One of the best parts of coming to Harvard is the opportunity to live in the vibrant Boston area—it is an integral part of your Harvard Kennedy School experience.
You should look for housing as soon as possible, especially if you have partners, pets, or children—or a combination of the three. To make that task easier, HKS works with Harvard University Housing (HUH) to provide off-campus housing options in and around the Cambridge area that are suited to your living needs.
Harvard University Housing
HUH manages furnished and unfurnished rental apartments near Harvard’s Cambridge, Allston, and Longwood Medical Area campuses. HUH apartments range in size from studios to four-bedrooms, and several are pet-friendly. The monthly fees cover rent and utilities—including gas, electricity, and water—as well as high-speed Internet for some locations. Students living in HUH apartments do not pay a security deposit or finder’s fee. All HUH properties are located near Boston’s MBTA and Harvard transportation systems.
If you are bringing your children and family to Cambridge and need student housing, there are several family-friendly buildings managed by HUH that have protected playgrounds and play areas on site.
Applications for Harvard University Housing are accepted throughout the year, but most apartments are leased in the spring. Learn more about Harvard housing, special housing options, and how to apply.
A graduate community
Harvard offers the Graduate Commons Program (GCP) at several HUH apartments. A popular community-based “home away from home” living experience, the program is an opportunity for graduate students across Harvard and their families to get to know each other outside of their own academic programs. Each property participating in GCP has a Harvard faculty member living in-house who acts as the intellectual leader of the community, hosting discussions and social events throughout the academic year.
A "home away from home" experience
Your own off-campus housing
HKS students often decide to rent apartments or sublet housing that is unaffiliated with Harvard. HUH provides more information about off-campus listings, roommate finders, local realtors, and short-term stays in and around the Cambridge area.
Moving advice from HKS graduates
If you are considering relocating to the Cambridge area and bringing your family with you, read some practical moving advice shared by our graduates. In addition to providing tips on Harvard and off-campus housing, they also give practical advice about preschools, public and private schools, and day care options in the area.