#  New Students 

 



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## Welcome to the HMS Office for Graduate Education PhD Programs community!

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

[**GSAS** ](#GSAS)**|** [**Start Date**](#start-date) **|** [**Housing**](#housing) **|** [**Health Services and Immunizations**](#health-services-and-immunizations) **|** [**International Students**](#international-students) **|** [**Stipend**](#stipend) **|** [**HUID**](#huid) **|** [**Lab Safety Trainings**](#lab-safety-trainings)



 

###  GSAS 

   ![new student with Harvard t shirt](/sites/g/files/omnuum3501/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/dms/files/20180907_hilswelcomedinner_ma_007_2.jpg?itok=CuGEii74) 

 

Please consult the [Harvard Griffin GSAS New Students Page](https://gsas.harvard.edu/admitted-students/you-arrive) 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](https://huit.harvard.edu/google-workspace)
3. Uploading your [Harvard ID Photo](https://www.campusservicecenter.harvard.edu/files/student-instructions-id-card-photo-submission-application.pdf)
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.

   ![people walking down steps ](/sites/g/files/omnuum3501/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/2024-12/50062000146_0ec0fe3446_k.jpg?itok=6VisVEJd) 

 



 

###  Housing 

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

- [Harvard Griffin GSAS Residence Halls](https://gsas.harvard.edu/housing) *(Cambridge)*  Deadline: May 1st
- [Vanderbilt Hall](https://www.huhousing.harvard.edu/our-properties/vanderbilt-hall) (Longwood Medical Area) Deadline: May 1st
- [Harvard Owned Apartments](http://www.huhousing.harvard.edu/) (*Cambridge and Longwood Medical Area)*  Deadline: May 1st
- [Off-Campus Housing](https://www.harvardhousingoffcampus.com/). Many students live off-campus in the Cambridge and Boston area. Students may access [HarvardHousingOffCampus.com](https://www.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](https://hushp.harvard.edu/welcome-new-students/) to learn about Harvard’s student health insurance or contact HUSHP Member Services at 617-495-2008. [HUSHP New Student Flyer](/file_url/1822)

HUHS requires that students provide their [immunization history](https://huhs.harvard.edu/patients-and-visitors/medical-records-and-immunizations/immunization-compliance/non-healthcare-programs/) prior to registration. Email [HUHS Medical Records](mailto:mrecords@huhs.harvard.edu) or call 617-495-2055 with any questions about the immunization requirements.



 

###  International Students 

Your dedicated point person at the [Harvard International Office](https://www.hio.harvard.edu/) is [Jennifer Havlicek](mailto:jennifer_havlicek@harvard.edu). Feel free to contact Jennifer with any questions regarding your status as an international student. When you arrive to Harvard, you must complete the on-line HIO Registration Form. The HIO also provides information sessions as part of the orientation program to inform you how to maintain valid immigration status in the U.S.

   ![two women talking at the HILS Welcome Dinner](/sites/g/files/omnuum3501/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/2024-12/50062202767_2650e33b02_k.jpg?itok=L-7kIGTQ) 

 



 

###  Stipend 

The August 1st stipend check comprised of half a month of Stipend $2,102, and a one-time relocation allowance as indicated in your offer letter. From September on, your monthly stipend check will be $4,205.

#### Direct Deposit

[Direct Deposit Sheet](/file_url/1613). 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) 

Upload your photo at <https://www.campusservicecenter.harvard.edu/photo-submission>.

If the photo submission link doesn’t work (the link sometimes doesn’t work if you have already registered for the term) you will need to email [id\_services@harvard.edu](mailto:id_services@harvard.edu). Confirm that your photo has been approved at <https://idcard.huid.harvard.edu/student/welcome.php> by looking at the View Photo link. If a suitable photo is successfully submitted and approved by your school's deadline, your ID card will be printed and waiting for you at the Smith Campus Center in Cambridge when you arrive on campus.

Campus Service Center   
Richard A. and Susan F. Smith Campus Center 8th floor  
[1350 Massachusetts Ave.](https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=1350%20Mass%20Avenue%208th%20floor,%20Cambridge,%20MA&hl=en&ll=42.372646,-71.11859&spn=0.005342,0.008626&sll=42.37325,-71.11839&sspn=0.000727,0.001206&geocode=FbmPhgIdXdHC-ymnKRzcQnfjiTEDHTFCetrbww&mra=mr&t=m&z=17)  
[Cambridge, MA 02138-3846](https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=1350%20Mass%20Avenue%208th%20floor,%20Cambridge,%20MA&hl=en&ll=42.372646,-71.11859&spn=0.005342,0.008626&sll=42.37325,-71.11839&sspn=0.000727,0.001206&geocode=FbmPhgIdXdHC-ymnKRzcQnfjiTEDHTFCetrbww&mra=mr&t=m&z=17)  
Phone: (617) 496-7827 | Fax: (617) 496-8278 | E-mail: [id\_services@harvard.edu](mailto: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 &amp; 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.

   ![student pipetting](/sites/g/files/omnuum3501/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/2024-12/50061403363_d3c0f4bd37_6k.jpg?itok=NFryxnBs)