Welcome New G1s!

Welcome to MCO!!

We are thrilled to welcome you to our community! We hope this site will serve as a guide as you prepare to join us in August! 

Before You Arrive

Harvard University ID

To expedite receiving your ID card, submit your ID photo ahead of time so that your card will be ready for pickup.

Health Coverage and Immunizations

Through the Harvard University Student Health Program, Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) offers comprehensive medical, mental health, and prescription benefits to students.

HUHS requires that students provide their immunization history prior to registration. Email HUHS Medical Records or call 617-495-2055 with any questions about the immunization requirements.

Enroll at Harvard Griffin GSAS

Registration for incoming students is a two-step process. First, visit my.harvard.edu and log in with your HarvardKey in early August to check in. The deadline to check in is September 2, 2026. The course registration deadline is August 28, 2026. Follow check-in and registration procedures found in the Academics and Enrollment section of the Handbook for Students. The first day of classes is September 2, 2026. 

Log in to Engage

Once you have your HarvardKey, you can also log in to Engage to find your Harvard Griffin GSAS community. Join student groups, RSVP to events, and explore social and learning opportunities!

Register with the Disability Access Office

The Disability Access Office (DAO) serves students with disabilities to ensure equity, inclusion, and access. DAO works in partnership with students, faculty, and staff to develop and implement accessibility plans based on individualized assessments of student needs. DAO provides accommodations for coursework, housing, dining, transportation, and other aspects of student life, as appropriate. Learn more on the DAO website.

Purchase Your Discounted Transit Pass

Students can purchase discounted MBTA bus, link, and commuter rail passes. Order your pass online. 

International Students

Before you move to Cambridge, visit the Harvard International Office (HIO) for information about services and support for international students, including visa and tax information. The HIO has also prepared a helpful new student guide to ease your transition to Harvard. 

Harvard Griffin GSAS will also host an International Student Pre-Arrival Webinar during the summer, so keep an eye on your inbox for additional details! If you have questions, please contact Student Affairs. 

MCB Slack Workspace

Incoming students will have invited to join the MCB department Slack workspace for sharing resources, news, updates, events and more! You can also reach out to Lindsay directly on Slack for quick questions.

MCO G1 Orientation Schedule

Orientation calendar will be added over the summer!

G1 Courses

Coursework

The focus of the the G1 curriculum is aimed at honing the skills necessary to succeed in grad school, a.. The full list of required courses can be found on the G1 Page.

G1 students will complete a math exam during the summer, to help determine what sort of quantitative course will be most beneficial to take, based on their background. Most students will be encouraged to enroll in MCB 111 or MCB 112, but some may not have a strong (or recent) math background, or others may be more challenged by a different course.

Lab Rotations

Lab Rotations

  • While not required, we encourage students to begin thinking about potential lab rotations in the summer, and the beginning of the academic year. There will be multiple opportunities (during Orientation, at the MCB Departmental Retreat, and at other events throughout the fall like Friday seminars, or Lab Open Houses) to learn more about possible projects and labs. In the meantime, please feel free to read about the MCO faculty and their labs, and get a sense of the science in our community! More information can be found on the G1 Page.

Stipend Information

Stipends

  • You will receive your first stipend check September 1. The MCB (and Harvard Life Sciences) stipend rate for the 2026-27 academic year will be $4,330/month. If you have an outside fellowship, you are expected to activate that or have received instructions from our Gradate Program Financial Manager, Katie Scrocca scrocca@fas.harvard.edu.
  • If any outside fellowship’s remuneration is less than $4,330/month then the MCB department will supplement the difference.

Housing

Housing

If you are interested in living in either the Griffin GSAS Residence Halls or Harvard University Housing as a First Year Graduate Student (aka “G1”), please make sure that you submit your housing application(s) by May 1. You should have received information regarding this already from Griffin GSAS. 

Housing Tips from Students

Please refer to this document put together by current students to help you navigate your options!