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Student Spaces

Two students are conversing while eating their lunch on the HMS Quad
Study, Relax, Recreate

Finding your go to spaces for study, relaxation and recreation on the HMS campus and beyond can be as easy as trying some of the recommendations below. Spaces to eat and meet, spaces for quiet, and spaces for play abound on and off campus.

Study

Find your favorite individual study spots close to home, on campus, or at a coffee shop! Group study can be especially useful before exams, for moral support, as well as review, and when topics are conducive to discussion. Besides the options right here at HMS, students also have access to all Harvard libraries, including favorites like the Harvard Law Library and Baker Library at the Harvard Business School.


On Campus

Countway Library

  • Individual and collaborative study rooms
  • Russell Reading Room - A designated quiet study space with several large tables, comfortable seating, special collections, and reservable study rooms.

Make a study room reservation at Countway Library

Students sit at high top tables for quite study in one of the study spaces in Countway Library

 

Tosteson Medical Education Center (TMEC)

  • Student Study and Collaboration Center (2nd floor, just off the Atrium) - 4,700 square-foot center including a “living room” area, a classic library reading room, quiet spaces, group and individual study rooms, various seating options, printer/copier/scanner, a fireplace and large windows. A nearby vending area has microwaves, snacks and coffee for late-night study sessions.
  • Computer Resource Center (2nd floor, just off the vending area) - includes computing space for both individual study and group collaboration and an information technology Service Desk for walk-up support
  • Tutorial Rooms (throughout TMEC) – Small classrooms available to students for day-of reservations for personal or group study. Schedule a tutorial room through Room Scheduling.
  • Harold Amos Student Lounge (4th floor) – A study lounge with a kitchen

Dine

Group of students are enjoying eating their lunch together outside on campus

 

HMS Dining Locations & Menus

  • Atrium Café (TMEC 2nd floor)
  • Countway Connections Café (Countway Library main level) - Coffee service and 24/7 grab & go options available from self-checkout kiosk
  • Courtyard Café (Goldenson & Armenise)
  • Elements Café (NRB 2nd floor)
  • Sebastian's Café (T.H. Chan School of Public Health main level)

Student-recommended Grocery Stores

  • Trader Joes (Coolidge Corner)
  • Star Market (Fenway)
  • Target (Fenway)
  • Stop & Shop (Brigham Circle)
  • Whole Foods (Symphony)

Walkable Eateries

A map showing dining options within 15 mintutes walk from the HMS campus.

Relax & Recreate

Vanderbilt Hall

  • Vanderbilt Hall Athletic Facility - Free access to basketball, soccer, squash and tennis courts, exercise and fitness rooms, and lockers
  • Joseph B. Martin Lounge (1st floor off main lobby) - Student lounge available 24 hours a day with a TV with DIRECTV, audio equipment, couches, plush high-backed chairs, and a Steinway grand piano
  • Deanery Lounge and Patio (1st floor, located at entry I) - Student lounge and function room featuring a TV, tables and chairs, and a small kitchen with an adjacent large patio, providing a relaxed atmosphere as an alternative to dormitory rooms.
  • Perry Culver Lounge - Student lounge with TV (2nd floor)
  • Library – (1st floor)
  • Music Rooms 1 & 2 (lower level) – small rooms with Steinway upright pianos
  • Multifaith Prayer Room (lower level)

Make a function room reservation in Vanderbilt

HMS Gymnasium in Vanderbilt Hall

 

Countway Library

  • Meditation Room (2nd floor, within the Russell Reading Room) - A private, quiet space where students can pray and meditate. The room is equipped with comfortable seating, prayer mats, a shoe rack, and soft lighting.
  • Pet Therapy Area (1st floor, near Shattuck Street entrance) - Specially designed area with rounded couch seating to interact with Countway’s therapy pets.
  • Game Room (2nd floor) - Equipped with a Nintendo Switch and games. Make a Game Room reservation.
  • Makerspace (1st floor) - Furnished with an Anatomage Table and a 3D printer.

On Campus

  • Countway Community Garden – A patio alcove with raised garden beds that hosts community events throughout the growing season.
  • Countway Huntington Avenue Plaza - Benches and green-lined steps for the enjoyment of the public.
  • Harvard Chan School Courtyard – A large patio with tables and chairs that often hosts communal events and concerts.
  • The Quad – A spacious green space in the middle of the campus featuring a grand lawn surrounded by patio seating options.
  • Seeley G. Mudd Courtyard – An intimate patio setting with tables and chairs and bike racks.
  • Vanderbilt Courtyard – A private courtyard with a tennis court and seating.

Off Campus

Life in Boston – Explore walkable options around HMS

 

Group of students are playing a game of spikeball while other students sit and cheer on the Quad

Lactation Rooms

Harvard provides more than 50 formal lactation rooms across the University. These lockable rooms are often equipped with comfortable seating, a sink, a changing station, and a Medela pump. Pump accessories must be provided by the user.