Hi, I’m Hafu Go. Harvard was my childhood dream, and in this Campus Crawl tour I take you through the parts of Harvard that captured my imagination for years. If you’ve ever wondered what walking around the oldest university in the United States feels like, here’s an enthusiastic, up-close look at Harvard Yard, the libraries, lecture halls, study spots, and the little traditions that make the campus unforgettable.
Quick highlights
- Historic red-brick architecture and chapel-like buildings
- Iconic photo spot: Harvard Yard with Memorial Library and Memorial Church
- John Harvard statue (and the famously polished toe)
- Restricted-but-stunning Memorial Library interiors
- Science Center lecture halls and student hubs
- Harvard Square: the city-facing, commercial heartbeat of campus
- Renovated study spaces like the Harvard Commons
- Range of classrooms from modern language labs to traditional lecture rooms
Harvard Yard: history, brick, and green space
Walk into Harvard Yard and you immediately notice the red bricks everywhere — dorms, walkways, and historic facades. Harvard’s status as the oldest higher education institution in the U.S. shows in this architecture. The Yard is the classical center of campus life, but it’s also largely tourist-friendly: no classes happen here, so it’s where people come to take photos, read on the grass, and soak in the atmosphere.
When it’s warm, the Yard is perfect for sunbathing and reading — the quintessential college postcard scene. Harvard is a liberal arts school that encourages exploration, and the Yard feels like the place to start exploring: take a few classes from different fields, try new things, and decide on a major later.
Best picture spot: Memorial Library & Memorial Church
“This is the most iconic shot you’ll ever see because behind me is the Memorial Library.”
The view with Memorial Library framed by Memorial Church is the classic Harvard shot. Snap your photos here — you’ll see why it’s the image that shows up on so many postcards and profiles about Harvard. These two landmarks sit dead center in the Yard and are instantly recognizable.
The John Harvard statue: bronze toe and campus lore
Right in the Yard is the well-known statue of John Harvard. Tourists usually line up for photos, and one of the little rituals is to touch his toe. Over the years the toe has been rubbed to a shiny bronze while the rest of the statue has darkened, which is a visible sign of visitors engaging with tradition.
There are a bunch of campus legends about the statue — from “rub the toe for luck” to more outrageous tales. One rumor I heard (and I’ll pass along as a cautionary campus legend) claims strange graduation rituals; whether you believe them or not, it’s a good idea to wash your hands after touching the statue.
Inside Memorial Library: marble and museum-like quiet
Memorial Library isn’t open to the general public in the same way the Yard is, but when you get inside, it immediately feels like stepping into a museum. Marble floors, hush, and heritage — there’s a reverence for books and study that’s palpable. As an applied math student I got to experience the interiors firsthand, and it’s one of those “pinch me” moments when a childhood dream meets reality.
Science Center: lectures, classes, and student life
The Science Center is a hub of classrooms and lecture halls. If you’re taking large introductory classes or smaller seminars, this building is likely to be on your schedule. It’s a busy place where faculty and students cross paths; I spent time studying here and attended lectures in rooms that range from sizeable lecture halls to smaller classrooms.
Harvard Square: where campus meets city
Step outside campus and you’re in Harvard Square — the commercial, lively area that connects the university to Cambridge. Shops, sandwich places, banks, bars, and restaurants are all within walking distance. Harvard’s integration with the city means life outside the classroom is convenient and vibrant. Fun fact: MIT is close enough that you can bike between the two campuses.
Harvard Commons: a renovated study oasis
Near the Smith building is the Harvard Commons, a newly renovated study area that’s incredibly aesthetic and Instagram-worthy. It balances quiet study spaces with light-conversation areas — perfect for focused work or a collaborative brainstorming session that might kick off your next big idea.
Lecture halls and department spaces: modern to traditional
Departments often have their own buildings and distinct personalities. I got a peek into the Chinese department, which features modern classrooms that seat anywhere from about 15 to 40 students, plus a central lounge area designed for conversation and language practice. Many other departments follow similar layouts: modern teaching spaces mixed with older, more traditional rooms that fit the classic Harvard stereotype.
Memorial Church and Harvard’s religious roots
Harvard began as a religious institution, and the Memorial Church reflects that heritage. It’s a striking building and still hosts services, particularly on Sundays. The presence of chapel-like architecture across campus is a reminder of Harvard’s historical origins even as the university today is broadly secular and academically diverse.
Final thoughts: a childhood dream realized
Touring Harvard felt like stepping into a long-held dream. From the polished toe of John Harvard to the quiet marble halls of the library, the campus blends deep history with modern student life. Whether you’re dreaming of applying to an Ivy League school or just curious about elite campus culture, Harvard’s elegance, brick-lined courtyards, and lively square offer a powerful dose of inspiration.
If you enjoyed this tour, tell me: what was your favorite part of Harvard? What was your childhood dream school? I’d love to hear your stories — leave a comment and keep exploring campus life with me
