Is Harvard considered a rural, urban, or suburban campus?
I've been researching different colleges and trying to figure out which campus environments might be the best fit for me, but I can't quite get a clear answer about where Harvard fits in.
On some websites, Harvard is described as being in Cambridge, but I'm not sure if that's considered urban or more of a suburban setting. Does anyone know what the overall vibe is like? For context, I grew up in a pretty small town and I'm not sure how I'd feel about being right in the middle of a huge city versus somewhere a little quieter.
If you've visited Harvard or are a current student, would you say the campus has an urban, suburban, or even rural feel to it? And does the surrounding area feel safe and campus-oriented, or more like a busy city?
On some websites, Harvard is described as being in Cambridge, but I'm not sure if that's considered urban or more of a suburban setting. Does anyone know what the overall vibe is like? For context, I grew up in a pretty small town and I'm not sure how I'd feel about being right in the middle of a huge city versus somewhere a little quieter.
If you've visited Harvard or are a current student, would you say the campus has an urban, suburban, or even rural feel to it? And does the surrounding area feel safe and campus-oriented, or more like a busy city?
6 months ago
•
376 views
Luis Nario-Malberg
• 6 months ago
Advisor
Harvard University is typically considered an urban campus, mainly because it's located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, which is essentially a city right next to Boston. The area surrounding Harvard feels lively and bustling, with lots of restaurants, shops, bookstores, and coffee houses packed into Harvard Square and the blocks around it. That said, it’s a unique kind of urban environment—it’s not as overwhelming as being in Manhattan or downtown Boston, but you’re definitely more in a city than in a suburb or rural setting.
Despite being in a city, Harvard’s campus has plenty of green spaces, historic buildings, and courtyards that offer quiet spots to relax or study. The Yard at the center of campus, for example, is tree-lined and enclosed enough that you can get a break from the sounds of traffic. Some students even say that once you're inside the “Harvard bubble,” everyday campus life can feel a bit insulated from the rest of the city activity just beyond the gates.
While Cambridge can be busy, the area around Harvard is known for being very student-centric. There are always people walking around, and Harvard’s buildings and facilities blend right into the streets around the Square. Safety-wise, it’s generally considered safe, especially compared to high-density urban cores, and the university provides campus police, shuttles, and blue-light systems for added security.
If you’re from a small town and worried about living in a large, chaotic city, Harvard is a bit of a middle ground. You’ll get the access and energy of a city—public transport, cultural events, internships—while also having an actual campus and spaces that feel sheltered from the urban rush. A helpful comparison: Boston University is also in the Boston area but its campus stretches along a city street, so it feels more urban, while Harvard’s is more contained.
If you can, visit or even check out campus tours online to get a sense of the vibe yourself. But overall, if you're looking for something rural or truly suburban, Harvard might feel a bit more ‘city’ than you’re used to—but it is not as overwhelming as the densest parts of a metropolis.
Despite being in a city, Harvard’s campus has plenty of green spaces, historic buildings, and courtyards that offer quiet spots to relax or study. The Yard at the center of campus, for example, is tree-lined and enclosed enough that you can get a break from the sounds of traffic. Some students even say that once you're inside the “Harvard bubble,” everyday campus life can feel a bit insulated from the rest of the city activity just beyond the gates.
While Cambridge can be busy, the area around Harvard is known for being very student-centric. There are always people walking around, and Harvard’s buildings and facilities blend right into the streets around the Square. Safety-wise, it’s generally considered safe, especially compared to high-density urban cores, and the university provides campus police, shuttles, and blue-light systems for added security.
If you’re from a small town and worried about living in a large, chaotic city, Harvard is a bit of a middle ground. You’ll get the access and energy of a city—public transport, cultural events, internships—while also having an actual campus and spaces that feel sheltered from the urban rush. A helpful comparison: Boston University is also in the Boston area but its campus stretches along a city street, so it feels more urban, while Harvard’s is more contained.
If you can, visit or even check out campus tours online to get a sense of the vibe yourself. But overall, if you're looking for something rural or truly suburban, Harvard might feel a bit more ‘city’ than you’re used to—but it is not as overwhelming as the densest parts of a metropolis.
Luis Nario-Malberg
Mooresville, North Carolina
Harvard College, Class of 2018, A.B. in Philosophy
Experience
5 years