- You are not exactly going to Harvard: You will be doing research at the Centre for Astrophysics, which is a collaboration between Harvard and Smithsonian. You will be working with some Harvard affiliated scientists, and hanging out with some grad students from Harvard. You will also get some Harvard perks: entry to certain buildings, museums, and discounts in COOP (A big shop selling Harvard merch). You will also get some Smithsonian perks (entry to more museums)
- Boston is expensive. Boston is in the top 1% of the most expensive cities in the world to live in. This doesn’t mean that you are going to starve to death with the finances that kept you going in the UK, but it does mean that you have to pay attention to what you spend your money on. Cooking from scratch was an important part of budgeting for me, and I actually managed to get enjoyment out of it. It is comforting to know that with a few tins, grains and vegetables you are able to not just keep yourself alive, but healthy.
Also, make use of the free lunches at the CfA! You will, I’m afraid, have to go to a talk in exchange for these pizzas or sandwiches. There is also a supply for free coffee in the CfA lobby, that is if the coffee machine is working. - Socialising is incredibly important. You may think that with the workload and the financial limitations, you’re gonna have to stay home alone for the weekends. This, however, is a very bad idea. Humans are social beings, and spending time with other people is a necessity, not a luxury.
The easiest way for you to get your social hours in is to make friends with your housemates. It’s okay if you don’t have much in common, maybe they will show you ways to have fun that are different from what you are used to. Make dinner together, have movie nights, explore the city, play card games. Your mental health will thank you.
There are also short social events at the CfA. The grad students organise events such as ‘Cookie hour’, ‘Social hour’ and ‘Movie night’. This is a great opportunity to make some American friends. - There is a lot to explore. Get the most out of your stay in the US. Exploring doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. You can go to Salem, during October for only $16, New York is a 5-hour, $30 bus journey away (this is of course not counting the cost of accommodation). There are also a number of things to do in Boston. Explore the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, see the Boston ballet, study in the beautiful Boston public library, or, if sports are your thing, catch a game of baseball at Fenway park. It’s not often that you find yourself on the other side of the world. Make the most of it!
- Respect the Turkeys. You read that right. The Boston wildlife is not what you are used to. Turkeys roam the streets. You can find them alone or in large packs. While they are big and scary, they are unlikely to harm you… Unless you disrespect them. There are some stories circulating that they do occasionally single out a person they don’t like and chase them down the street. I have read somewhere that if this happens you should stand your ground and make yourself look big, and they will back off. Thankfully, I have never had to use this.
- You are doing okay. This opportunity has been awarded to you due to your excellent academic performance. That might make you think that this will be the hardest year you’ve ever had, but that will likely not be the case. Of course this depends on what you prefer: exams or reports. But the nature of this year is that if you at least try, you will do well at the end of the year. So don’t stress, and enjoy this amazing opportunity.
- This isn’t just another academic year—it’s your entry into the world of cutting-edge research. At the CfA, you won’t be merely studying science; you’ll be actively creating it. You’ll work alongside leading researchers, using state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to tackle real, unsolved problems in astrophysics. If you apply yourself, you could end up as a published author on a scientific paper—an extraordinary achievement for a master’s student. This experience goes beyond traditional coursework; you’ll be contributing new knowledge to the field, attending conferences, and engaging in scientific debates. Whether you ultimately choose to pursue a career in academia or not, this year will equip you with invaluable skills: critical thinking, problem-solving, data analysis, and scientific communication. The research you conduct and the discoveries you make, however small, will be part of humanity’s ever-growing understanding of the universe. This is your chance to leave your mark on the scientific world.
- Embrace this unique opportunity. If you’re hesitating, let me assure you: it’s worth it. This experience is truly one-of-a-kind. From navigating turkey-filled streets to contributing to cutting-edge astrophysics research, from making lifelong friends to exploring a vibrant city steeped in history – every moment shapes you. Yes, there will be challenges. For me, being away from my boyfriend was tough. But the growth, both personal and professional, is immeasurable. As I look back now, safely returned home, I’m filled with gratitude for having taken this leap. The year flew by, leaving me with memories, skills, and experiences that will last a lifetime. So pack your bags, prepare for an adventure, and get ready to become not just a student, but a scientist. Boston and the CfA are waiting for you – make the most of every single day.
Things you should know if you are a Physics with Astronomy student who is taking part in the ‘Harvard course’