Aug 2021 — What’s it like to be on Harvard campus?
How to deal with Covid-19?
Harvard, like many other American universities, has announced a full return to campus this fall. It is hard to imagine how this is even possible. Amidst high levels of cases in the United States (US) that continue to rise because of the Delta variant, how can a university with tens of thousands of students reopen?
Well, COVID vaccination is a requirement to come to campus. According to a recent message from Harvard’s president Lawrence Bacow, the current vaccination rate is 93% for faculty and 87% for students. In case one’s home country did not provide vaccination, students will be vaccinated by health services at Harvard upon arrival, hence vaccination rate will reach its peak, reaching levels close to 100%, in the coming weeks. This setting of close to full vaccination is, as far as I know, unique. Countries like England, Israel and the US are heading the list of vaccination rates with around 70% (leaving aside small islands like Malta, San Marino, etc.).
Regardless of vaccination status, the entirety of students, faculty and staff are tested at least once a week. Harvard has its own facilities to process test results on campus. On top, masks will have to be worn on campus. These measures seem exaggerated at first sight — but I fully support them provided in-person activities take place. Universities, as well as other educational institutions cannot afford to close again. As long as the health situation stays insecure and fragile, it’s best to take “exaggerated” measures to ensure everyone’s safety while interacting face to face. So let’s hope that everything turns out as expected (fingers crossed).
Welcome to Harvard Square!
Harvard Square is one of the central places in Cambridge, and adjacent next to Harvard Yard, the historic heart of Harvard. The Square offers a variety of restaurants, bars and shops including the Harvard Coop, where you can buy almost any kind of merchandise.
How is Harvard organized?
Harvard University, the oldest university of the United States, is organized in 13 schools. There is a school of business, law, medicine, dental medicine, public health, education, divinity, design, arts & sciences, engineering & applied sciences (where my program resides), extension, public policy and Harvard college. This structure of horizontally organized, interdisciplinary schools is a role model for many universities including the Technical University of Munich, currently undergoing this transformation from separated vertical departments.
These 13 schools are located on three separate campuses: Longwood, Allston and Harvard Yard, the main campus. While these campuses are all located in Cambridge, a suburb of Boston, a few miles as well as the Charles river separate each of them.
The beauty of this campus is that it is tightly integrated into the city of Cambridge, making the transition between academic sessions and free time for having lunch or dinner in the city seamless.
What’s it like to be on the Longwood campus?
The Longwood area is home to Harvard Medical School, Harvard School of Dental Medicine and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Located in the south of Boston, close to the Museum of Fine Arts, the institutions collaborate with many other medical and research facilities.
What’s it like to be on Harvard Yard?
Personally, I love the old, original and historical style of buildings on Harvard Yard. When you walk over the campus, you can really feel the historical value of this institution founded in 1636. Most of the dormitories for college students are located on the Yard. My personal highlight is Widener Library, the biggest of more than 70 (!) libraries at Harvard. Combined, they comprise the largest academic research collection in the world!
Last but not least is Memorial Hall with Annenberg Hall, the dining hall for college freshman — wow!
What’s it like to be on the Allston campus?
This is the campus I am definitely most excited about, for several reasons. First, the majority of my courses in the master’s track Computational Science and Engineering will take place there. Second, the Allston campus is home to the newly built Science and Engineering complex (SEC). The SEC was built for the past years and opened just this fall. It is one of the most modern and energy-efficient buildings in the US. I have already made a tour through the building, the modern architecture with many open spaces is really stunning. Check it out below!
Across the street, there are buildings from the prestigious Harvard Business School (HBS). This area combines historic and modern looks and is home to all MBA students.
Finally, there are the Harvard Innovation Labs (Hi), supporting all Harvard affiliates with entrepreneurship and innovation. It looks like the Allston campus with SEC, Hi and HBS will become my place to be!
