Learn more about PhD life beyond the classroom. Read about Lehman Hall and the Student Center at Harvard Griffin GSAS, student groups, and housing and dining options.
Community beyond coursework
Doctoral study at Harvard is shaped as much by intellectual community as by academics. As a PhD student, your community will span disciplines and departments.
The full doctoral student experience at Harvard is not just about outstanding academics. It’s also about the community you build, the connections you make, and the many ways for you to grow intellectually, professionally, and personally.
Because HKS doctoral programs are jointly administered by the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Griffin GSAS), you’ll be part of both communities—academically and socially.
Doctoral Student Organizations
As a doctoral student, you can tap into many student organizations and networks across the University, such as:
Economists 4 Equity
A community dedicated to increasing women’s representation in economics and supporting their participation at Harvard and in the broader profession
GSAS Engage
A hub for discovering graduate student groups organized by scholarly interests, identities, and affinities
Harvard Kennedy School PhD Student Association
A group focused on the professional and personal needs of HKS–affiliated doctoral students, including research development, mentorship, and wellbeing
HKS Engage
A centralized space to learn about HKS student organizations, view announcements, and learn about campus events and activities
Sociology Graduate Student Organization
A student-run group that builds community, organizes events, and advocates for doctoral students in sociology
Supporting Doctoral Researchers
Academic and Professional Development
Harvard offers extensive resources to support your academic and professional journey. These include the:
- Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning
- Fellowships and Writing Center
- Mignone Center for Career Success
Wellbeing
Additional resources focus on mental health, family life, and work-life balance, including the Harvard Student Spouses and Partners Association and access to Care.com.
Doctoral students make full use of these networks and programs, drawing on Harvard Griffin GSAS and HKS to build community, advance their research, and thrive while pursuing their degree.
Life at Harvard