<p>My main question is: "How is the campus?"
I have heard from many people who are going to go there that it is not that special. What is more, I have been told that other Ivies such as Princeton and Yale have a better campus. To me, the campus is also of rgeat importance, though not so prime, yet I would like some insight. I do plan to visit colleges in the summer and check out the campus. So, what do you think in terms of the Harvard environment??</p>
<p>When I first arrived Harvard 20yrs ago, I thought what a neglected campus it was (more like what a urban dump it was), compared w the pristine Princeton campus I was used to. The lawn in the Yard was filled w crabgrass and so worn out by people seeking short-cuts.
After a yr or so, the Yard really grew on me, there is this auster and serene feel to it that I find unique and helped my focus.<br>
I recently visited the three campuses in your msg. Over the past 20yrs, Princeton has changed the most, it feels almost too busy. Yale has less changes, but I'm not a big fan of New Haven. Harvard, at least the Yard remains the same, obviously it has expanded into Allston area a good deal.<br>
Harvard Sq. is always lively and one of the most unique places. And the Porter Sq area has improved a greal.
If your first impression is not favorable, give it a little time.</p>
<p>Honestly, it's just a matter of opinion. I love the Harvard campus, and I'm especially fond of its surroundings (restaurants, movie theater, really easy access to transportation), but you have to make your own decision.</p>
<p>Heck, if you want, message me before you visit and I'll meet up with you and show you around.</p>
<p>One thing to remember- do NOT rub John Harvard's foot!</p>
<p>Lol, thanks a lot you guys. You are making this easier for me with all that is going on.</p>
<p>I like the campus. The main Yard is walled in with attractive brick and iron fencing which gives it an enclosed campus-y feel. Most of the buildings in the yard, with the notable exception of the wonderful Sever Hall are colonial in style which I find rather dull, but many people love. Adjacent to the yard is Le Corbusier's only American building - The Carpenter Center. Most of the houses are built around courtyards giving them mini-campus feelings.</p>
<p>Personally I like collegiate gothic (Yale and West Point are particularly fine examples) and Spanish Colonial Revival (Caltech is a standout) better, but Harvard is attractive IMO.</p>
<p>One building that most people dislike is the Science Center: it's an eyesore and was designed to look like a camera from aerial shots. You'll probably be taking a few classes in there, so enjoy the primary color motiff of the lecture halls.</p>
<p>No, I am a junior but I am trying to figure out more about colleges that I am interested in in order to decide what I am going to do with my early action...it is such as pain in the neck.</p>
<p>Well, debate_addict, remember that Harvard doesn't have Early Action any more. You won't be able to apply there early next year.</p>
<p>I know, that is the issue. I am contemplating my options and I wanna see whether or not I should save Harvard and not apply early action/decision anywhere, or simply apply at say Yale or i dunno where via EA or ED. I am leaning towards the no early action alternative...</p>
<p>I would say that Harvard's campus is one of its best attributes. From the moment I walked through Johnston Gate as a freshman I've been in awe of it. The Freshman dining hall (Annenberg) looks like it's straight out of Harry Potter, the houses are all awesome (I'm in Kirkland, which is right by the river and very beautiful in a traditional New England way), and you really can't beat taking philosophy notes in the oak-and-marble Sanders Theatre. Plus you have Boston (the best college town on the face of the planet, 60 universities or colleges in the area)...</p>
<p>Hey, h-bomber, I'm in Kirkland next year!</p>
<p>Ew. Kirkland. :P</p>
<p>I love the Harvard campus. It is warm, friendly and quirky. Not for everyone, but it is for a lot of someones!</p>
<p>Haha...what's wrong with Krikland?
It's funny...I'm in Lowell but I'm getting more and more jealous of the clean and spacious rooms of Pfoho....</p>
<br>
<blockquote> <p>I have heard from many people who are going to go there that it is not that special.<<</p> </blockquote>
<br>
<p>Not that special? Look here:</p>
<p>Here is Annenberg Hall where the freshmen eat their meals:</p>
<p>Here is Sanders Theater:</p>
<p>And here is a slide show (turn on your speakers):</p>
<p>Well, I am attempting an interhouse transfer... should I put Lowell down? :P</p>
<p>Hey guys, you are making this too easy :)</p>
<p>Just an inquiry...are the libraries open to everybody? I will be in Boston over the summer for an internship and I would love it if I could use Harvard's facilities for my extended essay in IB. I presume i cannot borrow any books, but can't I at least read books within the libraries?</p>
<p>I love cities, and I love Harvard's campus. It's a very nice urban campus with green space, something that many urban campuses lack. It has a lot of energy, and has some interesting looking buildings including the science center.</p>
<p>If, however, you want to be on a campus with hills and a waterfall, go to Cornell. If you want to be on a campus that's separated a bit from the city and looks down on a city and has an especially lovely night view of a city, go to Brown. If you want a beautiful, manicured campus in very small city, go to Princeton. And, if you like palm trees, orange trees and a lake, Stanford is the place for you.</p>
<p>Northstarmom you are killing me....oh god, just when things started becoming clearer...:(</p>
<p>
[QUOTE]
Just an inquiry...are the libraries open to everybody? I will be in Boston over the summer for an internship and I would love it if I could use Harvard's facilities for my extended essay in IB. I presume i cannot borrow any books, but can't I at least read books within the libraries?
[/QUOTE]
</p>
<p>Sorry, debate_addict, they aren't. You can get signed in as a guest if you know a Harvard student. (In fact, I might be working in Cambridge over the summer- there's a chance I could sign you in if you want.</p>