Is Harvard actually in Boston or is it in Cambridge?

Question

I'm a little confused about where Harvard University is located. Some people say it's in Boston, but I've also heard Cambridge mentioned a lot when people talk about visiting the campus. 

I'm starting to look at colleges on the East Coast and trying to figure out if Harvard is actually in Boston itself or across the river. Does the location make a big difference for student life?

If anyone who has visited or goes there could clear this up, that'd be amazing. Also, do students spend most of their time in Cambridge or do they go into Boston all the time? I just want to understand what the environment is really like.

Accepted Answer

Harvard University is officially located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, not Boston. Cambridge is a separate city from Boston, but it's right across the Charles River, so the two are closely connected. When people mention “Harvard in Boston,” they’re usually talking about the general metropolitan area or referencing the university's well-known reputation, since Boston is the larger and more globally recognized city.

Cambridge itself is a vibrant city with its own distinct character—it’s full of college students, independent shops, coffeehouses, and a strong sense of community. Harvard Square, the central hub of the campus area, is always lively and has a mix of restaurants, bookstores, and street musicians. MIT is also in Cambridge, which adds to the intellectual and student-focused vibe.

Student life at Harvard tends to center in Cambridge. Most undergraduate housing, classes, and activities are on or near the main Harvard campus. Students eat, study, and hang out mostly in Cambridge because everything is pretty accessible by foot or bike. However, Boston is just a quick subway or bus ride away—maybe 10 to 15 minutes by the Red Line T train. Students often go to Boston for concerts, internships, dining out, sports events, museums, or just to explore. For instance, a friend of mine who went to Harvard mentioned he loved spending Sunday afternoons at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston with his roommates, but then would always be back in Cambridge for dinner and late-night study sessions.

So, in summary: Harvard’s campus is in Cambridge. Students mostly live in and enjoy the Cambridge area, but the proximity to Boston means they can easily access big-city opportunities and activities whenever they want. This dual-city feel is a big part of what makes Harvard’s location unique.