Resources for day-to-day life as a member of the Harvard Medical School community

On-Campus Housing: Vanderbilt Hall

Vanderbilt Hall is Harvard Medical School’s on-campus residence complex, also affectionately known as Vandy. Located across the street from the TMEC (HMS’ main medical education building), Vandy provides easy access to morning and evening events on the HMS campus, as well as a comfortable atmosphere where students may forge friendships, study, eat together, and relax. Eligible Vandy residents enjoy access to the following amenities:

  • Private rooms for approximately 320 residents, including accessible rooms
  • Shared kitchens and bathrooms
  • A library and study lounges
  • An athletic facility with full-size gym, tennis court, racquetball courts, squash courts, weight room, and exercise and locker rooms
  • Single rooms with connections for telephone and web access
  • A piano and music rooms
  • Laundry facilities

Harvard University Housing & Real Estate manages housing at Vanderbilt Hall.

Off-Campus Housing

Moving to a city like Boston and finding a place after you arrive can be daunting. Here are tips from current HMS students:

  • Connect on Facebook. Look for groups like the HMS class groups, incoming class groups, Harvard Housing, and Harvard Grad Market.
  • Search Zillow, Apartments.com, and Redfin for rentals.
  • Take advantage of Harvard University Housing options.
  • Understand the Greater Boston rental environment. Cost of living may be high, but you get what you pay for; Boston is beautiful, historic, and hip. Good housing opportunities go fast. Most leases start on September 1. Some students sublease during the summer months for short-term accommodation prior to September 1.

Temporary Housing

Harvard University Housing sublets are listed on harvardhousingoffcampus.com; search for the listing type “HUH Sublet.” Read the important eligibility requirements and sublet policies at Harvard University Housing. Email leasing@harvard.edu.

Places To Eat on Campus

  • Atrium Market (TMEC second floor) -— Coffee service, 24/7 grab & go options, and household essentials available from self-checkout kiosk
  • Countway Connections Café (Countway Library main level) — Coffee service and 24/7 grab & go options available from self-checkout kiosk
  • Courtyard Café (Goldenson & Armenise)
  • Elements Café (NRB 2nd floor)
  • Sebastian’s Café (T.H. Chan School of Public Health main level)