# New Students ![2025 Retreat](/sites/g/files/omnuum5321/files/styles/hwp_21_9__1920x825/public/2025-09/IMG_1415.jpeg?itok=L3PaRmig) ## expand\_more ## Welcome to BBS! On our New Students page, you’ll find everything you need to get started in the BBS PhD program, from pre‑arrival tasks and important deadlines to orientation details and first‑year requirements. The page walks you through setting up your Harvard accounts, completing required forms, and understanding funding, registration, and health insurance. You’ll also find key contacts, links to housing and campus resources, and guidance to help you navigate your transition to the program and to Boston/Cambridge. ## Harvard ID (HUID) and HarvardKey Beginning in March, an email with instructions on how to get your Harvard ID number (HUID) and claim your HarvardKey will be sent within 7–10 days after accepting your offer of admission and submitting the "Personal Data for Student Record" Form. Your HarvardKey is the primary credential that you will use to access Harvard resources as a student. If you do not receive this email, [contact the Office of Admissions.](mailto:admiss@fas.harvard.edu) Before You Arrive First Weeks at Harvard ## Before You Arrive #### Pre-Orientation Virtual Sessions (Required) July 22 - July 23, 2026 BBS will host pre-orientation enrollment management and requirement sessions. Incoming students will receive the dates and times via email. #### Upload your Harvard ID Photo To have your student ID card ready for you on arrival, we ask that you [submit](https://idphoto.campusservicecenter.cadm.harvard.edu/) a passport quality photo. Please upload a color photo showing a full front view of your head and shoulders. Please contact the Campus Service Center if you have any questions (617) 496-7827 or [id\_services@harvard.edu](https://idphoto.campusservicecenter.cadm.harvard.edu/id_services@harvard.edu). ID Pickup: starts August 1 and Longwood students can pick up their IDs at either the [Smith Center ](https://commonspaces.harvard.edu/smith-campus-center/about)in Cambridge or the Veritas Science Center, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, Room 133. #### Immunization Requirements Learn more about immunization requirements on the Harvard University Health Services [Immunization Compliance](https://huhs.harvard.edu/patients-and-visitors/medical-records-and-immunizations/immunization-compliance/non-healthcare-programs/) page. You will not be able to register for the fall semester if you do not comply with the immunization requirements. #### Submitting Official Transcripts Before you enroll for fall term classes, you will need to arrange for official transcripts to be sent to the Office of Admissions from each academic institution that you have attended. Transcripts must be received no later than July 31, 2026. For more imformation, please visit the [Terms and Conditions of Acceptance](https://gsas.harvard.edu/admitted-students/terms-and-conditions-acceptance#official) page. #### International Students Your dedicated point person at the [Harvard International Office](https://www.hio.harvard.edu/) is [Jennifer Havlicek](mailto:jennifer_havlicek@harvard.edu). Feel free to contact Jennifer with any questions regarding your status as an international student. When you arrive to Harvard, you must complete the on-line HIO Registration Form. The HIO also provides information sessions as part of the orientation program to inform you how to maintain valid immigration status in the U.S. #### Register with the Disability Access Office The [Disability Access Office (DAO)](https://dao.fas.harvard.edu/) 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](https://dao.fas.harvard.edu/). Download [DAO Flyer](https://bbsphd.hms.harvard.edu/sites/g/files/omnuum5321/files/2025-07/DAO%20At%20a%20Glance.pdf). #### BBS Slack Workspace Incoming students will have access to a dedicated Slack workspace for sharing resources, orientation materials, news, updates, and more. This workspace will become available in early August. #### Enroll at Harvard Griffin GSAS Registration for incoming students is a two-step process. First, visit [my.harvard.edu](https://my.harvard.edu/) and log in with your HarvardKey in early August to [check in](https://gsas.harvard.edu/policy/check-and-registration-resident-students). The deadline to check-in is September 2, 2026. Students may begin enrolling in courses on August 17, 2026. #### Housing BBS students have access to a wide range of housing options in both the Longwood Medical Area and on the Cambridge campus. Depending on your preferences for location, community, and budget, you can consider: [Harvard Griffin GSAS Residence Halls](https://gsas.harvard.edu/housing), [Vanderbilt Hall](https://hms.harvard.edu/departments/vanderbilt-hall), [Harvard Owned Apartments](http://www.huhousing.harvard.edu/), [HarvardHousingOffCampus.com](https://www.harvardhousingoffcampus.com/). The housing application for the 2026–2027 academic year is now live. The priority deadline is May 1, 11:59 p.m. #### Purchase Your Discounted Transit Pass Students can purchase discounted MBTA bus, link, and commuter rail passes. [Order your pass online](https://gsas.harvard.edu/resource/mbta-semester-pass-program). #### Harvard Engage Once you have your HarvardKey, you can also log in to [Engage](https://engage.gsas.harvard.edu/?_gl=1*1iyxkq6*_ga*MTcyNTU5MTc5Ni4xNzQyNDgwODk3*_ga_MN44P5KS85*MTc0MjgxOTQ3Ny40LjAuMTc0MjgxOTUwNi4zMS4wLjA.) to find your Harvard Griffin GSAS community. Join student groups, RSVP to events, and explore social and learning opportunities! ## First Weeks at Harvard #### First Stipend Your first stipend payment will be issued on August 15. This payment will include half a month of your stipend and a one-time relocation allowance, as outlined in your offer letter. We encourage you to enroll in direct deposit ([Direct Deposit Sheet](https://ogephd.hms.harvard.edu/file_url/1613)) for your graduate stipend payments, which will ensure speedy and secure transfer of funds directly to your bank account. Visit [Harvard Human Resources](https://hr.harvard.edu/), click on the PeopleSoft link at the top right, and login using your HarvardKey. Once in PeopleSoft, within the Self-Service menu, click on My Pay and then Deposit. #### BBS Orientation Students are expected to be in Boston by the start of Orientation on Monday, August 24, 2026. A detailed orientation schedule will be sent to students via email. #### Academic Year Begins September 2, 2026 #### Meet with Program Advisor In their first academic year (G1), students will be guided by a BBS faculty member who will act as their academic Program Advisor. This advisor will help them navigate the program and research environment at the medical school and beyond. Program Advisors (PAs) assist with selecting rotation labs, navigating the science community in Boston and Cambridge, and resolving any challenges that may arise as students adapt to graduate school. Many students continue to seek advice and support from their BBS Program Advisor even after the first year. Assignments and advising schedules will be provided in early summer, with your first meeting taking place via Zoom before registration and course enrollment. #### BBS Student Retreat September 4 - 6, 2026 ## Quick Links [ GSAS New Students Page arrow\_circle\_right ](https://gsas.harvard.edu/admitted-students/you-arrive) [ Harvard University Health Services arrow\_circle\_right ](https://huhs.harvard.edu/) [ FAS Registrar's 10 Year Calendar arrow\_circle\_right ](https://hu.sharepoint.com/:x:/s/FASROOpenContent/Edlez6V1X-NKhMZsk2Up-n4BYLaxhxEE1Qrfc19bWGcnPw?e=7b84ZP) [ Terms and Conditions of Acceptance arrow\_circle\_right ](https://gsas.harvard.edu/admitted-students/terms-and-conditions-acceptance#official) ## Orientation Questions [### Anne O'Shea ](/people/anne-oshea) [anne\_oshea@hms.harvard.edu](mailto:anne_oshea@hms.harvard.edu)Program Administrator, Biological & Biomedical Sciences (BBS) ![Anne O'Shea](/sites/g/files/omnuum5321/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/bbsphd/files/oshea_anne_1.jpg?h=fbaab039&itok=hSbK0Zrf)