Harvard University Student Health Insurance

Harvard University for Foreign Students

Cambridge is without doubt world’s best-known academic hub. The reputation further boosted by the universities located within the Greater Boston area, in the neighbouring town of Cambridge. Harvard is a dream university for many international students who want to pursue higher education abroad. As per the admission is concerned, the annual fee may be as high as $46,600.

Entry Essentials

• VISA Information - Travellers flying to Boston or Cambridge in the USA must obtain a visa. If it is a study visit then a specific student visa is required. Those who are travelling with the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) can ignore the point. Under the VWP, citizens of certain countries, usually 38 participating countries, are eligible to travel to the USA without a visa up to 90 days. An ESTA approval is required to travel with VWP.
• Passport Information - It is a rule to own a valid passport with a minimum validity of at least six months to travel to the USA.
• Student Travel Insurance - Although, insurance coverage is extended to its students under the Harvard University health scheme, it doesn’t cover travel insurance. Student travel insurance policy is necessary if we consider medical expenses abroad. NO doubt health insurance offered by Harvard University offers comprehensive coverage, but if we compare the cost, then the students travel insurance appears more economical to the students especially those who are travelling from India. Moreover, you shouldn’t ignore travel related contingencies that may dampen your excitement and make you stay measurable. Here’s why you should consider travel insurance instead of university-own health policy:

Harvard University Student Health Insurance vs Student Travel Insurance

*Comparison data culled from Harvard University SHP brochure and TATA AIG Student Guard Plan brochure.

Admission Requirements

Freshman Applicants

Harvard offers admissions to all freshman applicants—both international and U.S. candidates, through a Common Application, the Universal College Application, or the Coalition Application along with the required supplements. The application requirements include:

• Common Application, Coalition Application, or Universal College Application
• ACT or SAT (with or without writing)
• $75 application fee
• 2 SAT Subject Tests
• School Report and high school transcript
• TOEFL score in case of non-English speaking country
• Teacher Report (2)
• Final School Report
• Financial proof to aid the course

Optional: AP or other examination results

Transfer Applicants

All transfer applicants are required to complete online application along with the other admission requirements of the university.

This includes:

• Apply through Common Application, Coalition Application, or Universal Application
• ACT or SAT score
• $75 fee or a fee waiver
• 2 SAT Subject Tests (kindly refer the application criteria in details)
• College/Dean’s/Registrar’s report
• College Transcript
• College Instructor Recommendation (2)
• High School Transcript
• View details and apply

Optional: AP or other examination results

Visiting Undergraduate Applicants

The university offers a unique application for those who fall under the category Visiting Undergraduate Students for a semester or year at the university

• VUS Application
• $75 application fee
• Optional: ACT or SAT (with or without writing)
• TOEFL (if official language is not English)
• Faculty Recommendation (2)
• Dean’s Letter of Permission
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Official university transcript
• Official high school transcript

Top Attractions for Students Near Harvard University

Boston never fails to impress its tourists and students who visit the city. The place is exceptionally rich in natural beauty, the classic beauty of centuries of history and many more. The prospective students can consider this place to offer the best that can be treasured for a lifetime. On campus attractions staring form libraries, academic buildings, houses, and dining halls, you’ll find enough things to explore, eat and enjoy your days here. Some of the top attractions are listed below:

• DCR Hatch Memorial Shell
• Museum of Fine Arts
• South Porch of Memorial Church
• Freedom Trail
• Faneuil Hall
• Paul Revere House
• Irish Heritage Trail
• Black Heritage Trail
• Randolph Courtyard
• Widener Loker Reading Room
• Annenberg Hall
• Dudley Garden

Shopping Attractions for Students Near Harvard University

Exploring local markets can be amazing with a wealth of discount that is common in shops or malls in Boston. Whether you are hunting for designer draper denim, a perfect pair of earrings or summer-friendly footwear, this place has plenty of surprises in every nook and cranny.  Here’re some of the best shopping areas to explore while in the city:

• Eastern Mountain Sports
• Topshop
• Prudential Centre
• Charles Street
• Downtown Crossing

Places to Eat Near Harvard University

When it comes to pleasing the food lovers, this place never misses a chance to impress one. It produces some of the world class seafood around. Following its years of tradition, the city is well-knowing for variety of baked beans, bacon or salt pork and other international food to make the place a food lovers’ heaven. Some of the options are a must try:

• 730 Tavern Kitchen & Patio
• 731 Flour Bakery & Café
• Al's Harvard Square Cafe
• Oggi Gourmet
• Bartley’s

Even Indians will never get a chance to miss the ethnic taste of the country:

• Holi Indian Restaurant
• Punjab Palace
• Rang Indian Bistro
• The Maharaja

Hotels Near Harvard University

The university offers a variety of options when it comes to accommodation- both on-campus and off-campus. Though Harvard offers ample options to accommodate the students, some still prefer to live outside the campus. Both Boston and Cambridge offer first-class living spaces for the students coming across the borders. The following are some of the options to consider for the students coming to Harvard and yet to settle down:

• University Residence Halls
• Private Student Housing
• Home Stay Accommodation
• Leased Apartments
• Dorms
• Hostels
• Cambridgeport or Central Square
• Somerville
• Davis Square

Harvard University Transport for Students

Harvard provides an excellent public transportation system for the students to ensure a convenient commute to the campus. With this getting around the campus is quite easier. It provides excellent public transport as well which further adding to avoid traffic gridlocks and headache of searching for a parking space. Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority another student-friendly option to ensure budget transportation. Hubway bike service is there to navigate the city easily. While sightseeing, a water taxi will take you to the Charles River for a scenic ride. The academic year shuttles provide safe and convenient transportation for Harvard students. There is a day-time van service for those who are differently abled.

Local Law and Etiquette to Follow When Studying in Harvard University

• Buying/Drinking Age - The minimum age for consuming or buying alcohol beverages is 21. However, valid ID proof is required. Remember that the university campus is free-of-alcohol zone.
• Smoking Age - The legal smoking age in Cambridge is 18 years. Be warned: to buy nicotine, a valid ID is required who looks younger. Anyone below the age 18 is not authorised to buy or served nicotine. However, smoking is prohibited in all public places including indoor bars, clubs, social places, parks and restaurants. However, there is a specific place to get your nicotine fix.

If Harvard is in your study abroad bucket list, do consider this information to get yourself familiar with the university culture and life in the city.