New Students

Welcome to the Division of Medical Sciences community!


This page provides information about upcoming orientation events and resources for navigating the transition to graduate school.

 

GSAS Start DateHousingHealth Services and ImmunizationsInternational StudentsStipend | HUID | Lab Safety Trainings

 

GSAS

new student with Harvard t shirtPlease consult the Harvard Griffin GSAS New Students Page to access information about important dates, the Professional Communication Program for New International Students, GSAS-wide welcoming events, and read some advice on thriving at GSAS. As of the end of April new students should have received instructions from GSAS concerning the following. If you did not receive this information, please reach out to your Program Administrator.

 

  1. Claiming your Harvard Key
  2. Accessing your Harvard Email Account
  3. Uploading your Harvard ID Photo
  4. Protecting your Computer
  5. Reviewing Terms and Conditions of Registration
  6. Reviewing Health Requirements and Insurance
  7. Housing


Start Date

Please check with your individual programs for their orientation events to determine when you need to arrive on campus.


Housing

There are many housing options available to DMS students in both Longwood and the Cambridge campus.

 

  • Harvard Griffin GSAS Residence Halls (Cambridge) May 1, 2023, Application Deadline
  • Apartments (Cambridge and Longwood Medical Area) May 15, 2023, Deadline
  • Off-Campus Housing. Many students live off-campus in the Cambridge and Boston area. Students may access HarvardHousingOffCampus.com, a private market rental site that includes a roommate search option, HUH sublet listings for eligible Harvard affiliates, and other resources.

 

Health Services and Immunizations

Visit HUSHP to learn about Harvard’s student health insurance or contact HUSHP Member Services at 617-495-2008.

 

All incoming students are required to submit immunization forms to HUHS by June 11, 2023. You can find information on the HUHS website.


International Students

Your dedicated point person at the Harvard International Office is Jennifer Havlicek. Feel free to contact Jennifer with any questions regarding your status as an international student. When you arrive at Harvard, you should report to the Harvard International Office (HIO) with your passport and visa documentation. HIO staff will walk you through a brief registration process and provide information to help orient you to the area.

 

Stipend

The August 1st stipend check comprised of half a month of Stipend $1,904, and a one-time Relocation Allowance as indicated in your offer letter. From September on, your monthly stipend check will be $3,808.

 

Direct Deposit

Direct Deposit Sheet. We encourage you to enroll in direct deposit for your graduate stipend payments, which will ensure speedy and secure transfer of funds directly to your bank account.

Visit hr.harvard.edu, click on the PeopleSoft link at the top right, and login using your HarvardKey.

Once in PeopleSoft, within the Self-Service menu, click on My Pay and then Deposit.

Harvard ID Cards (HUIDs)

Campus Service Center 
Richard A. and Susan F. Smith Campus Center 8th floor
1350 Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02138-3846

Phone: (617) 496-7827
Fax: (617) 496-8278
E-mail: id_services@harvard.edu
Mon - Fri: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sat – Sun and University Holidays: closed

Bring with you a government-issued photo ID, in order to receive your Harvard ID card. All identifications need to include full name, date of birth, a photo, and an expiration date in the future. Examples of government issued ID cards are:

  • Passport
  • Driver's license
  • State issued ID card
  • US Military ID card
  • Green card
  • Naturalization certificate

Lab Safety Trainings

Environmental Health and Safety requires that each incoming student must complete two online lab safety courses.

  • Login to https://www.ehs.harvard.edu/training and click on Harvard training portal
  • Click on Environmental Health & Safety Training tab
  • Search for Lab Biosafety Course (Lab 103-1) and General Laboratory Safety Course (Lab 100-1) and complete the safety courses.

Certain labs, hospitals and departments will require additional training.  Please contact the lab managers or administrators to find out what training is necessary prior to starting a rotation.