What are students at Harvard commonly called?

I'm working on my college list and Harvard is up there for me. I keep seeing different names for Harvard students and I want to make sure I'm not mixing things up. Are they called 'Harvardians' or is it something else?

Also, do students themselves actually use any nickname for Harvard students, or is there an official term? Just trying to avoid sounding clueless if I ever end up visiting or talking to current students. Has anyone heard anything funny or unique they call themselves?

I'd love to know what Harvard students use to describe themselves, especially in an everyday setting. Thanks in advance for any insight!
1 week ago
 • 
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Luis Nario-Malberg
 • 1 week ago
Advisor
People most commonly refer to students at Harvard simply as 'Harvard students.' That's the most typical, widely accepted term—both in official communications and everyday conversation.

You may occasionally see or hear 'Harvardians,' but that's rarely used, especially by students themselves. In fact, most Harvard students do not walk around calling themselves 'Harvardians,' and using it in conversation would probably sound forced or overly formal. Professors or staff might sometimes use this in a playful way, but it’s not the norm.

Among students, it’s much more common to use terms based on their college class year (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior), their House (for example, "I'm a Kirkland resident" referring to living in Kirkland House), or their specific school if they're a graduate student—for instance, 'I'm at HLS' (Harvard Law School) or 'I go to the Ed School' (Harvard Graduate School of Education).

For example: If you’re chatting with a group during a campus visit, saying something like, “Are you a Harvard student?” or “Which House are you in?” is perfectly natural. If you are getting to know someone, asking "What year are you?" or "Which House?" is a common and friendly way to connect.

In short, just stick with 'Harvard student' or something related to their House or class standing, and you’ll sound completely in the know!
Luis Nario-Malberg
Mooresville, North Carolina
Harvard College, Class of 2018, A.B. in Philosophy
Experience
5 years