You’ve been admitted. Now what?: Find housing in the Cambridge area

March 27, 2025

As an HKS student, you have the choice of living in on- or off-campus. We’ve compiled some resources and tips to help you determine what may be the best fit for you.

Harvard University Housing

Many students choose Harvard University Housing (HUH) while attending HKS. HUH manages some 3,000 university-owned-and-operated apartments in Cambridge and Boston, the majority of which are located within one mile of Harvard Yard. There are many advantages to living in Harvard University Housing:

HUH does not require a security deposit, application fee, or broker’s fee.
Utilities such as heat, hot/cold water, electricity, gas are included in your rent.
Rent payments can be made through your student bill.
Properties are managed by HUH; after-hours emergency services are available.
Some furnished and pet-friendly units are available. All HUH apartments and properties are smoke-free.
Many family-friendly properties include playgrounds or play areas.
Washers and dryers are included in most properties.
In-building fitness rooms are available in some residences.
Sustainability practices are integrated into all HUH operations. Several properties are LEED certified and offer sustainable living programs.
Graduate Commons, an interdisciplinary, community-based program, is available in many properties.

There is extremely high demand for HUH apartments, so apartments are not guaranteed.

Interested in learning more? Check out these videos from HUH to better understand the application process and decide if Harvard University Housing is a good fit. Still have questions after watching these videos? Read through some frequently asked questions.

Making Harvard Home

Interested in learning more about living in Harvard University Housing? This video covers all of the need-to-know basics.

Applying for Harvard University Housing

This video covers information about the application process and eligibility requirements.

How to Select a Unit and Prepare for the Housing Lottery

Watch this video to learn about the unit selection process and annual housing lottery.

Signing Your Lease and Making Your Initial Payment

This video covers information about signing your HUH lease and making your initial payment.

Adding a Co-Lessee (Roommate) to your Lease

Have someone you want to live with? This video covers what you need to know about adding a roommate (known as a co-lessee) to a HUH lease.

The Subletting Process

Learn all about the subletting process, including eligibility, approval, and best practices.

From Our Graduate Student Admissions Ambassadors

“By choosing to live in Harvard Housing, I’m apart of a lively community with other Harvard students. My apartment is just a 10-minute walk from HKS, making it extremely convenient to get to classes.”

Javad Mushtaq MC/MPA 2025

Off-Campus Housing

Cambridge, Boston, and the surrounding towns offer plentiful opportunities to live off campus. Here are some helpful things to know if you’re new to the Boston-area rental market.

Nearly 70% of leases in the Boston-Cambridge area start on September 1, and landlords may not be able to accommodate an early move-in.
Most apartments in Boston are listed by real estate agencies, so you will likely end up working with an agent to find a place. If you work with an agent, be prepared to pay a broker’s fee up to one month’s rent. It is possible to find independent apartment listings that are shown and rented directly by the landlord, but this is fairly uncommon.
Demand for apartments is very high in the area. Be prepared to act quickly once you have found the housing you want.
Plan for significant expenses up-front to secure your lease—you should estimate paying up to four months of rent. This amount typically includes a broker’s fee, security deposit, and first and last month’s rent.
Many apartments do not include heat or hot water in the rent; you do not want to be surprised to receive an expensive heating bill during the cold winter months. Be sure to ask about utilities before signing a lease!
Most leases are for one year. Check with the landlord or management company to see if you can sublet the apartment for the time you will not be living there or if you are required to pay rent for those months.
If you must lease an apartment without seeing it in person, target living in a building that is maintained by a large management company that provides photos, floor plans, and prices on their websites.
Know your rights as a renter in Massachusetts—read more about landlord and tenant law.