be a useful precaution in case something comes up.
“The journey ahead should not be approached as a quest to validate yourself, but as an opportunity to grow, explore, and expand who you are.”
Finding your place
There are broadly three kinds of housing options for graduate students in the vicinity of the School—Harvard University Housing (HUH), Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) residence halls, and off-campus private housing.
HUH apartments are owned and operated by Harvard University. Some popular HUH complexes for HKS students are Peabody Terrace, One Western Avenue, and Soldiers Field Park. Think of them as normal apartments, just with Harvard University as your landlord. Any maintenance issues are handled by them, the cost of utilities is covered in the rent, and no brokerage fee is required to be paid. They are generally unfurnished and are allotted through a lottery system which runs every year in May.
Harvard GSAS residence halls are another convenient housing option for incoming students. They offer a range of furnished accommodations with utilities included, making the transition smooth. Some options to consider are Richards Hall, Perkins Hall, and Child Hall.
Off-campus housing around Harvard offers greater independence but comes with its own learning curve. From navigating leases to managing utilities and roommates, it requires a more hands-on approach than University housing. That said, living off campus often provides more flexibility, and for many, can make Cambridge feel more like home.
Pack your suitcases and come with an open mind
You’ll come across plenty of meticulously itemized packing lists, so I’ll refrain from adding to them, except to suggest exercising personal discretion.
Moving to Cambridge is as much an emotional transition as it is an academic one. You will encounter individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, experience moments of cultural adjustment, and be introduced to entirely new ways of life. I would encourage you to embrace this diversity because the true strength of HKS lies in how it brings together varied perspectives. You will be exposed to dialogue, debate, and discourse on various topics, and it's important not to get overwhelmed.
One of my professors told my class last semester, “You are here to improve yourself, not to prove yourself.” Your acceptance into HKS is already a testament to your caliber and potential. The journey ahead should not be approached as a quest to validate yourself, but as an opportunity to grow, explore, and expand who you are.
