Life in Boston

Life in Boston

Boston’s vibrant culture and world-class resources provide the perfect backdrop for your dental education at Harvard. From historic landmarks to cutting-edge healthcare in the Longwood Medical Area, the city offers endless opportunities for growth and discovery—an integral part of your journey at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine.

View of downtown Boston from the Charles River. The Prudential Center is in background.

Boston is one of America’s most historic and innovative cities, offering a perfect blend of culture, education, and career opportunities. For students at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, the city becomes not just a backdrop but a vital part of their educational experience. From historic landmarks to cutting-edge healthcare facilities, Boston has it all.

Living in the Longwood area

Proximity to HSDM

Located in the Longwood Medical and Academic Area, HSDM offers unparalleled access to world-class hospitals, research institutions, and cultural amenities.

Housing Options

Finding the right place to live is key to a successful student experience. HSDM students have a variety of housing options to suit different preferences and lifestyles:

  • Harvard University Housing (HUH):
    HUH provides approximately 3,000 housing units for eligible full-time graduate students, faculty, and staff. Many properties are conveniently located within a one-mile radius of Harvard Yard, with additional options such as Harvard @ Trilogy near the Harvard Longwood Campus.
    • Visit the HUH website  to explore eligibility guidelines, application instructions, property photos, amenities, and special housing options tailored to your needs.
  • Vanderbilt Hall:
    Situated in the heart of the Longwood Medical Area, Vanderbilt Hall offers a convenient and vibrant living environment. Designed for students in healthcare and public health, this residence hall serves students from HSDM, Harvard Medical School, and beyond. Vanderbilt Hall provides a supportive community, with amenities that make it a great choice for students who want to live close to campus.
  • Off-Campus Housing:
    For those seeking private-market housing, the Harvard Off-Campus Housing website offers a platform to search for apartments and roommates. While Harvard University Housing does not review or endorse these listings, the site is a valuable resource for exploring housing options in Boston’s competitive rental market.

Whether you choose Vanderbilt Hall, HUH properties, or private-market housing, there are plenty of options to help you find a comfortable home during your time at HSDM.

Getting around town

Whether commuting to school or exploring Boston, students can take advantage of discounted MBTA passes and Blue Bikes memberships. Learn more about your transportation options.

Green line train