Nervous for First Year Orientation? Never fear! We here at the First Year Experience Office have compiled a list of answers to frequently asked questions for your convenience: 

Q: Are tea kettles permitted  in the dorms?

A: No. Ever since Samuel Adams (Class of 1740) led the Boston Tea Party, the Harvard Administration has been wary of permitting undergraduate students access to tea. In turn, tea kettles are prohibited within Harvard dormitories 

Q: Where can I go if I have a mental health concern?

A: We are proud to offer a variety of resources through HUHS’ Counseling and Mental Health Services (CAMHS). 

Q: Sounds great! How do you get a Harvard Counseling and Mental Health Services (CAMHS) appointment in a timely manner?

A: Lol.

Q: Is Harvard a sex positive campus? Where can I find supplies for safe sex?

A: We here at the First Year Experience Office believe in sex positivity. As in we are positive you will not be having sex. Just kidding, we love to laugh with our students. Haha. The Center for Wellness and Health Promotion supplies a wide variety of external condoms, internal condoms, and oral (dental) dams. This is located on the 2nd floor of the Smith Campus Center.

Q: What are the most prominent sexually transmitted diseases on campus?

A: Syphilis.

Q: Is it true that John Quincy Adams lost his virginity under a tree next to the warm spot near Canaday hall?

A: For privacy reasons, the Office cannot comment on matters concerning individual students. However, the conventional wisdom states that John Quincy Adams lost his virginity on a romantic night in the Adams House FDR suite.

Q: Will my floor be coed?

A: All Harvard dorms are co-ed; students may also opt to live in a gender inclusive suite/bedroom. We here at the First Year Experience Office are proud to promote inclusivity, which is why we spearheaded the transition from “Freshman” to “First Year.” 

Q: Was my dorm built before or after women were allowed to attend Harvard? 

A: All Freshman dormitories were built before women attended Harvard. Women could only attend Harvard College beginning in 1975, just one short year after our newest and most luxurious Yard dorm, Canaday Hall, was completed. In contrast, Massachusetts Hall was built in 1720.

Q: Wow, isn’t that kind of fucked up?

A: Yeah.

Q: Why does my grandmother hate me?

A: Because you’re ugly.
 
Q: When does the Yale transfer application open?

A: The Yale Transfer Application opens on October 31st and closes March 1st. For more information please refer to the Yale University website: https://admissions.yale.edu/transfer-application-instructions