Housing Resources

Harvard Divinity School does not have on-campus residential options; however, some of our students choose to live in properties affiliated with Harvard University, Harvard Real Estate Services, or the Center for the Study of World Religions. The majority of our students choose to live in the nearby neighborhoods in Cambridge, Somerville, and Boston.

Finding housing in Cambridge and the surrounding areas can be a lengthy process, so if you are moving to the area, you should begin your search early. If cost is a big concern, and if you are willing to have a longer commute, consider living a bit farther from the Divinity School, where rents will be lower. Very few HDS students have cars, and parking in Cambridge/Somerville can be difficult and expensive. Most students find walking, using public transportation, or biking to be a comfortable way of getting to campus and around the area.

Use the Internet to facilitate your search and to familiarize yourself with the area. This will save you valuable time. When renting from a private landlord, you will probably need to cover at least the first month's rent and a security deposit (i.e., two month's rent). Always find out what is included in the monthly rent. If heat is not included, try to get an estimate of heating costs from previous winters. It is possible to use several real estate agencies at once to find an apartment.

Start looking early!